Spain | Spanish Flag Toothpicks (100)

The official flag of Spain, aka la Rojigualda, consists of a horizontal yellow stripe in the center and 1 red stripe on the top and 1 red stripe on the bottom, each half the height of the yellow stripe, featuring the coat of arms of Spain offset from the center toward the hoist side. The Spanish flag with the current coat of arms was adopted in 1981, but originated from the maritime flag created by King Charles III in 1785.

Because Spain was frequently at war with other European countries, the majority of which had predominantly white flags, King Charles III ordered a new maritime flag for Spain that was easily identifiable from great distances. The new war and merchant ensign used red and yellow stripes, which represented the territories of the Crown of Aragon. The red and yellow/gold flag was re-established during the Spanish Civil War in 1936, with the present day coat of arms added in 1981.