Andorra is a place we all know about for its great skiing holidays, well there is alot more to Andorra than first thought. Below are some interesting facts about Andorra and its people. On our regions pages there is more info about the Skiing and Apres-Ski scene in Andorra, but please take time out to read the below info.
The Principality of Andorra is located in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. Andorra is one of Europe’s smallest independent countries with a total population of less than 90.000 and an area of only 468 km². No more than a 2 hour drive from the Mediterranean Sea, Andorra offers more than 300 sunny days per year and spectacular, untouched nature with excellent skiing in winter. In addition, the country is known for its tax-freedom and banking secrecy. All this makes Andorra a perfect base for your permanent residency.
Andorra is also one of Europe’s oldest countries, being founded in 1287. The Principality has been an independent state since 1993, and the currency is the Euro. The official language is Catalan, although most people speak Spanish and even English is becoming common.
Tourism is Andorra’s main industry and accounts for 80% of the country’s GDP. Attracted by Andorra’s nature and its tax-free shopping, more than 10 million tourists visit Andorra every year.
The country’s banking institutions also benefit from Andorra’s fiscal system and its banking secrecy policy, and they contribute largely to the Andorran economy.
Even if Andorra is not a member of the EU, it profits by the import of goods through its agreements with the European community.
The country’s climate is similar to the North of Spain, however due to the altitude (the lowest/highest point is 870/2.946 meters over sea level), the air is dryer, which makes summers very pleasant and gives Andorra’s ski centres excellent snow conditions during the winter.
The living costs are lower, or on par with other European countries. Thanks to the absence of industry and the pleasant climate, the people of Andorra are currently listed as having the highest life expectancy in the world, with an average of 83.5 years.
Andorra has very good flight connections through Toulouse (France) and Barcelona, Reus ,Girona and now also Lleida-Alguaire (Spain). All airports are approx. 200km (Lleida 150km) or about 2-3 hours driving from Andorra. There is also a helicopter service in Andorra shortening the distance to the respective airport to half an hour flight.
Andorra's history
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 Urgell). 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, Andorra achieved considerable prosperity since World War II through its tourist and banking industry.
to make a booking Tel UK Sales 0844 482 2409Andorra's Parishes
Andorra is divided into 7 parishes. Each parish has 2 representatives in the Andorran Parliament.
Canillo
Encamp
Ordino
La Massana
Andorra la Vella
Sant Julia de Loria
Escaldes-Engordany