29 Fascinating Facts About Andorra

• Location and Borders: Andorra is a small landlocked country located in the Eastern Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. It is bordered by France to the north and Spain to the south.
• Square: The country covers an area of approximately 468 square kilometers.
• National Currency: The currency of Andorra is the Euro (EUR).
• Official Language: The official language of Andorra is Catalan.

Interesting Facts About Andorra

1. No Armed Forces: Andorra is one of the rare countries in the world that does not have its own armed forces. It relies on Spain and France for defense.
2. Tourist Attraction: Despite its small size, Andorra receives about 11 million tourists annually, which is nearly 130 times its population. This high number of visitors is a testament to its appeal.
3. Currency: Although Andorra is not a member of the European Union, it uses the euro as its official currency.
4. Highest Capital: The capital city, Andorra la Vella, is the highest capital city in Europe, sitting at an elevation of 1,079 meters above sea level.
5. Size and Accessibility: The country is so small that you can travel across its entire territory in just one day.
6. Royal Adventure: In 1934, a Russian Empire adventurer named Boris Skossyrev declared himself King Boris I of Andorra with the support of the local council. However, his reign lasted only twelve days before he was arrested by Spanish gendarmes.
7. Multilingual Population: Despite having a small population, Andorrans speak three languages—Catalan, French, and Spanish.
8. Ant Kingdom: Andorra is home to over 75 different species of ants, earning it the nickname “Ant Country.”
9. Constitution: Andorra’s constitution was adopted in 1993, officially marking its status as an independent state.
10. No Lawyers: For over a century, practicing law has been banned in Andorra. The authorities believe that lawyers complicate the legal process and do not aid justice.
11. Low Crime Rate: Andorra has an extremely low crime rate, making it one of the safest countries in the world.
12. No Railways: Andorra is one of the few countries without any railroads. It has only 200 kilometers of paved roads.
13. Football Team: Despite its small size, Andorra has a national football team that played its first match in 1996.
14. High Living Standards: Andorra boasts a high standard of living, with free postal services within the country. Only international parcel delivery incurs a fee.
15. No Airports: Andorra does not have an airport. Tourists usually travel to Andorra via Spain or France by bus or car.
16. Economy Dependent on Tourism: The economy of Andorra heavily relies on tourism, with millions of visitors flocking to the country each year for its ski resorts and duty-free shopping.
17. Longest Uninterrupted Parliament: Andorra’s General Council, established in 1419, is one of the oldest and longest uninterrupted parliaments in the world.
18. Romanesque Churches: Andorra is home to numerous well-preserved Romanesque churches, some dating back to the 9th century, showcasing its rich cultural and architectural heritage.
19. Ski Resorts: Andorra is famous for its ski resorts, such as Grandvalira and Vallnord, attracting winter sports enthusiasts from around the globe.
20. Oldest Music Festival: Andorra hosts the International Narciso Yepes Festival, one of the oldest music festivals in the Pyrenees, dedicated to classical music.
21. Andorran Cuisine: The cuisine of Andorra is influenced by its French and Spanish neighbors, featuring dishes like escudella (a hearty stew) and trinxat (potato and cabbage dish).
22. Longest Life Expectancy: Andorra has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, with residents living well into their 80s on average, attributed to a healthy lifestyle and clean environment.
23. Duty-Free Shopping: Andorra is a popular destination for duty-free shopping, with many visitors coming to purchase goods at lower prices than in neighboring countries.
24. Mountainous Terrain: Over 90% of Andorra’s territory is mountainous, offering stunning landscapes and numerous hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
25. Oldest Hotel: The Hotel Palomé, established in the 18th century, is one of the oldest hotels in Andorra, providing a glimpse into the country’s hospitality history.
26. Education System: Andorra has a unique education system with three types of schools: Andorran, French, and Spanish, allowing residents to choose the curriculum that best suits their needs.
27. Microclimates: Due to its mountainous terrain, Andorra experiences various microclimates, with significant differences in weather conditions within short distances.
28. Eco-Friendly Policies: Andorra is committed to environmental sustainability, implementing policies to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy sources.
29. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Andorra has several sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, recognized for its cultural and natural significance.