Andorra

ONE OF THE WORLD’S true curiosities, the sovereign coprincipality of Andorra retains independent status which, according to local history, was granted in the 9th century by Charlemagne for the people’s valiant services to him against the Moors. Consisting of the upper valleys of the river Valira, this tiny country is nestled among the high mountain passes of the Pyrénées between FRANCE and SPAIN. Only 2.5 times the size of Washington, D.C., it is one of the smallest countries in the world. What makes Andorra truly curious, however, is it’s unusual status as a coprincipality, though without a local prince; instead, it is governed jointly by the republic of FRANCE and by the Bishop of Urgell, a small town a few miles to the south in Spain. The French president and the bishop act as coprinces only nominally, however, and since 1993 the country has been entirely sovereign and self-ruling.

PEAKS AND VALLEYS

Andorra is located between the French department of Ariège, in the region of Midi-Pyrénées, and the Spanish province of Lérida (or Lleida) in the region of Catalonia. Consisting of high mountain peaks and narrow valleys, the elevation of Andorra ranges from 6,500 to 10,000 ft (2,000 to 3,000 m). The climate is fairly severe, restricting vegetation to minimal mountain scrub:

One suggestion of the origin of the name Andorra, is that it comes from a local term for “shrub-covered.” But this climate provides excellent high mountain pastures for sheep and cattle and is also a great attraction for skiers from all over Europe. The economy runs mostly on tourism, with numerous summer and winter resorts, and also as a duty-free shopping center. Much of Andorra remains rural. Most of its inhabitants live in one of six main villages, raise their herds of sheep or cattle, and manage small farms, raising rye, wheat, barley, oats, and vegetables. There are also some fruit orchards and vineyards. Most of the population lives in and around the capital, Andorra la Vella, where there is some light manufacture, notably cigarettes, sandals, and anisette liqueur