Flag of Andorra

The flag of Andorra is a field with three equal vertical stripes: blue by the flagpole, yellow in the centre and red at the fly side. The coat of arms sits in the centre of the yellow stripe.

How it came about

Andorra is a principality in the Pyrenees. The date on record is 20 June 1996.

The coat of arms sums up Andorra’s old ties: the mitre and crozier of the episcopal see of Urgell, the three red bars of Foix and the four of Catalonia, with the initials V V V of the town of Andorra la Vella under the golden arch.

How it has changed

It has never changed. It was approved in 1996 and there are no documented later modifications.

What it means

• Blue

  the stripe by the flagpole.

• Yellow

  the middle stripe, where the coat of arms is.

• Red

  the stripe of the fly side.

• Coat of arms

  centred in the yellow stripe, without touching the other two.

Fun facts

1. A coat of arms that tells political history

   The coat of arms of Andorra is not decorative: it lists who has ruled the principality. The mitre and crozier are from the bishopric of Urgell, the three red bars from the House of Foix and the four from Catalonia. The flag records its history in three figures.

2. The V V V of Andorra la Vella

   Under the golden arch are the initials V V V, those of the town of Andorra la Vella. The name Vella, “the old”, distinguishes the original town from the newer parishes.

3. The coat of arms only touches the yellow stripe

   The description says the coat of arms does not touch the blue and red stripes. It is an instruction on composition: the figure must fit entirely inside the middle stripe.

Location