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| Celebrities in Andorra |
| Anonymous
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| Interesting Facts in Andorra |
Andorra
is a landlocked country in southwestern Europe. It is officially
the Principality of Andorra.
Andorra is among the safest countries in the world with almost zero pickpocketing, car theft and disorderly conduct incidents. Andorra, according to some estimates, is the world’s 14th oldest country. 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. Andorra also witnesses the world’s most prestigious cycle race – the Tour De France. The country’s military budget depends on voluntary donations. 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.
It is a principality (a territory ruled by a prince). It is also the only country in the world where Catalan is an official language. Andorra is not an official member of the European Union. 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. 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. In 1933, Andorra was occupied by France. The country served as an important smuggling route between Vichy, France, and Spain during World War II. 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.
Skiing is a popular sport in the country, attracting millions of tourists every year. Vallnord and Grand Valira are two popular ski areas in the country. The
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), does not provide health
coverage in Andorra. Because of its high elevation, the northern valleys in the country are completely snowed in for several months of the year. 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. Spanish nationals account for almost 43% of Andorra’s population. Arinsal is the smallest city in the country, with a population of 1,555. It is also the sixth-smallest nation in Europe and the sixteenth-smallest nation in the world. Only 5% of the land in Andorra is arable. Andorra was once referred to as “the poor man’s Switzerland.” There’s no income or inheritance tax. Andorra’s constitution came into effect on April 28th, 1993. The
Coma Pedrosa, at 2,942 meters (9,652 ft), is the highest mountain
(highest point) in the country. In Andorra, women live longer than men. Andorran law requires the eldest able-bodied man of a house to keep a rifle to be used when needed for national protection. 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. The country has a rough and mountainous terrain. Education law requires school attendance for children up to age 16. Andorran authorities build schools and maintain them; however, Spain or France pay for the teachers. In
Andorra, pork-based dishes and seafood are very popular. People
of the region also eat snails with much delight. The first highway was built in the country in 1911. It connected the Spanish city of La Seu-de-Urgell with the country. As per the CIA Factbook, the country has a total roadway length of 320 km. Source to get more information In Europe Andorra ranks in as the sixth smallest nation. It consists of 181 square miles. The capital city of Andorra is Andorra la Vella. In Europe this capital is the highest based on elevation. It is 3,356 feet above sea level. The main language of Andorra is Catalan. Tourism is the main industry in Andorra. Andorra is ranked fourth in the world when it comes to human life expectancy. The expected life span of a person in Andorra is 82 years of age. There is no official army in Andorra. They are protected by France and Spain. However, when emergencies arise within Andorra all men between the ages of 21 and 60 are required by law to serve and defend. By law the male head of each family in Andorra is required to own a gun in case of attack or emergency. Out of each year Andorra commonly receives 300 days of sunshine. Only 2 percent of Andorra is used for agriculture. The majority of food and resources has to be shipped in to the country. Free healthcare is provided by the government for all individuals that are employed. |
| Political Parties in Andorra |
| Social
Democratic Party Democratic
Renewal (Andorra) Democrats
for Andorra Andorra
for Change Greens
of Andorra Liberal
Party of Andorra Parochial
Union of Independents Group Lauredian
Union New
Centre (Andorra)
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| Rivers in Andorra |
| Gran
Valira The Gran Valira is a tributary to the Segre, which in turn is a tributary to the Ebro. It flows into the Segre in La Seu d'Urgell. Its main tributaries are the Valira d'Orient, the Valira del Nord and the Madriu. The Valira river system is 35 kilometres (22 mi) long. The map service of the Andorran government calls it the Gran Valira. In certain sources, especially those with a Spanish influence such as maps published in Spain, it is sometimes referred to as the Valira because in the territory of Spain there is only one Valira river. In Andorra, however, there are several different Valiras and hence there is a need to distinguish between them. Ariège (river) |