42 Facts About Andorra

Andorra is a country in southwestern Europe that is landlocked. It is formally known as the Principality of Andorra.

Andorra is one of the safest countries in the world, with almost no incidents of pick-pocketing, car theft, or disorderly conduct.

According to some estimates, Andorra is the 14th oldest country in the world.

The government, court, and prison are housed in the "House of the Valleys," which was built in 1580 in Andorra la Vella, Andorra's capital city.

The Tour de France, the world's most prestigious cycle race, is also held in Andorra.

The military budget of the country is entirely dependent on voluntary contributions.

The country's arrangement is that all able-bodied men must serve if called upon. In the event of a natural disaster or an emergency, such men are summoned by an alarm.

It is a princely state (a territory ruled by a prince).

With an elevation of 1,023 meters, Andorra's capital city, Andorra la Vella, is Europe's highest capital city.

It is also the world's only country where Catalan is an official language.

Andorra is not a country in the European Union.

According to the CIA, Andorra ranks eighth in the world in terms of overall life expectancy, with Monaco at the top and Chad at the bottom.

According to World Bank statistics, over 10 million tourists visited Andorra last year. This demonstrates the significance of tourism to the country's economy.

According to one theory, the name Andorra is derived from the Arabic word al-durra, which means "The Pearl."

Andorra was occupied by France in 1933.

During World War II, the country served as an important smuggling route between Vichy, France, and Spain.

Andorra joined the United Nations and the Council of Europe in 1993. The country's political system was also modernized in the same year. 

Andorra is ruled by two princes. The country's co-princes are the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell. It is worth noting that it is the world's sole co-principality.

Skiing is a popular sport in the country, with millions of tourists visiting each year. Vallnord and Grand Valira are two of the country's most popular ski resorts.

In Andorra, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not provide health coverage.

The common otter is one of the country's threatened species, and the Apollo butterfly and lesser horseshoe bat are also endangered.

Because of its high elevation, the country's northern valleys are completely snowed in for several months of the year.

In their own country, Andorrans are a minority. An estimated two-thirds of the Andorran population lacks nationality. They are not permitted to vote or be elected president.

Spanish nationals make up nearly 43% of Andorra's population.

With a population of 1,555 people, Arinsal is the smallest city in the country.

It is also Europe's sixth-smallest country and the world's sixteenth-smallest country.

Only 5% of Andorra's land is arable.

Andorra was once known as "poor man's Switzerland."

There is no income or estate tax.

The constitution of Andorra went into effect on April 28th, 1993.

The Coma Pedrosa, at 2,942 metres (9,652 feet), is the country's highest mountain (highest point).

The country is devoid of airports. Nearby airports in Spain and France provide international passengers with access.

Women live longer in Andorra than men.

Andorran law requires the eldest able-bodied man in a household to keep a rifle for use in national defence.

The country has only 12 soldiers in its army. It's worth noting that this army has never fought in over 700 years.

The terrain in the country is rugged and mountainous.

Children up to the age of 16 are required by law to attend school.

The Andorran government builds and maintains schools, but Spain or France pays for the teachers.

Pork and seafood dishes are very popular in Andorra. People in the area enjoy eating snails as well.

The legal drinking age in the country is 18 years old.

In 1911, the country's first highway was built. It linked the Spanish city of La Seu-de-Urgell with the rest of the country.

According to the CIA Factbook, the country has a total roadway length of 320 kilometers.