Andorra
Andorra, officially known as the Principality of Andorra, is a small, landlocked country nestled in the eastern Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. Here's an overview of this unique nation:
Geography and Environment
- Location: Andorra is located in southwestern Europe, bordered by France to the north and Spain to the south.
- Size: With an area of 468 square kilometers, Andorra is one of the smallest countries in the world.
- Landscape: The terrain is predominantly mountainous, with the highest peak being Coma Pedrosa at 2,942 meters.
- Climate: Andorra has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, conducive to skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
History
- Early History: The area was originally inhabited by Iberian tribes, later influenced by the Roman Empire.
- Medieval Period: Andorra was created by a charter in 988 AD, establishing its sovereignty under the protection of the Count of Urgell and the Bishop of Urgel.
- Co-Principality: From the 13th century, Andorra has been ruled as a co-principality by the French head of state and the Bishop of Urgel.
- Modern Era: Andorra remained largely isolated until the 20th century when it began to open up to tourism and international trade. It became a member of the United Nations in 1993.
Politics and Government
- Co-Princes: Currently, the co-princes are the President of France and the Bishop of Urgel. This unique arrangement has persisted for centuries.
- Parliament: Known as the General Council of Andorra, it consists of 28 members elected for four-year terms.
- Legal System: Andorra's legal system is a blend of French and Spanish civil law with some elements of customary law.
Economy
- Tourism: The primary economic driver, with ski resorts like Grandvalira being major attractions.
- Finance: Andorra has become a banking center, offering tax advantages, although it has faced international pressure to improve financial transparency.
- Currency: The Euro is the official currency, adopted in 2011.
Culture and Society
- Language: Catalan is the official and predominant language, though Spanish, French, and Portuguese are also spoken due to tourism and immigration.
- Religion: The majority of the population is Roman Catholic.
- Traditions: Andorran culture is heavily influenced by its neighbors, with unique traditions like the Andorran National Day celebrated on September 8th.
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