Andorra

Country Profile: Andorra

Official Name: Principality of Andorra

Capital: Andorra la Vella

Geography:

Andorra is a small, landlocked country in the eastern Pyrenees mountains and bordered by France to the north and Spain to the south. Renowned for its ski resorts and a tax-haven status that encourages duty-free shopping.

Area: Approximately 468 square kilometers (approximately 181 square miles).

Population: Approximately 77,000 people (as of 2023 estimate).

Language: The official language is Catalan, although Spanish, Portuguese, and French are also commonly spoken.

Climate:

Andorra has an alpine climate and continental climate. Its higher elevation means there is, on average, more snow in winter, lower humidity, and it is slightly cooler in summer.

Economy:

The economy of Andorra is driven by tourism, which accounts for roughly 80% of GDP. An estimated 10.2 million tourists visit annually. Andorra is also a famous destination for duty-free shopping.

Government:

Andorra is a parliamentary co-principality with the President of France and the Catholic Bishop of Urgell (Catalonia, Spain) as co-princes. This peculiarity makes Andorra one of the smallest nations in the world that is a diarchy.

Education:

Andorran education system is unique because it offers three choices of schools, all funded by the government: Andorran, Spanish, and French, reflecting the country’s unique ties with both Spain and France.

Culture:

Andorran culture is a blend of Catalan culture and Pyrenean traditions. Folk dances and music, the Sardana and contrapàs, are popular in Andorra.

Noteworthy Facts:

Andorra is one of the only countries in the world where Catalan is an official language. Despite its small size, Andorra is a popular destination for winter sports, particularly skiing.

This is a general overview of Andorra. There’s much more to learn about this country, from its unique political system to its rich cultural traditions.