The design is related to the flags of France and Spain, the two states that protect the independence of the small country. A flag of three bars is similar to that of the French Tricolor, while the pattern of a wider middle stripe can be noted on the Spanish flag. The blue and red of the Andorran flag are also found on the French flag, with red and yellow also being the principal colors of the Spanish flag. From 1806 to 1866, Andorra's flag was a vertical bi-color of yellow and red. The motto in the coat of arms in the middle stripe Virtus Unita Fortior means "Virtue United is Stronger".