Andorra is a country as small as a village, nestled entirely in a valley and somewhat “forgotten” by the world.
Andorra is a small nation located in the heart of Europe, covering an area of only 468 km2. It lies in the eastern part of the Pyrenees mountain range, bordering Spain and France. This country is the 16th smallest in the world by land area and the 11th smallest by population. The two ends of the country are only about 40 km apart. The total population of Andorra is approximately 85,000, including both citizens and residents. Surprisingly, despite its small size, most buildings are located at the bottom of the valley because the majority of the land is mountainous. Therefore, the entire nation resembles a picturesque village.
Although it seems “forgotten,” Andorra is a beautiful land characterized by majestic mountains, lakes, and charming villages, still preserving its peace. It is quite a prosperous country, with a per capita GDP in 2022 estimated at around 65,000 USD, higher than its neighbor France.
Andorra is a small country with an area of only 468 km2.
Andorra is the only co-principality in the world
A principality is a territory ruled by a prince. Monaco is an example of a principality. Andorra is even more unique as a co-principality. It has two princes who hold the title. Surprisingly, neither prince is from Andorra. One is the current President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and the other prince is the Bishop of Urgell, currently Joan Enric Vives Sicília. This position is a constitutional role similar to that of a constitutional monarchy and does not hold actual power.
This is the only country where a head of state (the President of France) is democratically elected by another country. The other prince—the Bishop—is also appointed by the head of state of another country (the Pope).
Andorra is the only country in the world that uses Catalan as its official language
Catalan is spoken in regions of Spain, parts of France, and a smaller part of Sardinia. However, Andorra is the only country that uses Catalan as its official language.
Andorra has no national bank, no prison, and has never had its own currency
There is no prison system in Andorra due to the small population.
Andorra currently uses the Euro as its currency. Previously, it primarily used the Spanish Peseta and occasionally the French Franc. There is no national bank in Andorra, so residents must use private banks if needed.
Andorra also has no prison system because of its small population. Convicted individuals in Andorra may choose to serve their sentences in France or Spain.
Andorra is not a member of the EU, EFTA, or the Eurozone
Andorra is not a member of most major European associations. Although it uses the Euro, the country is theoretically not part of the Eurozone. They still maintain a special relationship with the EU and adhere to trade rules for industry but not for agriculture.
The people of Andorra have the 8th highest life expectancy in the world
With an average life expectancy of 82.9 years, Andorrans have the 8th highest life expectancy in the world. Except for Japan, all other countries with high average life expectancies tend to be small nations or territories: Monaco, Singapore, San Marino, Iceland, and Hong Kong (China).
Andorra has the highest number of tourists per capita in the world
Andorra receives over 10 million visitors each year.
This tiny kingdom is clearly not a prominent name on the world tourism map, and very few people are aware of it. However, with over 10,000,000 tourists each year and a population of only 85,000, Andorra still holds the title for the highest number of tourists per capita in the world. Most visitors to Andorra are citizens of Spain and France, mainly coming to shop and purchase fuel at lower prices.
A Russian explorer once claimed ownership of Andorra
On July 6, 1934, Boris Skossyreff claimed sovereignty over Andorra and received the support of the Andorran General Council. On July 8, he proclaimed himself Boris I, King of Andorra, but was later expelled.
