42 Facts About Andorra

Geography & Nature

1. Andorra is a landlocked microstate in southwestern Europe, nestled in the eastern Pyrenees between France and Spain, and is officially known as the Principality of Andorra.

2. Covering about 468 km², it is Europe’s sixth-smallest country and world’s sixteenth-smallest.

3. The country is rugged and mountainous; the highest point is Coma Pedrosa at 2,946 m, and the lowest point is along the Riu Runer at 840 m.

4. The longest river is the Gran Valira, which flows out into Spain.

5. Only ~1.6–1.7% of the land is arable; but about 39.9% is agricultural (pasture, small cultivation), and ~34% is forested.

History & Politics 

1. Andorra is a co-principality, with dual heads of state: the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell (Spain)—a unique system in the world.

2. The 1982 constitution, enacted in 1993, modernized governance while maintaining the co-princes system and the principality status.

3. Andorra joined the United Nations and the Council of Europe in 1993.

Culture & Society 

1. The official language is Catalan—the only country where Catalan holds that status. Spanish, French, and Portuguese are also commonly spoken due to immigration and proximity.

2. With virtually no airport, international access is via airports in nearby Spain and France.

3. Most education is compulsory up to age 16, with schools funded by Andorra and partially staffed by teachers from Spain and France.

4. Tourism dominates the economy, drawing about 9 million visitors annually to ski resorts like Vallnord and Grandvalira (Grand Valira).

Economy & Infrastructure 

1. Tourism accounts for around 80% of GDP. Duty-free shopping and banking (“tax haven”) also bolster revenue.

2. Arable land is scarce; most food is imported, with sheep raising being the main agricultural activity.

3. Healthcare is excellent, with the highest Healthcare Access and Quality Index score globally.

4. Life expectancy is among the highest in the world—about 84.6 years (2023), with women averaging 86.9 and men 82.1 years.

Nature & Wildlife 

1. Andorra is home to threatened species such as the common otter, Apollo butterfly, and lesser horseshoe bat.

2. Its northern valleys are snow-covered for several months yearly, contributing to its thriving ski tourism.

Symbols & Facts 

1. Andorra’s official name: Principality of Andorra.

2. Capital: Andorra la Vella, the highest capital in Europe at about 1,023 m.

3. Life expectancy (2024 est.): ~83.8 years.

4. Population demographics: Around 24.8% Spanish, 11.2% Portuguese, 4.5% French, and the rest primarily Andorran and others.