Europe
Andorra
Continent
Best States to Visit
- Vella
- Ordino
Best Cities to Visit
- Escaldes-Engordany
- Encamp
- Sant Julia de Loria
- La Massana
- Canillo
Size
468 KM2
Population
77,142
GDP
$77,265
Spending Budget
$781 - $1,900
Famous For
- Bishop of Urgel
- tourism
- tobacco
Best Time to Visit
- January
- February
- November
- December
History
Andorra is the sixth-smallest state in Europe, having an area of 468 square kilometres (181 sq mi) and a population of approximately 77,006. The Andorran people are a Romance ethnic group of originally Catalan descent. Andorra is the 16th-smallest country in the world by land and the 11th-smallest by population. Its capital, Andorra la Vella, is the highest capital city in Europe, at an elevation of 1,023 metres (3,356 feet) above sea level. The official language is Catalan, but Spanish, Portuguese, and French are also commonly spoken.
Present Day
Andorra formalized diplomatic relations with the United States in 1996 participating in the 51st UN General Assembly, a very important fact in view of the normalization that the country aspired to. First General Syndic Marc Forné took part on a speech in Catalan in the General Assembly to defend the reform of the organization, and after three days Forné took part in the parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe to defend the linguistic rights and the economy of Andorra. In mid-2006 the monetary agreement with the European Union is formalized, which allows Andorra to use the euro in an official way, as well as coin its own Euro currency.
Future
The Andorran economy is now very closely related to those of France and Spain and is dependent on the overall trends in the EU. Despite positive recent changes in the economy, related to the increasing role of modern services, it is likely that Andorra will, at least over the next few years, continue to confront a number of problems arising from the large influx of foreigners and the need to develop modern social institutions. In addition to questions of Andorran nationality and immigration, the country's priorities will include addressing housing scarcities and the tough real estate market, reinvigorating international tourism, and renegotiating its trade relationship with the EU.
Andorra la Vella
Perched high in the eastern Pyrenees, Andorra la Vella the capital of Andorra is this small nation's busiest tourist attraction. At an altitude of 1,029 meters, it's one of the world's highest capital cities. It's also one of the smallest, too, with a population of less than 23,000 people.
La Casa de la Vall
LaCasa de la Vall is one of the top attractions in Andorra la Vella. Built in 1580 and now the seat of government, it's notable for its ornate coat of arms and other historical emblems of the country's former rulers.
Vallnord
One of the most popular winter sports destinations in the Pyrenees, Vallnord draws skiers and snowboarders from across Europe to its many fine slopes. Located in the northern part of Andorra and boasting a peak altitude of 2,625 meters, Vallnord is really three unique ski resorts in one: Arcalis, Pal, and Arinsal. Together these three resorts provide a vast amount of terrain to explore.
Sant Joan de Caselles Church
A little way north of the picturesque village of Canillo is the chapel of Sant Joan de Caselles (Església de Sant Joan de Caselles). Considered one of the country's finest Romanesque churches, this splendid old stone building dates from the 11th century and contains many interesting features.
Caldea
The facility features more than 6,000 square meters of watery fun and treatment areas, and guests can make full use of the numerous lagoons (both indoor and outdoor) and many saunas and Jacuzzis. It also boasts many specialized spa areas featuring Indo-Roman baths, cascades, warm marble slates, and even a grapefruit pool.
Ordino
The chief destination in Andorra's picturesque Valira del Nord Valley is the small town of Ordino, idyllically located at the base of the 2,740-meter-tall Casamanya mountain. Shutterbugs will find it's one of the most beautiful places to photograph in Andorra.
Postal Museum
Also worth visiting while in Ordino is the Postal Museum (Museo postal de Andorra). Highlights of a visit include audio-visual displays outlining the growth and development of the country's postal service, including the delivery by mail of the country's first pair of skis.
La Cortinada
Surrounded by meadows and rugged mountains, the village is home to the lovely 12th-century Church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada (Església de Sant Martí de la Cortinada). This well-preserved medieval place of worship is notable for its Romanesque frescoes, its charnel-house, and a beautiful old dovecot.
The Town of Les Escaldes
The Andorran town of Les Escaldes, just a few minutes' drive from Andorra la Vella, takes its name from the many hot springs dotted around the community. Known for their high sulphur and nitrogen content, the town's waters range from a pleasant 22 degrees Celsius to a scalding 66 degrees Celsius and were well known as far back as Roman times for their medicinal qualities.
Valira d'Orient Valley
Starting in Les Escaldes north of the capital Andorra la Vella, head along the narrow, winding road leading up to the 12th-century Sant Miquel Engolasters, a typical example of the country's many Pyrenean churches in Lombard Romanesque style.