Official Name:
The Principality of Andorra
Location: Southwestern Europe,
between France and Spain
Size: 180 sq mi (2.5 times the size
of Washington, DC)
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 Urgel).
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, mountainous Andorra achieved
considerable prosperity since World War II
through its tourist industry.
Climate: temperate; snowy, cold
winters and warm, dry summers
Languages: Catalan (official),
French, Castilian, Portuguese
Population: 71,201 (July 2006 est.)
Religions: Roman Catholic
(predominant)
Government type: parliamentary
democracy (since March 1993)
Capital: Andorra la Vella
Main Industry: Tourism accounts for
more than 80% of GDP. An estimated 11.6
million tourists visit annually, attracted
by Andorra's duty-free status and by its
summer and winter resorts.
Economy: The banking sector, with its
partial "tax haven" status, contributes
substantially to the economy. Agricultural
production is limited - only 2% of the land
is arable. Manufacturing output consists
mainly of cigarettes, cigars, and furniture.
Andorra is a member of the EU Customs Union
and is treated as an EU member for trade in
manufactured goods.
Information retrived from http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/an.html
