All the Details About the Country Andorra

Andorra, officially the Principality of Andorra, is a landlocked microstate on the Iberian Peninsula, in the eastern Pyrenees, bordered by France to the north and Spain to the south. It has an area of 468 square kilometers (181 sq mi) and a population of approximately 79,034. The capital and largest city is Andorra la Vella.

History

Andorra is believed to have been founded by Charlemagne in the 9th century. In 1278, the present principality was formed by a charter between the count of Urgell and the bishop of Urgell. Andorra remained under the joint rule of these two co-princes until 1993, when a new constitution was adopted that established Andorra as a parliamentary democracy.

Government and Politics

Andorra is a constitutional diarchy, with two co-princes as heads of state. The current co-princes are the president of France and the bishop of Urgell. The role of the co-princes is largely ceremonial, and the government is headed by the prime minister.

Andorra has a unicameral parliament, the General Council, which has 28 seats. Half of the members of the General Council are elected from the seven administrative parishes, and the other half are elected from a single national constituency. Parliamentary terms are four years.

Economy

Andorra’s economy is based on tourism, finance, and trade. Tourism is the largest sector of the economy, accounting for over 70% of GDP. Andorra is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders in the winter and hikers and mountain bikers in the summer.

Andorra is also a major financial center, with a large number of banks and other financial institutions. The country has a low tax rate, which makes it attractive to foreign investors.

Culture

Andorra’s culture is heavily influenced by its Catalan heritage. The official language is Catalan, and most Andorrans are Roman Catholic. Andorra has a number of traditional festivals and customs, such as the Sant Joan festival in June and the Festa Major d’Andorra in September.

Tourism

Andorra is a popular tourist destination, especially for skiing and snowboarding in the winter. The country has a number of ski resorts, including Grandvalira and Vallnord.

Andorra is also a popular destination for summer tourism. The country has a number of hiking trails and mountain biking paths. Andorra also has a number of cultural attractions, such as the Casa de la Vall (Andorran Parliament Building) and the Church of Sant Esteve.

Interesting Facts

  • Andorra is the sixth-smallest state in Europe by area and the 11th-smallest by population.
  • Andorra is a constitutional diarchy, with two co-princes as heads of state. The current co-princes are the president of France and the bishop of Urgell.
  • Andorra is a popular tourist destination, especially for skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
  • Andorra has a low tax rate, which makes it attractive to foreign investors.
  • Andorra has a number of traditional festivals and customs, such as the Sant Joan festival in June and the Festa Major d’Andorra in September.