TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Andorra has several major ski resorts, including popular local resorts Soldeu/El Tarter and Pal/Arinsal. These are very popular with tourists from Spain, France and the UK, particularly because their relatively gentle slopes are ideal for less experienced skiers as well as families. Andorran ski schools are among the largest in Europe, and English-speaking instructors are readily available. There are also a number of hiking trails which can be explored during the summer months, when the snow has thawed. The capital city - Andorra la Vella, is surrounded by maginificent mountains up to 2400m (7870ft) high. The Church of Santa Coloma with its freestanding 12th-century bell is Andorra's oldest. The town of Encamp hosts one of Andorra's few museums, the Museu Nacional de l'Automòbil, which exhibits about 100 cars dating from 1898 to 1950 as well as over 100 antique motorcycles and bikes. To the north of town is the Església Sant Romà de les Bons built in the 12th century. The Romanesque frescoes of the church are only reproductions of the originals, which are kept in the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya in Barcelona.

TRAVEL TIPS

Most visits are trouble-free. Street crime is almost unknown. However, you should take the usual precautions of taking care of passports and money. Andorra has strict rules on the possession and use of illegal drugs and applies zero tolerance. Andorra is not a member of the European Union and purchases of duty free tobacco, liquor and luxury goods are subject to taxes and duties on re-entering European Union countries. France and Spain apply strict rules on the amount of tobacco exported from Andorra for personal use (300 cigarettes/400gms pipe tobacco/75 cigars). Amounts in excess of this can be impounded as can the vehicle in which they are transported. Citizens of most developed countries do not need an entry visa to visit Andorra, only a valid passport. If you are planning a skiing holiday it is advisable to contact the Andorran Embassy for advice on safety and weather conditions before travelling. We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling to Andorra.You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Aslo check the list of Embassies of Andorra to the World or Embassies of Other Nations to Andorra.

BRIEF 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. Many immigrants (legal and illegal) are attracted to the thriving economy with its lack of income taxes.

GEOGRAPHY

Area: total: 468 sq km; land: 468 sq km; water: 0 sq km.
Border Countries: France, Spain.
Climate: temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers.
Terrain: rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys.
Natural Resources: hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, lead.
Natural Hazards: avalanches.
Environmental Problems: deforestation; overgrazing of mountain meadows contributes to soil erosion; air pollution; wastewater treatment and solid waste disposal.

PEOPLE

Population: 71,201.
Median Age: total: 40.9 years; male: 41.2 year; female: 40.7 years.
Life Expectancy: male:71.68 years, female: 74.92 years.
Fertility Rate: 1.3 children born per woman.
Major Ethnic Groups: Spanish 43%, Andorran 33%, Portuguese 11%, French 7%, other 6%.
Religions: Roman Catholic.
Languages: Catalan (official), French, Castilian, Portuguese.

GOVERNMENT

Type: parliamentary democracy (Principality of Andorra).
Capital City: Andorra la Vella.
Time Difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October . Check current time.
Administrative Divisions: 7 parishes (parroquies, singular - parroquia).
National Holiday: Our Lady of Meritxell Day, 8 September (1278).
Chief of State: French Coprince.
Head of Government: Executive Council President.
Cabinet: Executive Council or Govern designated by the Executive Council President.
Legislative Branch: unicameral General Council of the Valleys or Consell General de las Valls (28 seats).

ECONOMY

Tourism, the mainstay of Andorra's tiny, well-to-do economy, 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. Andorra's comparative advantage has recently eroded as the economies of neighboring France and Spain have been opened up, providing broader availability of goods and lower tariffs. The banking sector, with its partial "tax haven" status, also contributes substantially to the economy. Agricultural production is limited - only 2% of the land is arable - and most food has to be imported. The principal livestock activity is sheep raising. 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 (no tariffs) and as a non-EU member for agricultural products.
GDP: $1.84 billion, Growth Rate: 4%, GDP Per Capita: $24,000.
Unemployment Rate: 0%
Population Below Powerty Line: N/A
Agriculture Products: small quantities of rye, wheat, barley, oats, vegetables; sheep.
Major Industries: tourism (particularly skiing), cattle raising, timber, banking.
Export Commodities: tobacco products, furniture.
Export Partners: Spain 58%, France 34%.
Import Commodities: consumer goods, food, electricity.
Import Partners: Spain 51.5%, France 22.3%, US 0.3%.
Currency: euro (EUR). Check current rate of exchange.

TRANSPORT

Roadways: 269 km.