Andorra
Andorra is a small (pop. 73,100, size 464 km squared), mountainous country in the Pyrenees mountains in Europe, and is on the Iberian Peninsula, on the border between France and Spain, in Southern Europe.
For 715 years, from 1278 to 1994, Andorrans lived under a unique co-principality ruled by 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.
Andorra is arguably a city-state and has no distinct cities as such. However Andorra La Vella is the capital city (pop. 23,300) of Andorra, and the main shopping destination. One thing that this charming beautifully set high mountain capital city does not have is a lot of room.
Imagine a steep gorge in the mountains and now cram into it a whole capital city complete with roads, restaurants, souvenir shops, services, hotels and transport system, and you have Andorra La Vella. That's not much room for nearly 24,000 citizens plus a vast number of tourists. It also doesn't lay the way for middle of the road prices and fast service. You need patience in Andorra La Vella and you shouldn't complain if the simplest business has made room for a couple of cars and charges you for it.
For 715 years, from 1278 to 1994, Andorrans lived under a unique co-principality ruled by 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.
Andorra is arguably a city-state and has no distinct cities as such. However Andorra La Vella is the capital city (pop. 23,300) of Andorra, and the main shopping destination. One thing that this charming beautifully set high mountain capital city does not have is a lot of room.
Imagine a steep gorge in the mountains and now cram into it a whole capital city complete with roads, restaurants, souvenir shops, services, hotels and transport system, and you have Andorra La Vella. That's not much room for nearly 24,000 citizens plus a vast number of tourists. It also doesn't lay the way for middle of the road prices and fast service. You need patience in Andorra La Vella and you shouldn't complain if the simplest business has made room for a couple of cars and charges you for it.
Top Destinations in Andorra
