Where is the Principality of Andorra located on the map: general information

The Principality of Andorra is a small country, which, along with Liechtenstein, Monaco and San Marino, is considered one of the “dwarf states” of Europe, while being the largest of these “dwarf states”. The area of ​​Andorra is 468 square meters. km.

Name : Catalan version: Andorra

Official name: Catalan version: Principat d’Andorra

Andorra is located in the southwest of the Eurasian continent, between Spain and France, in the eastern part of the slopes of the Pyrenees mountains. The country is landlocked, most of it is located in mountainous areas, at an altitude exceeding 900 meters above sea level.

The Principality of Andorra is not part of the European Union, however, active negotiations are currently underway on possible options for signing agreements on association with the EU.

The beauty and uniqueness of landscapes and resorts, alpine skiing, thermal springs, trade exempt from customs and excise duties, absence of crime, excellent ecology, low cost of living in comparison with neighboring France and Spain attract about 8 million tourists a year.

According to the World Bank at the beginning of 2017, the most visited country in the world in terms of the number of tourists per capita is Andorra. In this country, there are 32.4 tourists for every resident.

Andorra is among the TOP 5 safest countries in the world in terms of living and tourism. According to a World Bank report, Andorra ranks fifth in the world according to the criteria of “political stability” and “absence of crime situation” (index 1.32). For example, neighboring Spain is in 31st place (index 0.01).

In 2015, Andorra was included in the list of 49 “Countries with a very high level of the Human Development Index,” as noted in the “Human Development Report 2015”. According to the study, Andorra is in 34th place between Qatar and Slovakia. Topping the list is Norway.

Andorra, according to the World Bank, is among the TOP 10 rich countries with the largest GDP per capita. This figure at the beginning of 2017 is 35,785.50 euros (Andorran Department of Statistics).

Andorra is the country with the highest life expectancy, according to the American Institute for Health Research and Evaluation at the beginning of 2017.

According to a study by the world's leading medical journal The Lancet, the leader in the ranking of “best healthcare in the world in 2017” was Andorra, Iceland took second place, and Switzerland came in third.

Andorran ski resorts are included in the TOP 15 best resorts in the world and in the TOP 10 most visited resorts in the world.

Almost 30% of Andorra's territory is national parks, the largest of which, Madriu Perafita Claror, is under UNESCO protection.

The Principality of Andorra belongs to the so-called “tax havens” of Europe along with Monaco and Liechtenstein. Business taxation is the most liberal in Europe. Since 2012, corporate income tax has been 10% with the possibility of reduction to 2%. Income tax in Andorra is 10%, and if the family income does not exceed 24,000 euros per year, no tax is paid.

In 2016, Andorra joined the OSCE agreement on “Tax Base Erosion and Tax Avoidance.” Thus, Andorra became the 86th member of this agreement.

In 2016, Andorra joined the list of countries that signed the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. This convention was signed not only by European countries, but also, for example, by the USA, Australia, Canada, and Japan.

Andorra is a duty-free country with the lowest VAT rate in Western Europe. Prices for luxury goods, perfumes, clothing, some food products, alcohol, tobacco, and equipment are 15-20% lower than the European average.

Andorra is the only state in the world in which 3 primary education systems operate simultaneously: Andorran, French, Spanish. Due to the mixture of educational systems and nationalities in the country, the average Andorran speaks 4 languages ​​fluently from childhood: Catalan, Spanish, French, Portuguese. Immigrants in Andorra, who make up about 40% of the local population, begin to speak at least three languages ​​(from the above) after 2-5 years of assimilation.

In 2017, Andorra ranks 12th in the world in terms of quality of life, according to the International living index.

Andorra took 16th place in the list of “free” countries in 2016 according to the rating of the public organization Freedom House.

Andorra is the 14th oldest country in the world. The first settlements on the territory of modern Andorra arose during the Ice Age. The founder of the state that is today called Andorra is considered to be Charlemagne (742–814). Moreover, Andorra is the oldest state in the world, which has maintained military neutrality since approximately the 11th century.

The legacy of ancient Roman art can be seen everywhere and is reflected in the many small churches and medieval bridges that have survived. Andorra has the best preserved heritage of Romanesque and pre-Romanesque art in Europe. Many churches date back to the ninth century. Most festivals and popular traditional holidays coincide with religious events and natural cycles of the Earth.

The Principality of Andorra does not have its own airport, however, the roads leading to Spain and France allow you to reach the international airports of Barcelona and Toulouse by car in about 3 hours. Travel time to Paris and Madrid will be about 10 and 6 hours, respectively.

In 2016, the airport in the Spanish border city of Seu de Urgell was launched for commercial use, however, the airport is still in the process of obtaining a license from the Spanish Government to receive international flights. In 2020, the Government of Andorra is launching the National Heliport, which will allow regular flights to fly to Barcelona and Toulouse in half an hour.

The capital of Andorra, Andorra la Vella, is the highest capital of Europe (about 1030 m above sea level).

Andorra is a parliamentary democracy. Today Andora has its own Constitution of 1993, and is a member of the UN and other major international organizations, both political and economic. Andorra is a Parliamentary Principality. Historically, however, Andorra was ruled by the co-princes of Spain and France under the Pareatje decree. The title of co-princes of the state is personal and indivisible, and belongs to the Bishop of La Seu de Urgell and the President of France. According to the same decree, the Bishop of Urgell and the President of France are the guarantors of the permanence of the political structure of Andorra.

Andorra does not have its own army. The country is under the protection of the Spanish and French Armed Forces.

The population of Andorra (according to the Andorran Department of Statistics as of 01/01/2018) is 74,794 people. Only 36% of the population is Andorran, while 44% are Spanish, 11% Portuguese, 7% French, and the rest is a variety of other nationalities.

Labor force as of January 1, 2017 – 37,134 people. Unemployment in Andorra currently stands at 2.9%. 94.9% of the workforce is employed in the service sector; 4.7% - in industry and only 0.4% - in agriculture. The minimum wage is 1045.33 euros per month. The average salary is 1994 euros per month. Inflation at the beginning of 2017 was 1.2%.

According to NET INDEX data, Andorra ranks 8th in the world ranking of countries with the fastest Internet speeds for “download” and “upload” information. The fastest countries are Hong Kong (96.99 mbps) and Singapore (82.41 mbps). The top ten also included South Korea, Sweden and Switzerland. Andorra's figure in 2016 was 63.03 mbps. The positions of the USA (30.36 mbps) and Russia (25.53 mbps) are 27th and 35th places, respectively.

The country's annual electricity consumption is about 600 gigawatts. Andorra itself produces only about 15-17% of the total volume, the rest is purchased from Spain and France. At the same time, the cost of electricity in the domestic market for private consumers and industry is approximately 50% lower than in Spain, and 15-20% lower than in France.

The Principality of Andorra is not a member of the European Union, however, the country's national currency is the euro. Andorra is the only country in Europe that uses the euro as its national currency without a formal agreement with the EU.

The banking system of Andorra is represented by 5 banking groups. The country's banking system, operating in the field of private banking services, accumulated almost 50 billion euros in the accounts of private clients in 2017. Banks in Andorra are open from Monday to Friday from 9.30 to 16.30 with a lunch break from 12.00 to 14.00.

90% of residents consider themselves Catholics. According to the Constitution of Andorra, Catholicism is not considered the state religion, freedom of religion is proclaimed, however, the Catholic Church is mentioned separately in the basic law.

The official language of Andorra: Catalan (catalá).
The official languages ​​of Andorra are Catalan, Spanish and French.

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Despite the rather small size of Andorra - a state nestled between Spain and France - every year it receives a fairly significant number of tourists flocking from all corners of the globe who dream of at least taking a look at the beautiful ski resorts of Andorra.

Resorts of Andorra: Soldeu el Tarter, Ordino Arcalis, Pas de la Cassa-Grau Reuch, Pal Seturia-Arinsal, La Rabassa. The latter resort is designed for cross-country skiing. However, a holiday in Andorra is not only about skiing!

Map of Andorra from satellite

In addition to skiing, Andorra has both local attractions and museums. In summer it is no less beautiful here; for many decades, regular regulars at ski resorts have been visiting the principality in the spring and summer, when the beautiful landscape of green valleys and the majestic Pyrenees mountains opens up to their eyes.

Shopping in Andorra will give its tourists many pleasant surprises. Because the country exists due to the generous flow of tourists, here you can always buy goods from Spain and France at quite affordable prices (from 20 to 40% discount, i.e. no tax and no paperwork). Here are the best cafes and restaurants serving European cuisine - French, Spanish, Catalan and many others. And what is the Caldea healing spa with its thermal waters worth!…

Andorra is a fairy tale at absolutely any time of the year. This is the same tiny Eden about which there are real legends. Having never been here, you must see with your own eyes all the splendor of the country; after seeing even a glimpse, you will definitely return, because you will leave your heart in this hospitable state.

About a dozen dwarf states are lost in Europe, and one of them is the amazing principality of Andorra. Its real proper official name is the Valleys of Andorra, which are not so easy to see on the map of the Pyrenees Mountains in the border zone with France and Spain. Once it was a completely closed state, but for more than half a century the principality has gained world fame thanks to its ski resorts, sheep wool products and local tobacco.

A little about the country

Andorra occupies a southern slope in the eastern Pyrenees in the valley of the Valira River, its average altitude is more than 1200 meters above sea level. In the north it borders with France, the total length of the border is 60 km, in the south - with Spain, here the border line is slightly longer - 65 km.

Andorra has no access to the sea, is considered the most environmentally friendly state in Western Europe and the fourth largest European dwarf in size. By global standards, Andorra ranks 178th out of 194. The fact is that, according to its own data, the area of ​​Andorra is 468 square meters. km, and UN archives report a figure of 453 sq. km.

Climate and weather in Andorra

Andorra occupies the southern valley of the Pyrenees, protected from the west by high mountains. The lower limit does not fall below 880 meters, and the highest peak is recognized as Coma Pedrosa Peak - 2947 meters. It is the mountains that form the local climate of the small country.

Andorra has a subtropical mountain climate: snowy and cold in winter, cool and dry in summer. There is 1000-2000 mm of precipitation per year, the snow depth is from 50 to 300 mm, and in the mountains up to two meters. Average winter temperatures fluctuate around +2+8 degrees, summer +15+20 degrees.

It usually becomes rainy in the fall, when the winds bring clouds from the Atlantic.

Form of government of Andorra

Since 1278, Andorra has had two co-princes: formerly the king and today the current president of France and the Spanish bishop from the border town of La Seu d'Urgell. Each co-ruler in the country is represented by a viceroy vigier (vicar). The bishop's vicar changes every three years, and the Vigier of France is appointed prefect of the department of the Eastern Pyrenees for life.

In 1993, after the adoption of the Constitution of Andorra, the state acquired the form of government “parliamentary principality”, but in fact Andorra is practically a republic. The payment of tribute to their princes was also somewhat abolished. Nowadays, it is paid only in cash in the amount of about $300, in even years - to the French side, in odd years - to the Spanish bishop.

Andorra has its own government and parliament - there are 28 people, 4 from each community, elected to the General Council. Next, the Council appoints the government and its chairman.

Despite the fact that Andorra's independence, its security and protection of its territories are ensured by Spain and France, the principality has its own small army. By law, all healthy men serve in it and then receive an officer rank. There are no soldiers in the army, there is no allowance or uniform, all this has been abolished, since Andorra has not fought for more than seven centuries, since the beginning of the 13th century.

Population of Andorra

The indigenous population of Andorra are considered to be Catalans, or rather the descendants of Catalan peasants who were the first to move from the territory of the Spanish Empire to the mountain valleys. The latest population census showed that there are about 11 thousand inhabitants, and in total almost 70 thousand people live on the territory of the principality.

45.98% are considered citizens of Andorra (Andorrans), the rest of the population are migrating Spaniards, French, and Portuguese. Just over 1% are British, other nationalities, incl. Russian speakers – 7.32%.

According to the country's Constitution, Catalan is recognized as the official language in Andorra; more than a third of all residents speak it. French and Spanish are also widely spoken, incl. Castilian dialects. Many residents speak fluent English.

Religion and traditions of Andorra

The territorial location of Andorra and its history have led to the fact that today the inhabitants of the principality are almost entirely (99%) religious and profess Catholicism. This is reflected both in respectful hospitality and politeness, as well as in caring for nature and honesty with the state.

Striptease and pornography are prohibited by law in the country; serious crimes do not occur here, but rather punishment in the form of fines for violating silence and traffic rules.

The country's culture is rather Catalan, but with its own mountainous and aloof slant. Andorra is the historical homeland of such rare dances as “sardana”, “contrapass” and “marratha”, the latter, by the way, has been preserved only in the city of Sant Julia de Lória. The mountainous terrain allows culture to develop across regions and valleys, preserving ancient traditions as much as possible.

Administrative divisions and heraldry of Andorra

The capital of the principality is the city (translated as “Old Andorra”), and the territory of the country is divided into 7 parts, they are called communities, or parishes, or parrocas: Andorra, Canillo, Les Escaldes and Sant Julia de Lória. Large, by the standards of the Principality of Andorra, cities, besides the capital, beloved by tourists: , - El Tarter, Escaldes, Arcalis, et al.

Like any state, Andorra has its own flag and coat of arms. In addition, the capital of Andorra la Vella and each of the seven parroches have their own coat of arms. The predominant colors are red and yellow. “Unity gives strength” has been the resounding motto of the principality since its founding.

Currency and its exchange in Andorra

Currently, Andorra does not have its own currency, all payments are made in euros, but Andorra is not included in the eurozone. Banknotes in denominations up to 500 euros and coins up to 50 cents are in circulation. Since the end of 2014, Andorra has been minting European-style coins.

Money is changed at bank exchange offices. The commission is charged as a fixed amount, so it is more profitable to exchange a large amount at once. Most hotels do not provide an exchange service, and where they do, the commission is naturally significantly higher.

Since Andorra is a free trade zone, transactions in the country are made in any currency; there is no control over this in Andorra. Many stores and restaurants accept dollars, travel checks and major credit cards as payment.

Legislation of Andorra

Andorra has been a closed country for a very long time, and even now the resort way of life is dictated by the strictness of the local population - orthodox Catholics who especially honor ancient foundations and traditions. Local law enforcement officers are very vigilant; they regularly randomly check the documents of vacationers on. Therefore, it is quite reasonable to always have your passport or license with you. We must remember that excessively noisy recreation, violation of the laws of the principality and indecent behavior will cause you to be expelled from the country. Smoking is prohibited here in all public places, and drinking any alcohol is allowed only in drinking establishments: restaurants, bars, pubs. Any violation faces a heavy fine.

Residents of the principality historically believe that any dispute can be resolved peacefully and amicably, therefore mass meetings and strikes are also prohibited on its territory, and the activities of parties and communities are possible only within very narrow limits.

From the capital of the principality, you can quickly reach the most famous resorts along an excellent highway. The highest point of the massif is 2358 meters, Peak de Culib. These are two ski centers that are connected by ski lifts. You are offered well-groomed trails for beginners and intermediate skiers. There is almost no wind here, and the northern slopes are well covered with snow.

The resort – Arcalis is the farthest from the center of the principality. The valley is simply replete with sharp peaks. There is a special area for snowboarding enthusiasts, and the steepest slopes await experienced skiers.

The largest resort in the principality is Grouse Row. It includes four valleys. There are trails of any type here, incl. red ones with elevation changes and trails for night skiing.

Residents of the Principality make a lot of efforts to make your holiday in Andorra unforgettable.

What can you see in Andorra?

Andorra hotels

There are plenty of places in Andorra where you can stay overnight or even spend your entire vacation in greater comfort. Basically, everything is divided into three categories:

1. Luxury hotels in which tourists are invited to luxurious double and triple rooms and apartments with the best views of the Pyrenees and the valleys on their slopes. The rooms are often decorated to match the old style of the country's historical sites, which is calming and relaxing. Although there are also ultra-modern rooms.
2. Budget hotels in small villages near the ski lifts of ski resorts. The rooms have a comfortable minimum and a sports menu for skiers.
3. The hotels are the closest to the ski lifts and, accordingly, the most expensive. You won't have a great view from your window, and the street nearby is always crowded. But you don’t have to waste effort, time and money on transport and climbing.

In any case, the service is unobtrusive and discreet.

Kitchen

It is formed on the mountain slopes and absorbs the traditions of its neighbors, which over time have been slightly changed, improved and become the basis of the Catalan menu. You will be pleasantly surprised by the simplicity of homemade dishes and the aroma of local spices. They offer menus whose dishes have become classics over the decades.

The most popular orders: grilled cold cuts, lamb or rabbit in tomato, Andorran trout, mint soup, grilled duck with apples and much more delicious. And the recipes for Andorran sausages and bacon according to ancient recipes are kept in the strictest confidence.

Transport in Andorra

Geography and terrain are the main obstacles to the construction of an airport and railway in Andorra. All flights are carried out through neighbors: the airports of Toulouse, Barcelona, ​​Girona, Reus and Perpignan. The nearest railway station connecting Andorra with Toulouse and Paris is located more than 10 km from the border area with France.

The territory of the principality has a good road network connecting absolutely all cities, resorts and villages. On city and private buses you can easily move from one city to another. The movement interval is approximately 15-20 minutes, stops are made at each designated place.

In Andorra, due to its small size, taxi services (about €5-20) and car rental (about €40-50 per day) are very developed, both with and without a driver.

The most important highways connect Andorra with Spain (route CG1) and with France (route CG2). Any roads are promptly cleared of snow; the Andorran government takes great care of this.

How to get to Andorra?

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Andorra (Principality of Andorra) is one of the dwarf states of Europe,the capital is Andorra la Vella.

The name of the country comes from Basque. andurrial- “wasteland”. It was once a closed state, but currently the principality exists and develops mainly thanks to tourism. Due to the high level of banking confidentiality, Andorra is a tax oasis. Trade in luxury goods flourishes here.

Geography

Andorra is landlocked. The Principality is located in the eastern Pyrenees, between France and Spain. The area of ​​the country is 468 square meters. km. Its territory is dominated by high rocky mountains separated by narrow valleys. Andorra has many mountain lakes of glacial origin.

Andorra is divided into 7 parishes (cat. parrOquies, “community”): Andorra la Vella, Canillo, La Massana, Ordino, Sant Julia de Lória, Encamp, Escaldes-Engordany.

Population

The population of Andorra is 84,129 people (2008). The population of the capital is about 24 thousand people. Less than a third of the total population (11 thousand people) are indigenous Andorrans, descendants of Catalan peasants who settled the mountain valleys in ancient times. In addition, 25 thousand Spaniards, 4 thousand French, Portuguese, etc. live in Andorra. The official language is Catalan, which is spoken by a third of the population. French and Spanish (Castilian dialect) are also common languages. The majority of believers (99%) are Catholics.

Political structure

Andorra is a “parliamentary principality”. In accordance with a tradition rooted in paréage, the Co-Principals, that is, the heads of state, are the President of the French Republic and the Bishop of Urgell (Seu de Urgell,). Therefore, the country cannot be called a full-fledged monarchy; it is rather a tribute to tradition.

Supreme legislative body- a unicameral General Council of the Valleys (General Council) of 28 members elected for 4 years by universal and direct vote (14 from a national constituency, and the rest - 2 from each of the 7 communities of the country). The head of the General Council is the general syndic, elected from among the members of the council.

Executive branch carried out by the government - the Executive Council. Its chairman is elected by the General Council and officially approved by the princes - co-rulers for a four-year term. The composition of the Executive Council is formed by the Chairman.

Judicial system consists of a Magistrates' Court, a Criminal Court, a Supreme Court and a Constitutional Court. The Chairman of the Supreme Court is a judge appointed by the Syndic General. The Supreme Court consists of 5 judges with a term of office of 6 years. The Supreme Court appoints the members of the Attorney General's office. The Constitutional Court is responsible for interpreting the Constitution, as well as considering all complaints about the inconsistency of laws and agreements with the Constitution.

If you look at the world map, Andorra will be one of the most dwarf states. In addition, the Principality of Andorra is landlocked. The principality is located, as can be determined from the map, between Spain and France, in the Pyrenees.

Andorra is considered one of the popular ski resorts in Europe. The Principality of Andorra thrives solely thanks to tourism, since it is tourism that brings the greatest profit to the state treasury. The principality has no sea access, so trade occurs extremely sparingly.

In terms of area, Andorra ranks 178th in the world, justifying its status as a dwarf state.

Translated into Russian, the name of Andorra is translated as “wasteland”, with which local residents do not agree, since Andorra is characterized by wasteland and beautiful vegetation.

You can find out where Andorra is using the interactive world map.

A detailed map is presented in Russian.