Fact 1: The Tiny Mountainous Country
Andorra can be described as a minuscule country, nestled in the Pyrenees Mountains. It's wedged between Spain and France and spans a mere 180 square miles (468 square kilometers). To put it into perspective, it’s about 3 times smaller than Rhode Island - making it the 6th smallest nation in Europe and the 16th smallest in the world!
Fact 2: Co-Principality System
Andorra holds a unique political structure known as a 'co-principality'. This means it technically has two Princes who act as co-princes - the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell (Spain). This peculiar system dates back to a charter signed in 1278 and remains the case even today.
Fact 3: No Army, No Worries
Andorra hasn't had an army since 1866. The country's constitution does require that able-bodied men are available for service when called upon, but this has never happened. In times of emergencies or international disputes, the defense responsibilities are taken care of by France and Spain.
Fact 4: Oldest Parliament in Europe
Andorra has the distinct honor of having the oldest parliament in Europe, known as the 'General Council of the Valleys'. Established in 1419, the parliament is more than six centuries old. Its 28 members serve four-year terms.
Fact 5: A Country Without an Airport
Despite being a popular tourist destination, Andorra does not have an airport or railway system. The only way to enter the landlocked country is by road from either France or Spain.
Fact 6: Highest Capital in Europe
Andorra's capital, Andorra La Vella, stands at an altitude of 1,023 meters, making it the highest capital city in Europe. Because of its elevation, it regularly enjoys a cool, mountainous climate.
Fact 7: Largest Spa in Southern Europe
Andorra is home to Europe’s largest thermal spa, Caldea, located in Escaldes-Engordany. This spa spans over 65,000 square feet and is known for its thermal water treatments.
Fact 8: Linguistic Diversity
Although Catalan is the official language of Andorra, due to its location between Spain and France, Spanish and French are also commonly spoken. Many locals also speak English, especially in tourist areas.
Fact 9: Tax-Free Haven
Andorra is well-known as a tax haven. It does not impose any income tax on its residents. This has made the country particularly attractive to wealthy individuals and businesses.
Fact 10: Smoker’s Paradise
Despite being small in size, Andorra has one of the highest rates of cigarette consumption per person in the world. This is largely due to low taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Fact 11: High Life Expectancy
The people in Andorra enjoy one of the highest life expectancies in the world, with an average lifespan of around 82 years.
Fact 12: The Currency Conundrum
Despite not being part of the European Union, Andorra uses the Euro as its currency. This was granted to them through a special agreement with the EU.
Fact 13: Interesting National Anthem
The National Anthem of Andorra prominently features the Bishop of Urgell and the President of France, acknowledging the co-principality status of the nation.
Fact 14: UNESCO Heritage Status
Andorra has a cultural landscape, Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, registered under the UNESCO World Heritage sites, due to its unique illustration of the mountainous culture of the region over centuries.
Fact 15: Andorra's Skiing Reputation
Known for its mountainous terrain, Andorra is famous as an excellent skiing destination with over 300 km of ski slopes. The resorts at Grandvalira and Vallnord are particularly popular among tourists.
Fact 16: Duty-Free Shopping
The absence of VAT in Andorra makes it an excellent place for duty-free shopping. From perfumes to electronics, everything here comes at unbeatable prices.
Fact 17: Three Schools Systems
In Andorra, students have three education systems to choose from – Andorran, Spanish, and French. Each school system follows the curriculum of its respective country.
Fact 18: Celebration of the "Bear’s Day"
One of the unique traditions of Andorra involves the celebration of the "Bear’s Day", held annually in February. It involves a man dressed as a bear, who is chased and captured to symbolize the triumph of good over evil.
Fact 19: Literary Influence
Famous author Jules Verne referred to Andorra in his novel "Clovis Dartetor". It's said to be the first reference to Andorra in popular literature.
Fact 20: The Year Without a Summer
In 1816, Andorra, like many European countries, experienced what is known as the 'Year Without a Summer'. This was due to the eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia in 1815, causing global temperatures to drop and resulting in food shortages in Andorra and beyond.