three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red, with the national coat of arms centered in the yellow band
the latter band is slightly wider than the other 2 so that the ratio of band widths is 8:9:8
the coat of arms features a quartered shield with the emblems of (starting in the upper left and proceeding clockwise): Urgell, Foix, Bearn, and Catalonia
the motto reads VIRTUS UNITA FORTIOR (Strength United is Stronger)
the flag combines the blue and red French colors with the red and yellow of Spain to show Franco-Spanish protection
note: similar to the flags of Chad and Romania, which do not have a national coat of arms in the center, and the flag of Moldova, which does bear a national emblem