Andorra

Quick Facts

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Capital

Andorra La Vella

Government

Parliamentary Democracy

Nationality

Andorran

Population

69,000

Languages

Catalan (official). French, English, Spanish and Portuguese also spoken.

Religions

Christianity (Catholic)

Currency

Euro (EUR) €

Calling Code

+376

Time Zone

CET (UTC+1)

Summer (DST)

CEST (UTC+2)

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Introduction

CANILLO_PORTELLA 2532mts

© All Rights Reserved JOSE_MARIA

Long under the wings of its two big brothers, France and Spain, 1993 saw Andorra stepping into independence after more than seven centuries of being under joint French and Spanish rule. As an independent nation, Andorra actively promotes its duty-free shopping; a trend which developed, interestingly enough, out of being a smuggling middle-agent between France and Spain in major wars.

But while its duty-free shopping opportunities may be an incentive to travel to Andorra, Andorra's real crowd-drawer is the Pyrenees. During the snowy season, visitors flock to the country from all over Europe. Beyond its fantastic skiing and snowboarding opportunities, the natural beauty of the Pyrenees rewards travellers with great hiking terrain as well.

Brief History

Geography

Andorra shares international borders with France and Spain.

Regions

Andorra consists of 7 municipalities, known as comuns

• Andorra la Vella
• Canillo
• Encamp
• Escaldes-Engordany
• La Massana
• Ordino
• Sant Julià de Lòria

Cities

Andorra revolves around the capital city Andorra la Vella.

Other towns in Andorra are:

• Canillo
• Encamp
• Escaldes-Engordany
• Santa Coloma
• Sant Julia de Loria
• La Massana
• La Cortinada
• Ordino

Sights and Activities

Coma Pedrosa

Coma Pedrosa, also known as Mount Pedrosa, is the highest point in Andorra. This beautiful mountain is a great climb in the Pyrenees. It rises to 2942 m (9,665 ft), which makes it a tough climb that is not technically difficult. There are several mountain lakes and tarns can be found on the slopes of this wonderful mountain.

Skiing

CANILLO_PORTELLA 2532mts

© All Rights Reserved JOSE_MARIA

Go hit up the slopes in this little nation. Hit up some world classes areas like Grandvalira or Vallnord. There are also plenty of smaller areas to check out and get some good turns at to. There is some great snow to be found in these mountains so any level of skier will have a fun time.

Santa Coloma Church

Santa Coloma Church is one of the oldest churches in Andorra. There is a great 12th century bell tower and a 17th century portico on the southern wall. Although one of the must sees in the church is a 12th century wooden icon of Our Lady of Mercy. Although some of the frescoes have now been relocated to the Cultural Museum in Berlin.

Other Sights and Activities

• Caldea - Is one of Europe's largest health spans and located in the heart of the Pyrenees giving it great veiws. These wonderful pools fed by natural hot springs are a great way to relax in the mountains.
• Castle of Sant Vicenc d'Enclar - Resting on the top of a hill at 1126 m this wonderful 12th century castle over looks the village of Santa Coloma.
• Shopping - With very low taxes and duties expect to pay 20% to 30% less then in the neighboring countries of France and Spain.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting There

By Plane

There are no airports in Andorra. The nearest airports are in Perpignan, France; Barcelona, Spain and Toulouse, France.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

There are daily coach services from Barcelona and Toulouse.

By Boat

Getting Around

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Red Tape

Money

See also: Money Matters

Andorra does not have an official currency. However, Euro is commonly used in the country and it is in the process of negotiating with EU regarding the official status of the Euro in Andorra.

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

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