Category: Andorra

Andorra is a landlocked country situated in southwestern Europe and the country is bordered by France and Spain. Andorra is Europe’s sixth smallest country with area of only 468km². The capital of Andorra is Andorra la Vella which is Europe’s highest capital located at 1023 meters of elevation. The country is officially known as the Principality of Andorra which was formed in the year 1278. According to history, Charlemagne provided a charter to the people of Andorra for fighting against Moors. The territory was under the control of Count of Urgell and gradually the control was taken over by bishop of Diocese of Urgell. From 988 onwards, the country is owned by the Bishop of Urgell.

Andorra is a democratic parliamentary system with co-principality. The co-princes, President of French Republic and Bishop of Urgell jointly exercise the role of monarch. Head of the government is Prime Minister of Andorra. Judicial system of Andorra comprises of Criminal Law Court, High Court of Andorra, Constitutional Court and Magistrates Court. Tourism play a crucial role in the economy of the country as it brings 80% GDP to the country. Millions of tourists are attracted to the country because of the country’s winter and summer resorts and duty-free status. The country has low unemployment rate and the statistics shows 100% employment.

Andorra’s population is 76,968 and majority of the population are Andorran natives. The population also includes other nationalities such as French, Portuguese, Italians, Britons and Spaniards. Catalan is the official and historic language of Andorra. Portuguese, Spanish and French are also spoken among the people. English is not spoken among the common population, but English is understood in tourist resorts. Majority of the population is Roman Catholic which accounts about 90% of the population. Other religions are Islam, Hindus, Baha’i, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Reunification Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Anglican Church and New Apostolic Church.

Casa de la Vall of Andorra is the Parliament of the country which was originally constructed as the family home. Santa Coloma Church is an oldest church of the country built in pre-Romanesque style. Caldea is among the largest health spas of Europe located in the centre of Andorran Mountains. In the spa you can find saunas, outdoor and indoor lagoons and pools, Jacuzzis, bubble beds, Indo-Roman baths, cascades and many more. Castle of Sant Vicenc d’Enclar is overlooking Santa Coloma village which was built between 9th and 12th centuries. The castle was the home of Counts of Urgell.

La Cortinada is an attractive town with numerous tourist spots. In La Cortinada, you can find Church of Sant Marti, sawmills of Mas d’en Sole and restored mill wheels. The Casa d’Areny-Plandolit Museum displays the life of noble family of Andorra which spans through three centuries. Andorra La Vella is popular for skiing and you can visit various destinations in this capital city such as Esglesia de Sant Esteve. The highest peak of Andorra, the Pic de Coma Pedrosa is located in La Massana. National Automobile Museum displays antique motorcycles and bicycles in addition to vintage cars.