Overview of Andorra

Profile

Andorra is one of Europe's smallest countries, with seven parishes dotting valleys between snow-capped Pyrenean peaks. Tourism pillars include duty-free shopping, over 300 km of ski slopes, and hot spring culture dating back to Roman times. The country uses the euro as its currency, and lower prices than neighboring countries attract weekend shoppers from Spain and France. Catalan is the official language, and the charm lies in the coexistence of ancient stone houses and modern resorts.

Official name: Principality of Andorra
Common name: Andorra
Numeric code: 020
Alpha-3 code: AND
Alpha-2 code: AD
Population: 79,000 (2023)
Population density: approximately 170 per km²
Primary languages: Catalan
Major religions: Roman Catholicism
National anthem: El Gran Carlemany (The Great Charlemagne)
Calling code: +376
Internet TLD: .ad

History

The 1278 treaty of paréage established co-sovereignty between the Bishop of Urgell and the Count of Foix, and in 1993, a modern constitution was adopted, enabling Andorra to join the United Nations as a sovereign state.

Ancient Iberian tribes inhabited the area, and the region was part of Charlemagne's frontier marches, buffeted by surrounding lords throughout the medieval period. The 1278 Paréage created joint sovereignty between the Catholic Bishop of Urgell and French nobility, allowing Andorra to survive unannexed for over 700 years. Despite upheavals during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, Andorra maintained autonomy through the 19th century. In 1993, a referendum established it as a constitutional state with international recognition. Though outside the EU, it is integrated into the eurozone economy and has developed as a tourist nation.

Geography & climate

U-shaped valleys and rugged ridgelines carved into the Pyrenees dominate the landscape, with diverse alpine ecosystems spread across elevations from 900 to 2,942 meters.

Alpine Mediterranean Climate

Area: Europe / 468 km²
Capital: Andorra la Vella
Largest city: Andorra la Vella
Coastal status: No
Bordering countries: France, Spain

Natural resources

Hydroelectric Energy, Lead Deposits, Slate, Limestone, Forest Resources, Alpine Herbs, Iron Ore (Reserves), Tobacco Cultivation Soil, Tourism Resources, Pure Spring Water

Politics

Government: Constitutional monarchy (co-principality) with parliamentary democracy

Economy

Currency: Euro (EUR)

GDP (nominal): 3.6 billion US dollars (2023)

GDP (PPP): 5.0 billion international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Catalan

Time zone: CET, CEST

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Andorran, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Other European, North African

Life expectancy

83.5 years

Literacy rate

100%

National sports

Skiing, Soccer, Road Cycling, Rugby, Mountain Running