Andorra is an independent principality located in Europe among the southern peaks of the Pyrenees. It shares boundaries with France on the north and east and with Spain to the south and west. Its capital is Andorra la Vella and it is one of the smallest countries in the continent.
Here are 12 facts about this very small European country.
1. Andorra is located on a valley designated a UNESCO World Heritage site
Andorra is a country that is located on a cluster of mountain valleys. The streams that flow down the mountains form the Valira River. The Madriu and the Perafita rivers that flow into the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley occupy one-tenth of the country’s land. This valley is characterized by steep valleys, glaciers and open pastures. This place was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004.
2. Catalan is the official language
Andorra is the only country in the world where Catalan is the only official language, a fun fact about Andorra. However, most people can also speak Spanish or French, in addition to Catalan. In addition, all of the official institutions are based on Catalonian law. Most of the immigrants are from Spain, France and Portugal.
Interestingly, Andorra’s name derives not from French or Spanish but from the Arabic word Al-durra, which means “The Pearl”.
3. An important part of their exports comes from tobacco
Even though there is only a small part of the country’s land that is cultivable, the economy is centered on pasturing sheep and harvesting tobacco, wheat, rye, grapes, olives and potatoes. Handicrafts are also produced and tourism is another economic industry for Andorra, especially for winter sports.
Additionally, there are very low taxes and no customs duties, so Andorra has become an important international center of retail trade. Shoppers can come and enjoy purchasing duty-free goods that include alcoholic beverages, tobacco, electronic devices and also clothing.
4. The country is a principality and was recognized as a sovereign state in 1993
Andorra is a parliamentary co-principality composed of the bishop of Urgel in Spain and the President of France. It was recognized as a sovereign state in 1993, internationally.
The independence of Andorra is ascribed to Charlemagne, and he recovered this country from the Muslims in the year 803. It was Charlemagne’s grandson, Charles II, who granted the territory to the counts of Urgel, who then passed it to the bishops of Urgel.
In the 13th century, Andorra swore allegiance to the prince in France and the prince in Spain, and this caused a proprietary quarrel between the bishops of Urgel and the French royalty. The solution was for it to be governed by both countries with a feudal system. Centuries later, in 1993, Andorra adopted a Constitution where the executive, legislative and judicial powers are separated and the co-princes’ power is diminished. That same year, it joined the United Nations and the next year, the Council of Europe.
5. Three Andorras can fit in the city of London
A fun fact about Andorra is that this country is so small that it can fit three times into the city of London in England. Its territory measures 467.6 square kilometers, which is 46,760 hectares. This makes Andorra the 17th smallest-country in the world.
6. There are more than 290 kilometers of ski slopes
Because of its mountainous territory, Andorra is a preferred attraction to winter sport-lovers. Millions of tourists travel to this small nation to have fun in the numerous ski resorts. In fact, there are over 290 kilometers or 180 miles of piste slopes available for those who enjoy skiing. The most popular ski areas are Vallnord and Grand Valira.
Besides winter sports, Andorra is also part of the route of the most prestigious cycle race called the Tour De France.
7. Its capital is the highest in Europe
Andorra’s capital is Andorra de la Vella. A fun fact about Andorrais that its capital is the highest capital in the entire European continent, located at around 1,023 meters above sea level.
8. Almost everyone who lives in Andorra is an immigrant
Up to two-thirds of the population in Andorra was not born there and does not have Andorran nationality. Most of the people are Spanish, French or Portuguese. The largest group is the Spanish, who make up around 43% of the entire population.
It may be the incredible natural surroundings or the peaceful life, but Andorrans live to very old age. The expectancy for men is around 80 years, and for women, around 84. According to the CIA, they rank eighth in overall life expectancy. Monaco is at the top of this list.
9. Andorra is in Europe, but it is not part of the European Union
Even though the country’s currency is the Euro, it is not part of the European Union or the Euro Zone. Before adopting the Euro, they used the Spanish peseta or the French franc, but they have never had their own currency.
10. They do not have an airport
An interesting fact about Andorra is that the only way you can get to this country is by land. They do not have an airport and, in fact, they are one of the few countries on the planet that do not have one. It has to be through Spain or France if you want to reach Andorra. The nearest airports to travel to and from Andorra are Toulouse in France and Barcelona in Spain.
11. This is one of the safest countries on the planet
In Andorra, there are almost zero dangers. It is one of the safest countries in the world with hardly any record of pick-pocketing, car theft or even disorderly conduct incidents.
12. Only 12 people are part of the army of Andorra
Its army has only 12 people and the military’s budget depends on voluntary donations, a fun fact about Andorra. The army, however, has not fought for over 700 years. Nonetheless, if they were in the need to defend the nation, all able-bodied men must serve. This also applies to cases of natural disasters or emergencies.
Andorra is located in a beautiful valley, it is a perfect place for winter-sport lovers. There are almost no taxes and it is considered to be one of the safest countries on Earth. It may be small, but it is a very nice place to live or to visit.
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