Andorra tourist information

The Principality of Andorra is a small, landlocked principality in south-Western Europe, located in the eastern Pyrenees mountains and bordered by France and Spain. Once isolated, it is currently a prosperous country mainly because of tourism and its status as a tax haven. Andorra is not to be confused with the Comune di Andora. Andorra has no military force of its own; Its defense is the responsibility of Spain and France.

Places to go in Andorra ...

Andorra La Vella Arinsal Canillo Encamp La Massana Les Escaldes Ordino Pas De La Casa Ransol Soldeu

Befitting its location in the eastern Pyrenees mountain range, Andorra consists predominantly of rugged mountains of an average height of 1,996 m with the highest being the Coma Pedrosa at 2,946 m. These are dissected by three narrow valleys in a Y shape that combine into one as the main stream, the Valira river, leaves the country for Spain (at Andorra's lowest point of 870 m).

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History For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a unique co-principality, ruled by French and Spanish leaders (from 1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Spanish bishop of Urgel). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titular heads of state retained, but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy. Long isolated and impoverished, mountainous Andorra achieved considerable prosperity since World War II through its tourist industry. Many immigrants (legal and illegal) are attracted to the thriving economy with its lack of income taxes.

Culture ^*

The only official language is Catalan, the language of the nearby Spanish autonomous region of Catalonia, with which Andorra shares many cultural traits, though Spanish, Portuguese and French are also commonly spoken. The predominant religion is Catholicism.

Andorra's long history has provided it with a rich mythology and an abundance of folk tales, with roots originating as far as Andalusia in the south and the Netherlands in the north.

Transportation

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Languages Catalan (official), French, Castilian, Portuguese

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Terrain Rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys.

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Ethnic Groups Spanish 43%, Andorran 33%, Portuguese 11%, French 7%, other 6% (1998)