FACTS ABOUT ANDORRA

AMAZING FACTS ABOUT ANDORRA

1.                 Andorra la Vella is the capital city of Andorra.

2.                 The total population of Andorra is 85,702.

3.                 The natives of Andorra are called Andorrans.

4.                 The euro is the official currency of Andorra.

5.                 Andorra shares a border with France and Spain.

6.                 Andorra has a literacy rate of 100%.

7.                 Andorra is a landlocked country in southwestern Europe. It is officially the Principality of Andorra.

8.                 Andorra is among the safest countries in the world with almost zero pick pocketing, car theft and disorderly conduct incidents.

9.                 Andorra, according to some estimates, is the world’s 14th oldest country.

10.            The offices of the government, court, and prison are housed in the “House of the Valleys,” which was built in 1580 in Andorra la Vella, the capital city of Andorra.

11.            Andorra also witnesses the world’s most prestigious cycle race – the Tour De France.

12.            The country’s military budget depends on voluntary donations.

13.            The arrangement in the country is such that all able-bodied men must serve if called upon. Such men are called upon by means of an alarm in case of natural disasters or emergencies.

14.            It is a principality (a territory ruled by a prince).

15.            The capital city of Andorra, Andorra la Vella, is the highest capital city in Europe with an elevation of 1,023 meters.

16.            It is also the only country in the world where Catalan is an official language.

17.            Andorra is not an official member of the European Union.

18.            According to the CIA, Andorra ranks eighth in overall life expectancy in the world, with Monaco at the top and Chad at the bottom of the list.

19.            According to World Bank data, more than 10 million tourists arrived in Andorra last year. This fact signifies the importance of tourism in the country’s economy.

20.            One theory suggests that Andorra may be derived from Arabic al-durra, meaning, “The Pearl.”

21.            In 1933, Andorra was occupied by France.

22.            The country served as an important smuggling route between Vichy, France, and Spain during World War II.

23.            Andorra became a member of the UN and Council of Europe in 1993. The political system of the country was also modernized the same year.

24.            Skiing is a popular sport in the country, attracting millions of tourists every year.

25.            Vallnord and Grand Valira are two popular ski areas in the country.

26.            The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not provide health coverage in Andorra.

27.            The common otter is among the country’s threatened species, while the Apollo butterfly and the lesser horseshoe bat are vulnerable species in Andorra.

28.            Because of its high elevation, the northern valleys in the country are completely snowed in for several months of the year.

29.            Andorrans are a minority in their own country. An estimated two-thirds of the Andorran population is without Andorran nationality. They are not allowed to vote or to be elected as the president.

30.            Spanish nationals account for almost 43% of Andorra’s population.

31.            Arinsal is the smallest city in the country, with a population of 1,555.

32.            It is also the sixth-smallest nation in Europe and the sixteenth-smallest nation in the world.

33.            Only 5% of the land in Andorra is arable.

34.            Andorra was once referred to as “the poor man’s Switzerland.” 

35.            There’s no income or inheritance tax.

36.            Andorra’s constitution came into effect on April 28^th, 1993.

37.            The Coma Pedrosa, at 2,942 meters (9,652 ft), is the highest mountain (highest point) in the country.

38.            There are no airports in the country. Accessibility to international passengers is provided by nearby airports located in Spain and France.

39.            In Andorra, women live longer than men.

40.            Andorran law requires the eldest able-bodied man of a house to keep a rifle to be used when needed for national protection.

41.            The country has an army of just 12 people. It is interesting to note that this army has never fought for more than 700 years.

42.            The country has a rough and mountainous terrain.

43.            Education law requires school attendance for children up to age 16.

44.            Andorran authorities build schools and maintain them; however, Spain or France pays for the teachers.

45.            In Andorra, pork-based dishes and seafood are very popular. People of the region also eat snails with much delight.

46.            The legal drinking age is 18 in the country.

47.            The first highway was built in the country in 1911. It connected the Spanish city of La Seu-de-Urgell with the country.

48.            Andorra Exports: tobacco products and furniture.

49.            Andorra Imports: consumer goods, food, fuel and electricity.

50.            The internet country code for Andorra is .ad.