FLAG OF ANDORRA: HISTORY AND MEANING - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The flag of Andorra is the main national symbol of that European Pyrenean country. The badge has three colors: blue, yellow and red; all three are organized in vertical stripes. In addition, in the center of the flag is the shield of Andorra. The current flag was instituted in 1866 and made official in June 1971.

Andorra is a small and sovereign country, located in the southwest of Europe. Its capital is Andorra la Vieja and it has seven parishes and a population that, according to a 2016 census, has a total of 78,264 inhabitants. For centuries it was a nation managed by France and Spain.

It was not until 1814 when a condominium was established between the French monarchy and the bishopric of the Seo de Urgel. The flag originally had the colors of the county of Foix: yellow and red. In 1866 blue was added and in 1914 the horizontal stripes were changed to vertical.

It is believed that in the current flag France is represented by the colors red and blue, and Spain is represented by red and yellow. Andorra is dependent on its neighboring countries.

Andorra: a small country in Europe

The official name of Andorra is Principality of Andorra. This country is the largest microstate in Europe and Andorra la Vella is its capital.

The Principality of Andorra has 469 square kilometers of territorial extension and is located in the mountain range of the Pyrenees. This place is located between Spain and France.

There are several versions about the origin of the name of this country. One theory indicates that Andorra could derive from the Arabic al-Darra, which means "forest". At the time when the Saracens invaded the Iberian Peninsula, only immense forests made up the valleys of the Pyrenees.

It is an independent state and its form of government is that of a parliamentary co-principal. It is governed by a political system of parliamentary democracy. Its heads of state are the co-princes of Andorra, the bishop of Urgel and the president of the French Republic.

However, these charges are merely symbolic. Andorrans elect their parliament, the General Council of Andorra. In turn, he chooses the Prime Minister.

It is organized into seven parishes and has a population of 78,264 inhabitants. The official language is Catalan; Spanish is also spoken and, to a lesser extent, French and Portuguese.

History of the flag

In 1806 there was a bicolor flag of the county of Foix, with the colors yellow and red. This was the first flag of what we know today as Andorra.

Instead, the colors of the current flag were adopted in 1866 and a blue stripe was added to these. This flag was made official on July 28, 1971; Its design is attributed to the French Emperor Napoleon III, who reigned from 1852 to 1870.

For many years, the blue, yellow and red tricolor flag was used interchangeably in its horizontal and vertical forms. The horizontal had no shield, but the vertical did. In joint celebrations with France, the horizontal flag was used.

Reign of Borís I and institutionalization of the flag

The situation changed when Andorra suffered a political crisis after the proclamation of the former Russian nobleman Borís Skósyrev as King Borís I in 1934. He officially adopted the horizontal flag, with a crown in the center of the middle yellow stripe.

After the end of the reign of Borís I thirteen days after his assumption, the vertical flag was established as the official one. The use of the shield in this was also institutionalized.

After the approval of the Constitution of Andorra in 1993 and its entry into the United Nations, the use of the flag by law became official in 1996. The entire coat of arms was installed in the central part of the yellow stripe, vertical type.

Meaning

The current flag of Andorra is made up of three colors: blue, yellow and red. All three are organized in vertical stripes. In the central strip, the yellow one, the coat of arms is located.

There is no official meaning of the colors of the Andorran flag. The simplest association of these is the combination between the blue of France, the yellow of Spain and the red of both. However, it is popularly given some meanings.

The blue strip of the flag represents the sky of Andorra. This would witness the effort and work of its population to achieve their freedom and independence.

The yellow or gold color represents wealth. Also the valuable natural resources that can be obtained within the territory of the principality.

The red stripe represents Andorran blood shed for the consolidation of their country. In addition, it refers to the participation of Andorrans in conflicts with their neighbors.

There is a version of this flag, the civil one, which does not have a shield. This is very similar to the flags of Romania, Moldova or Chad.

Shield of Andorra

The shield of Andorra occupies the central position on the flag. Together with the flag, the Andorra coat of arms is an official symbol, as established in article 2.2 of its Constitution. Its uses are regulated in the Law on the use of State signs.

This symbol refers to relations with Spain and France. Traditionally, the coat of arms is made up of four houses, two of these correspond to each of the co-princes. The four houses are:

-From the bishopric of the Seo de Urgel. This one has a golden miter and staff on a red background.

-From the county of Foix, currently French. It is made up of seven red and yellow bars.

-From the old Crown of Aragon, currently Spanish. It is made up of nine red and yellow bars.

-From the Viscounty of Béarn, currently French. Two red cows are located in this house.

The shield is presented with a ribbon at the bottom that has the motto Virtus Unita Fortior (Virtue is stronger united). In addition, it includes a halo, a scroll and emblems.

Other symbols

The third national symbol of Andorra is the national anthem. This piece, titled The Great Carlemany or The Great Charlemagne, was officially adopted in 1914.

On September 8, 1921, the first interpretation of the hymn was made in the Sanctuary of Meritxell, when the Virgin of Meritxell, the patron saint of Andorra, was celebrated. It was written by Joan Benlloch and Vivó, and the music is a composition by Enric Marfany Bons.

References

1. Augustin, B. (2009). Cultures of The World. Andorra. Times Media Private Limited. Recovered from books.google.co.ve
2. De Ferrater, E. (1847). Memory on the sovereignty of the Valley of Andorra. Printing of D. Ramon Martin Indar, Barcelona.
3. Black, L. (sf). Historical and traditional antecedents of the origin and charter of foundation, law, uses and customs of the Principality of Andorra. Madrid. Recovered from search.proquest.com
4. Smith, W. (2001). Flag Lore of All Nations. Millbrook Press. Recovered from: books.google.co.ve.
5. Vidal, J. (1949). Political and Social Institutions of Andorra. Higher Council for Scientific Research, Francisco de Vitoria Institute. Recovered from: books.google.co.ve.