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.
Country profile: Andorra
Almost hidden on the border between France and Spain, the tiny principality of Andorra is a land of narrow valleys and mountainous landscapes.The mainstay of the economy is tourism.
An estimated 10 million people visit each year, drawn by the winter sports, summer climate and duty-free goods.
The banking sector also enjoys a tax-haven status.
For more than 700 years Andorra has been ruled jointly by the leader of France and the Spanish Bishop of Urgel.
The first Andorran Constitution was passed in 1993, establishing a parliamentary co-principality.
The co-princes remain Andorra's heads of state but the roles are largely honorary.
- Full name: The Principality of Andorra
- Population: 64,000 (UN, 2003)
- Capital: Andorra la Vella
- Major languages: Catalan, Spanish, French
- Major religion: Christianity
- Life expectancy: 81 years (men), 87 years (women)
- Monetary unit: 1 euro = 100 cents
- Main exports: Leather goods
- GNI per capita: n/a
- Internet domain: .ad
- International dialling code: +376
Co-heads of state: Joan Enric Vives i Sicilia, Bishop of Urgel, Spain, and Jacques Chirac of France
Prime minister: Albert Pintat
Albert Pintat of the centre-right Liberal Party became prime minister at general elections in April 2005.
The party lost its absolute majority but won exactly half of the seats in the 28-member parliament. The centre-left Social Democrats have 12.
Mr Pintat had been foreign minister in the government of the former premier, Liberal leader Marc Forne.
Mr Forne lost his seat in the 2005 election but, in any case, was barred by the constitution from standing for a new term as prime minister.
He had led the government since 1994.
The Andorran media scene has been partly shaped by the country's proximity to France and Spain.
Andorrans have access to broadcasts from both countries, and for many years Andorra was home to Sud Radio, a powerful radio station broadcasting to southwest France.
The constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press.
The press
Television
Radio
Tourism, the mainstay of Andorra's tiny, well-to-do economy, accounts for more than 80% of GDP. An estimated 11.6 million tourists visit annually, attracted by Andorra's duty-free status and by its summer and winter resorts. Andorra's comparative advantage has recently eroded as the economies of neighboring France and Spain have been opened up, providing broader availability of goods and lower tariffs. The banking sector, with its partial "tax haven" status, also contributes substantially to the economy. Agricultural production is limited - only 2% of the land is arable - and most food has to be imported. The principal livestock activity is sheep raising. Manufacturing output consists mainly of cigarettes, cigars, and furniture. 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.
Andorran natural resources include hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, lead
landlocked; straddles a number of important crossroads in the Pyrenees
Andorran religion is Roman Catholic (predominant).
Natural hazards in Andorra include avalanches.
Travel Advice on Andorra
SUMMARY
- Andorra shares with the rest of Europe a threat from international terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets.
- Andorra is not a Member of the European Union and therefore EU reciprocal medical arrangements do not apply.
- Around 120,000 British nationals visit Andorra every year. Most visits are trouble-free. The main type of incident for which British Nationals require Consular Assistance in Andorra is for hospitalisation and Winter Sport associated incidents.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance.
- Visitors to ski resorts should take advice on weather and avalanche conditions before they travel and throughout their visit, please see : http://www.goski.com/andorra.htm and http://www.avalanches.org.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
HEALTH
GENERAL
You should be aware that off-piste skiing is highly dangerous. All safety instructions should be followed meticulously given the dangers of avalanches in some areas. Further information can be found at the following websites: