Traditionally an isolated country, landlocked Andorra is best known in France and Spain. Until very recently, Andorra has had diplomatic, economic, and military relationships only with these two countries. However, following World War II, the picturesque mountain enclave has seen a boom in the tourism industry that has made it much more well known throughout the rest of the world, particularly in western Europe. The creation of the Principality of Andorra occurred by treaty in 1278 between Spain and France. Since then, Andorra has depended upon these two countries for military protection and economic trade. This close relationship between Andorra and its neighbors is most reflected in the design of its naitonal flag. In fact, both France and Spain or paid homage in the colors of the flag, blue/?red for France and gold/?red for Spain. The flag's design itself is intended to closely resemble the French Tricolor. The official state version of the national flag displays the Andorran Coat-of-Arms. This charge is the only part of the flag that is truly Andorran. The shield displays four quarters: In the upper sinister (left) is displayed the arms of the Bishopric of Urgell, the holder of which is the Spanish co-prince of Andorra; the upper dexter (right) quarter is the arms of the Counts of Foix where were originally the French co-princes before this office fell to the kings of France and then to the Presidents of France; the lower sinister quarter is the arms of Catalonia, the region in Spain from which the Bishop of Urgell presides (and from which a small portion was carved out to form part of Andorra); the lower dexter quarter is the arms of Béarn, the department of France from which the Count of Foix came and from which part of andorra was carved out. The motto inscribed on the emblem is Virtus Unita Fortior meaning "Strenth United is Stronger." This motto best describes the situation of Andorra. Carved out of two larger states and dependant upon both for its economy and security, Andorra feels secure and fortified snuggled between the two.
Officially there are no provincial flags in the seven parishes that make up Andorra. In the capital city, however, a municipal flag is used in Andorra la Vella. Some tourists with an interest in vexillology have also reported seeing flags using the Andorran national flag with the national coat-of-arms replaced with what appears to be the arms of the individual parishes. However, it is also reported that such flags are not widely seen and may be used only by local administrative entities.
A civil version of the Andorran flag is known and recognized. This flag is a simple tricolo without the Andorran coat-of-arms. However, this is an alternative flag for use by private citizens and businesses and is not required to be used. Indeed, the state version is almost exclusively used. There are no official provisions for Andorran ensigns since the country is entirely landlocked and operates no naval or merchant vessels in foreign ports. |
