Thursday, February 11, 2010

Principality of Andorra



Andorran tricolor

Andorra has a 3 colour tricolore style flag, though unlike the French tricolore, it features a slightly wider central stripe. The colours of the flag are blue, yellow, and red. This is in honour of Spain, and France. The two nations that border Andorra, and have mutually guaranteed Andorras independence and its defence.

The flag itself was adopted in 1866, and pays homage to both nations that guarantee Andorran independence. The 3 vertical bars and combination of red and blue are in honour of the French tricolore. The yellow is in honour of Spain. Also, the central yellow stripe is slightly wider than the red and blue. This design cue is taken from the Spanish flag, where the central yellow stripe is wider than the 2 red stripes.



Emblazoned on the yellow bar is the national coat of arms. The National coat of arms where finally adopted in 1969. The coat of arms are quartered with each quarter showing the emblem of various regions around Andorra, such as the Catalan vertical stripes. Not to be mistaken with the 3 vertical stripes for Foix. There is the Bishops Mitre for La Seu d’Urgell, and the 2 bulls for Bearn.



The Latin inscribed under the shield is Virtus Unita Fortior, which stands for United Strength is Stronger.



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