Flag of Andorra

The flag of Andorra is an emblem filled with the history, identity and values of the Andorran people. With its colors and design, it conveys a message of unity, freedom and independence. It is a patriotic symbol that unites Andorrans and identifies them in the world. The flag of Andorra consists of three vertical stripes of blue, yellow and red colors in the corresponding sequence from left to right. Each color has its own symbolism and represents important aspects of the country and its people.

What does the flag of Andorra mean?

There are several interpretations of the colors:

• The blue color symbolizes the historical connection with France, emphasizing its cultural and political influence on the history of Andorra. Or, according to another theory, it symbolizes the horns and hooves of the oxen depicted on the coat of arms of Baern;
• Yellow, in turn, represents the connection with Spain, showing the importance of relations with this neighboring country. Yellow also represents the fields and natural resources that characterize Andorra;
• Red is usually associated with the blood shed for freedom and independence, symbolizing the struggle of the Andorran people.

In the center of the flag, on a yellow stripe, is the coat of arms of Andorra. The coat of arms of the Principality of Andorra traditionally consists of four houses, two corresponding to each of the two co-princes:

• Coat of Arms of La Seu d'Urgell - the bishopric of Seu de Urgell in the form of a golden mitre and a staff on a red background;
• House of Foix - the coat of arms of the County of Foix. It is represented as 3 red on 4 yellow vertical lines;
• the House of Béarn is the coat of arms of the Viscountcy of Béarn. Two red cows on a yellow background, with horns, a collar and hooves of blue color;
• House of Catalonia - coat of arms of the Crown of Aragon. It looks like four red and five yellow vertical stripes.

The coat of arms has an inscription of Andorra's motto on the bottom: "VIRTUS VNITA FORTIOR", which translates from Latin as "Together we are stronger".

The history of the Andorran flag

In 1806, the bicolor flag of the county of Foix appeared, with yellow and red colors. It was the first flag of the country we know today as Andorra. However, the colors of the current flag were adopted in 1866, to which a blue stripe was added. This flag was officially approved on July 28, 1971. Its design is attributed to the French Emperor Napoleon III, who ruled from 1852 to 1870.

For many years, the blue-yellow-red tricolor was used alternately in horizontal and vertical forms. The horizontal one had no coat of arms, while the vertical one did. During joint celebrations with France, the horizontal flag was used. The situation changed when Andorra experienced a political crisis after the proclamation of King Boris I in 1934. He officially adopted a horizontal flag, with a crown in the center of a yellow stripe. After the end of Boris I's reign, thirteen days after his inauguration, a vertical flag with the coat of arms was established as the official flag.

Various versions of the modern flag were raised until 1993. In such time periods as 1939-1949, 1949-1959, and 1959-1971, the modern flag was essentially already in place. Only the coat of arms was subject to change and the motto of Andorra appeared: "VIRTUS VNITA FORTIOR". After the adoption of the Constitution of Andorra in 1993 and its accession to the United Nations, the use of the flag was officially enshrined in law in 1996. The coat of arms was placed in the center of a vertical yellow stripe.