Andorra

805 CE – Traditionally founded by Charlemagne

1278 – Co-principality established under French and Spanish influence

18th–19th centuries – Remains neutral and independent in European conflicts

1933 – Universal male suffrage introduced

1993 – Modern constitution enacted; joins United Nations (date of modern state formation)

2002 – Signs monetary agreement to use the Euro

2020s – Continues economic modernization and EU alignment

Location: Southwestern Europe (Eastern Pyrenees, between France and Spain)
Capital: Andorra la Vella
Language: Catalan (official); Spanish, French, Portuguese also spoken
Currency: Euro (€) (uses the euro through a monetary agreement with the EU)
Population: ~79,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET, UTC+1); Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2)

Borders: France, Spain
Landscape: Mountainous (Pyrenees), deep valleys, alpine lakes
Major Rivers: Valira River
Notable Features: Pyrenean ski resorts, Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley (UNESCO site)

Ethnic Groups: Andorran (~49%), Spanish, Portuguese, French
Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Urban Population: ~88% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: High life expectancy; resident foreign population >50%

Famous For: Skiing, tax-free shopping, Romanesque churches
Cuisine: Catalan-influenced – escudella, trinxat, mountain cheeses
Arts: Folk music, Catalan traditions, stone architecture
Sports: Skiing, mountain biking, football

Economy Type: Service-based, tourism-driven
GDP: Approx. $3.3 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Tourism, retail, finance, construction
Key Exports: Tobacco, furniture, electronics (exports limited)
Unemployment Rate: Very low (~3%) (last updated: 2024)
Economic Notes: Tourism = ~80% of GDP; popular ski and shopping destination

Government Type: Parliamentary co-principality
Heads of State: Co-Princes – President of France & Bishop of Urgell (Spain)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Xavier Espot Zamora (last updated: April 2025)
Legislature: General Council (unicameral)
Constitution: In effect since 1993

Andorra la Vella: Old town, shopping avenues
Ski Resorts: Grandvalira, Vallnord
Nature: Madriu Valley, Coma Pedrosa
Cultural Sites: Romanesque churches, museums, stone villages
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 1 (last updated: 2023)