en.infoglobe.cz » Andorra - A Mountaneous Country - I.

Andorra - A Mountaneous Country - I.

Published: 2.7.2011
Andorra belongs, with the exception of Monaco, Liechtenstein, Vatican and San Marino, to the smallest states of the Europe.

The Principality of Andorra (Principat d´Andorra) is a country, situated in South-West Europe, along east slopes of the Pyrenees, between Spain and France. The territory of Andorra is mountaneous, divided with several valleys, whereas prevailing part of the country is placed in an altitude exceeding 900 metres above sea level. The rivers of Valira and Ariege flow downstairs, from north-east to south-west direction. On mountain ridges, big number of glacier lakes, as well as springs of mineral and thermal waters, are to be found. Coma Pedrosa (2942 m) is the highest peak of the country, situated in its north-west part. Total territorial surface makes 468 square kilometres. This is more, as far as the largeness is concerned, as total surface of Monaco, San Marino or Liechtenstein.

The Principality has totally 84 825 inhabitants. Capital Andorra la Vella has approx. 25000 persons. Regarding nationalities, the Spaniards (43%) and native Andorrians (33%) predominate. Both nationalities belong to the ethnical group of Catalunyans. The Portugueses (11%), and Frenchmen (7%) form another minorities. A share of representants of remaining ethnic groups makes 6% approx. The Catalunyan is an official language, to the other means of understanding belong French, Castillian and Portuguese languages. Roman-Catholic confession is predominating in the country.

From administrative point of view, Andorra is divided among seven parishes, such as:

Andorra la Vella, Canillo, Encamp, Escades-Engordany, La Massana, Ordino, Sant Julia de Loria. The parishes are managed by means of general councillors, with ten persons, elected Mayor and his deputy.

Officially, Andorra is a Principality, but in fact, the country is Parliamentary Republic, with two Heads of State (French President is a participant for France,and Bishop Seo de Urgell, is a participant for Spain), whereas both parts are represented with governors (viguiers). Internal autonomy is kept by means of wide autonomous rights, with one-chamber Parliament, formed with 28 representatives, elected for four years time period. The Parliament votes for Prime Minister, and this person nominates all Ministers. The eligibility is permitted for Andorra citizens only.

The Principality has developped economy, so, trade and tourist activities belong to most important economical branches (both sections form nearly 80% of GNP. The country is visited with nearly 9 millions of tourists each year). Gross National Product  makes approx. 1,2 billions of dollars (1998). In agricultural sector predominate sheep - rearing and tobacco-growing, regarding manufacture, it is tobacco production, cheese and mineral waters production, furniture production, etc. The services´ nest is in close connection to tourist activities, trade and banking services.

The History of Andorra

Andorra belongs to the oldest states of Europe. The first message about its inhabitants was found in Latin Chronicles in the 2nd century B.C. Nevertheless, the foundation of Andorra-State happened later, during rule of Charles the Great, the King and Emperor of Frank Empire (768-814). So, according to the legend, five thousands of Andorra citizens, led by Mark Almugaber, helped his army, struggling against Arabs at Catalunyan Fields. In 788, the King declared, as his expression of gratitude, all Andorra inhabitants as a sovereign nation, fully under his protection. The state became a part of Seo de Urgell Episcopate and local inhabitants had their duty to pay a symbolic tax, in a form of 1-2 pieces of trouts, obtained from Valira-river.

Later, in 817, Andorra and the territory, situated in south direction, became a part of Frank Empire, Toulon County. Emperor Louis I., known as „Pious“ (814-840) presented Andorra inhabitants with Great Freedom Charter (Magna Charta). After a moment when this Empire ceased to exist, French King Charles II, known as „Bare Head“, (843-877), handed over this territory (in 843), to Sunifred I, a Count of Cerdanyi and Urgell. Later, all rights of this territory were sold to the Bishop of Urgell. Shortly afterthat, the inhabitants were forced to pay their taxes in a form of 4 legs, 40 pieces of bread and 40 bottles of wine.

Next chapter: another interesting moments from Andorra´s history and most important places of interest

Text: Maxim Kucer

Translation: ing. Jan Jonáš

Photo: Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons - LynxIV, Josemanuel (foto 2), Iorentey, Christof Damian



Discussion at the article (0)


Related Articles

Andorra - A Mountaneous Country - II.
Published: 9.7.2011
Andorra - History (Continued)

Andorra – Little Country in the Heart of Big Mountains
Published: 19.2.2024
If you are going on a trip to Andorra, be prepared that this small but culturally rich country is not accessible by all means of transport. There is not a single railway station in the Principality, and you cannot get there by plane. On the other hand, cable cars, which are blessed in this tiny country, are considered to be a very common means of transport. Another good news is the extremely low gasoline prices, which are not subject to value added tax.

Place

Czech republic

Partners:

We were awarded the certificate even thanks to you!

Dôveryhodná firma 2017

 

Guide:

Important Information:

Information and warnings on travelling abroad is to be found HERE.

Mobile application:

aplikácia Infoglobe

stiahnuť zadarmo pre Androidstiahnuť zadarmo pre iPhone

 

 

Today:thursday 28. 3. 2024
Holiday:Soňa
Today:
thursday 28.3.
6 °C
Tomorrow:
friday 29.3.
5 °C

TIP: INFOGLOBE app is available for your device, download HERE.

X

TIP: INFOGLOBE app is available for your device, download HERE.

X