Countries of the World - Andorra

Tweet

ANDORRA Andorra, officially known as the Principality of Andorra is a landlocked sovereign country between Spain to the south and France to the north. It is the sixth smallest country in Europe and the sixteenth smallest country by land and the eleventh smallest country by population. It has an area of 468 square kilometers or 181 square miles. Andorra has a population of 79,034. Located in the Pyrenees between the two countries, it is believed that Charlemagne created the country. The Count of Urgell ruled Andorra since 988. Andorra is currently ruled by two co-princes: the Bishop of Urgell in Catalonia, Spain, and the President of France. The present principality was formed in 1278 by a charter. It’s capital and largest city is Andorra la Vella. Andorra la Vella is the highest city in Europe at an elevation of 1023 meters or 3356 feet above sea level. The official language of Andorra is Catalan. Spanish, Portuguese, and French are also common languages. Tourism brings 10.2 million people to Andorra per year. Though Andorra is not a member of the European Union, it is a member of the United Nations since 1993. When the Roman Empire fell, Andorra came under the influence of Visigoths, the Kingdom of Toledo, and Diocese of Urgell. Christianity spread during the time of the Visigoths for two hundred years. When the Muslim Empire under Al-Andalus replaced the ruling Visigoths, the Franks sheltered Andorra from the Arab invaders. With the passage of time, the co-title to Andorra passed to the kings of Navarre. When Henry III of Navarre became king of France, he issued an edict in 1607 establishing the head of the French state and the bishop of Urgell as co-princes of Andorra, a political arrangement that still holds. ANDORRA Capital and largest city – Andorra la Vella Official language – Catalan Ethnic groups – 48.3% Andorrans 24.8% Spaniards 11.2% Portuguese 4.5% French 1.4% Argentines 9.8% Other Religion – 90.8% Christianity Government – Unitary Parliamentary diarchic constitutional co-principality. Current Co-princes: Joan Enric Vives i Sicilia, Emmanuel Macron Legislature – General Council Independence – from the Crown of Aragon 8 September 1278 from the French Empire 1814 Constitution – 2 February 1993 In modern times, the Andorran government involved planning, projections, and forecasts of the future with an official visit of French co-prince President, Charles de Gaulle in 1967 and 1969 which gave its approval of the economic boom and national demands within the framework of human rights and international openness. Andorra lived the Andorran Dream. The culture rooted the country in radical changes in the economy and culture. Ràdio Andorra, the top musical radio station in Europe, was proof of this with guests and speakers promoting chanson française, swing, rhythm and blues, jazz, rock and roll, and American country music. During this time Andorra’s life expectancy was higher than most standard countries of the current economy. Tourism is Andorra’s main economy attracted by its duty-free status and its summer and winter resorts. One of its main sources of revenue in tourism is its ski resorts. Ski resorts account for 175 km or 109 mi of ski ground. Skiing brings in over seven million visitors per year, sustaining 2000 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs since 2007. The banking sector also contributes to the economy with its tax haven status. Andorra’s natural resources include hydroelectric power, mineral water, timber, iron ore, and lead. The principal livestock activity is domestic sheep raising. Andorra enjoys many sports, most famous for its winter sports, it also enjoys football, rugby union, basketball, and roller hockey. Other sports include cycling, volleyball, judo, Australian rules football, handball, swimming, gymnastics, tennis, and motorsports. In 2012 Andorra had its first national cricket team and played a home match against the Dutch Fellowship of Fairly Odd Places Cricket Club. Andorra first participated in the Olympic Games in 1976 and has appeared in every Winter Olympic Games since. Andorra is an interesting country with a lot of history dating back to prehistoric days. If you have been to Andorra, it would be interesting to hear about your travels to this small country with a big heart and history. Thanks for reading. Image courtesy of Pixabay. The Andorran Flag.