Andorra

Andorra
Original: Napoleon III Vector: HansenBCN · Public domain · source
Conventional long name	Principality of Andorra
Capital	Andorra la Vella
Official languages	Catalan
Demonym	Andorran
Government type	Parliamentary diarchy
Co prince1	Joan Enric Vives Sicília
Co prince2	Emmanuel Macron
Head of government	Xavier Espot Zamora
Legislature	General Council
Area km2	467.63
Population estimate	79,877
Population estimate year	2023

Andorra. Officially the Principality of Andorra, it is a sovereign microstate situated in the eastern Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. It is one of the smallest states in Europe, known for its unique political system as a diarchy and its status as a tax haven. The capital, Andorra la Vella, is the highest capital city in Europe, and the country's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, particularly skiing, and its duty-free status.

Geography

Nestled in the high mountains, its terrain is dominated by rugged Pyrenees valleys, with the highest peak being Coma Pedrosa at 2,942 meters. Major rivers include the Valira, and it features several glacial lakes such as Estany de l'Estanyó. The climate is alpine, with heavy snowfall benefiting resorts like Grandvalira and Vallnord. Its borders are shared solely with the French department of Ariège and the Spanish province of Lleida.

History

Tradition holds it was created by Charlemagne, with sovereignty later shared between the Count of Foix and the Bishop of Urgell, a unique arrangement formalized by the Pariatges of 1278. This established the co-principality under the French head of state and the Spanish bishop. It remained isolated until the 20th century, with significant modernization beginning after World War II. It joined the United Nations in 1993, the same year it ratified its first written Constitution of Andorra, ending centuries of feudal tradition.

Government and politics

It is a parliamentary diarchy, with the Co-Princes of Andorra being the Bishop of Urgell and the President of France. Executive power is exercised by the head of government, like Xavier Espot Zamora, and the Government of Andorra. Legislative authority resides in the unicameral General Council. Major political parties include the Democrats for Andorra and the Social Democratic Party. Its legal system is based on Roman law and customary law.

Economy

Traditionally based on pastoral farming, it transformed into a prosperous economy centered on tourism, attracting over 10 million visitors annually to sites like Caldea. Its status as a tax haven and duty-free shopping hub is pivotal. The banking sector, with institutions like Andbank, is significant. It uses the euro and is a member of the European Customs Union. Key exports include tobacco products and furniture, while hydroelectric power is a notable resource sold to FECSA and Électricité de France.

Demographics

The population is predominantly of Catalan origin, with a large proportion of foreign residents, mainly from Spain, Portugal, and France. The sole official language is Catalan, though Spanish, Portuguese, and French are widely spoken. The major religion is Roman Catholicism, under the Diocese of Urgell. Life expectancy is among the world's highest, and the largest urban area is the capital, Andorra la Vella.

Culture

Its culture is fundamentally Catalan, celebrated in festivals like the annual Our Lady of Meritxell Day. Folk music, such as the contrapàs dance, and traditional cuisine featuring escudella are prominent. Notable cultural events include the Andorra la Vella International Jazz Festival. It has produced artists like Camilo José Cela and maintains institutions like the National Library of Andorra. The country made its Olympic Games debut at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck.

Category:Andorra Category:European microstates Category:Catalan-speaking countries and territories