Facts About Andorra

Andorra is officially known as the Principality of Andorra. Andorra is a small country situated in the Pyrenees. It is the sixth smallest country in Europe and is bordered by both France and Spain. The Principality of Andorra came into being in 1278 and was ruled jointly by the Bishop of Urgell, Catalonia, Spain and the President of the French Republic until 1993. In 1993, ultimate authority was transferred to a responsible and democratic Andorran government, with the retention of the titular Heads of State. This by default makes the President of France the ‘Prince of Andorra’. Also, although Andorra is not a member of the European Union, the Euro still is the de facto currency of the country. The country of Andorra, for reasons very much its own, enjoys the second highest human life expectancy in the world. Apart from this veritable distinction, the capital city of Andorra, Andorra la Vella, enjoys the distinction of being Europe’s highest Capital city, in terms of altitude only. Interested in the country of Andorra? Read on to know more about Andorra.

Image: Jaume Meneses@flickr

Interesting And Fun Facts About Andorra

The mountainous country of Andorra is located in Southwestern Europe, between Spain and France.
The country is believed to be 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC.
Andorra experiences a temperate climate with warm dry summers and cold snowy winters.
Coma Pedrosa is the highest point in the country of Andorra. It has an altitude of 2,946 meters or 9,665 feet.
As of July 2010, the population of Andorra stands at 84, 525.
Jaume Bartumeu Cassany is the Head of the Government of Andorra. Jaume Bartumeu has been in the position of power since 2009.
Andorra is ruled by two authorities. The co-heads include Nicolas Sarkozy (President of France) and Joan Enric Vives I Sicilia (Bishop of la Seu d'Urgell).
Catalan, French, Portugese and Spanish are the most common languages all over Andorra. Catalan is the official language of Andorra.
Andorra la Vella is the Capital of Andorra and the Euro is its National currency. Andorra la Vella is ‘lucky enough’ to lie at the junction of two mountain streams.
The country of Andorra boasts of a 100% literacy rate.
In spite of the country’s thriving tourism industry, Andorra does not have an airport. The closest airport is Spain’s El Prat Barcelona Airport. The airport is located at a distance of 140 miles/225 kilometers away from the Principality.
Andorra is a duty free zone and that makes it a country free of restrictions in terms of duties. However, you will have to follow the restrictions imposed by France or Spain, if you’re leaving from either of the two countries.
Andorra is noted for being a popular centre for winter sports. Winter sports are especially popular in Escaldes-Engordany and Andorra la Vella.
The cuisine in Andorra is vastly Catalan. Local favorites include trinxat (a potato and cabbage dish), coques (flavored flat cakes), and truites de carreroles (a mushroom omlette).
Casa de la Val, popularly known as the ancient seat of the government is one of Andorra’s most popular tourist destinations. Apart from the ‘ancient seat of the government’, an historic 12^th-century church boasts of its fair share of visitors.
As far as immigrants are concerned, Andorra is as good as a magnet. The country attracts a large number of immigrants, both legal and illegal, because of an economy sans income taxes. Andorra is a ‘tax-haven’ of sorts.
Raising sheep is Andorra’s most important livestock activity while the manufacturing of cigars, cigarettes, and furniture make up for quite an important industry too.

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