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Andorra is a European state located in the heart of the Pyrenees, between France and Spain.
In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titular heads of state being retained, but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy.
Andorra is a tiny yet a charismatic country comprising some of the most dramatic scenery and the best skiing grounds in the world.
There are also plenty of good hiking opportunities in the high, remote parts of the country, away from the hustle-bustle of the town crowd and the heavy traffic.
The country of Andorra is tucked away in Southwestern Europe, between France (Ariége, Pyrénées Orientales) and Spain (Catalonia).
Physical Map of Andorra
Andorra has rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys. It is basically a mountainous country, with 65 peaks above 2,500 m. The highest peak is Coma Pedrosa, at an altitude of 2,947 m, and the lowest point is 840 m.
Developed and cultivated land only accounts for some 8% to 9% of Andorran territory. The rest of the country is made up of meadows, mountain and woods. Water is one of the most important natural resources.
Apart from the four water courses running through its territory: the Valira del Nord, the Valira d'Orient, the Madriu and the Gran Valira, which provide a rich source of water, Andorra has thermal springs which surface at a temperature of 70°C in the parish of Escaldes-Engordany and are especially suitable for treating rheumatism and skin disorders.
The flag of Andorra consists of three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red with the national coat of arms centered in the yellow band. The coat of arms features a quartered shield, similar to the flags of Chad and Romania, which do not have a national coat of arms in the center, and the flag of Moldova, which does bear a national emblem.
Climate of Andorra
The climate of Andorra is temperate in nature. People there enjoy many days of sun throughout the year. Summers are usually warm and dry while winters are snowy and cold.
History of Andorra
The first signs of human life in Andorra appear at the end of the last ice age but, according to legend, Charlemagne founded Andorra in 805 in recognition of the support its inhabitants gave him against the Saracens. The Act of Consecration of the cathedral of Santa Maria d'Urgell is the first known document which mentions, in 839, the parishes of Andorra as the fief of the Counts of Urgell. From the 11th century on, the power of the bishops of Urgell over Andorra increased progressively until in 1133 it reconverted to the Ecclesiastical Lords.
In 1419, the Andorrans asked the co-Princes, who held decisive powers in economic, judicial and military matters, to grant them the right to meet and manage community problems for themselves. So the Consell de la Terra was set up, the first parliament which preceded the Consell General of today, bringing together representatives from all the parishes.
Flora And Fauna of Andorra
Andorra, owing to its position on the East side of the Pyrenees and its diverse landscape, has a rich variety of flora and fauna. Wild goat, wild boar, martens, capercaillie, white partridge and wild trout live in the Andorran Pyrenees and benefit from the abundant flora which runs into more than 1,150 different species.
People of Andorra
Andorra is the highest inhabited state in Europe, with the Spanish accounting for 43% of the population, the Andorran 33%, the Portuguese 11%, the French 7% and others 6%. Due to the large number of immigrants and high birth rate, the Andorran population has always been on the rise. Today, 20.46% of inhabitants are under 20 years of age. The official language is Catalan, although most inhabitants also speak French and Spanish due to the many economic and social links to the neighbouring states.
Arts and Crafts
Apart from the natural beauty that has been endowed on it, Andorra can boast of a rich architectural heritage and ancestral traditions, which have been preserved for more than thousands of years now. It is this rich heritage that contributes to its sense of identity and provides evidence of its origins.
Fairs and Festivals
Andorra can definitely get in to a festive mood with most of the popular festivals and traditions coinciding with religious festivals and natural cycles on Earth. Some of the famous festivals are St. George's Day (Sant Jordi), where roses and books are given as presents; Festa del Poble, celebrated on St. John's Day (Sant Joan) marks the summer solstice. St.Lucia fair is another festival where materials for making traditional Christmas creches and typical Christmas products are on sale.
Economy of Andorra
The economy of Andorra is governed by the tourism industry, which roughly accounts for 80% of GDP.
Andorra is a member of the EU Customs Union and is treated as an EU member for trade in manufactured goods (no tariffs) and as a non-EU member for agricultural products.
Cultural life
Andorra is a country filled with music lovers, which is precisely why the International Jazz Festival is held every July, the Festival of Classic Music is held every September and the months from November to May sees The Season of Music and Dance in Andorra. Apart from this, many exhibitions dedicated to Andorra are also held quite often.
