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Andorra

Andorra

Capital:Andorra la Vella
Population:77,265
Currency:Euro (EUR)
Language:Catalan (official), French, Castilian, Portuguese
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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Andorra.

Andorra Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Andorrans are very proud of their nationality. It is very difficult for foreigners to get an Andorran passport. "New Andorrans" are said to be a little arrogant, while "Old" Andorrans are very traditional, modest but proud, and typically Catalan people.

estany de pessons

High Kingdom of the Pyrenees

Get More Customs and Culture

5 more cultural topics for members

Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation

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Holidays

  • Independence Day

    8/19

    Independence Day

Dates of Interest

  • March 8th

    This internationally renowned endurance race takes place in July and attracts trail runners from around the world. The challenging course winds through Andorra's stunning landscapes, offering participants a unique and demanding sporting experience.

How do people greet each other in Andorra?

Andorrans greet the Spanish way: women hug and kiss on each cheek when greeting other women and men, while men shake hands and never kiss except with close relatives. Catalan is used, and Spanish and French are also widely spoken and understood.

Do

  • Say "Bon dia" (good morning) or "Bona tarda" (good afternoon), and "Com esta" (how do you do?) in Catalan
  • Offer a firm handshake with eye contact and a friendly smile when meeting someone for the first time
  • Exchange one or two kisses on alternating cheeks with friends, family, and acquaintances

Good to know

  • Everyone understands and speaks Spanish (Castilian) and French as well as Catalan

What are dining customs like in Andorra?

Andorran cuisine is mainly Catalan, featuring farm produce and fresh game. A favorite entree is trinxat (boiled potatoes and cabbage) and a favorite dessert is coques, flat cakes made with grape syrup, brandy, and other flavorings.

Good to know

  • Cooking has become very popular among Andorran men

What etiquette should I know when visiting an Andorran home?

Bringing a small present like sweets, chocolate, or dessert when invited to lunch or dinner is welcome, though flowers are not very common.

Do

  • Bring a small gift such as sweets, chocolate, or dessert when invited

Good to know

  • The old custom of hosts overwhelming guests with food is outdated nowadays

How should I dress in Andorra?

Andorrans wear modern Western-style clothing every day, and traditional clothing is only worn as costumes for special occasions.

Good to know

  • There are good fashion shops with all the big brands available
  • Traditional women's dress includes a full flowered skirt over a white petticoat, blouse, long black fingerless net gloves, and black espadrilles; men wear a white shirt, dark knee-length pants, white stockings, black shoes, and sometimes a broad red sash

What gestures are important in Andorra?

Non-verbal cues like eye contact, smiling, nodding, and body language are significant in Andorran communication. Andorra shares many common gestures with neighboring countries.

Do

  • Nod up and down to signal agreement, "yes," or understanding
  • Use a friendly hand-wave to greet someone from a distance
  • Use open palms facing upward to show openness, honesty, and a welcoming attitude
  • In outdoor activities like skiing or hiking, raise an open palm for "stop" and point to indicate direction

Good to know

  • Tilt or shake the head from side to side to indicate "no" or disagreement
  • Raising the thumb signifies approval; crossing index and middle fingers wishes good luck

What role does family play in Andorra?

Life centers around the family, which is very wide and includes direct, indirect, and very indirect relatives, with the father as the head of the house.

Good to know

  • "Trobadas" are popular family gatherings, generally in summer around a barbecue
  • Holidays like Christmas or the National Patron Saint Day are also used for family gatherings
  • Most Andorrans live in slate-roofed homes built against the hillside

What do people do for recreation in Andorra?

Skiing is a favorite pastime thanks to the mountainous climate and snow for about half the year, while hiking and mountain climbing are favorites in summer. Other sports include rugby, soccer, and tennis.

Good to know

  • Most Andorrans head eastbound to the Mediterranean coast or to second homes elsewhere in Europe for vacations

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Andorra

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Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Currency
0.9214
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Climate
Temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers
Airports
0
Recommended Vaccinations
How important is it to do your research about vaccinations? It might just save your life! Make yourself aware of the different types of vaccinations and which ones you may need to travel to your destination. Schedule an appointment with your doctor at least four to six weeks before you travel to ensure you receive all important shots. Be sure that you and your family are up to date on your routine vaccinations. Which vaccinations you need will depend on a number of factors including your destination, whether you will be spending time in rural areas, the season of the year you are traveling, your age, health status, and previous immunizations.
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Coques (Flat Cakes)

Dessert

Browse all 2 recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Carolingian Origins

    803 – 1278

    Charlemagne's reconquest of the Andorran valleys from the Moors in 803 established the region as one of his March states — buffer territories guarding Christian France's southern frontier. Tradition holds that Charlemagne granted the Andorrans a charter in recognition of their military service. Authority passed through the Counts of Urgell to the Diocese of Urgell, setting the stage for centuries of Franco-Spanish rivalry over the territory.

  2. Co-Principality Founded

    1278 – 1607

    The pareage of 1278, signed by the Count of Foix and the Bishop of Seu d'Urgell, resolved a prolonged territorial dispute by establishing joint Franco-Spanish sovereignty over Andorra. This feudal compact gave the small state its distinctive political form — shared rule between two foreign lords of equal standing. The arrangement proved remarkably durable, preserving Andorran autonomy while insulating it from the dynastic conflicts reshaping the rest of medieval Europe.

  3. Royal Edict Era

    1607 – 1866

    Henry IV of France formalized the co-principality in 1607, transferring the Foix title to the French crown and establishing the enduring dual-sovereignty model of the French head of state and the Bishop of Urgell. Andorra remained deeply isolated throughout this period, its mountainous terrain limiting outside contact to France and Spain. The population subsisted through pastoral farming and modest trade, largely untouched by the wars and revolutions convulsing continental Europe.

  4. Early Democratization

    1866 – 1982

    The New Reform of 1866 introduced an expanded electoral system, marking Andorra's first significant steps toward representative governance. The twentieth century brought gradual modernization: postwar tourism transformed the economy from subsistence agriculture to one of the most prosperous per-capita in Europe. Women received the right to vote in 1970, and the first executive government — the Govern — took office in 1982, signaling the co-principality's transition toward modern statehood.

  5. Parliamentary Democracy

    1993 – present

    In 1993 Andorra adopted its first written constitution, converting the medieval co-principality into a parliamentary democracy while retaining the French president and the Bishop of Urgell as ceremonial co-princes. The country joined the United Nations that same year and gradually integrated into broader European frameworks. Banking reform, including the 2009 agreement to ease financial secrecy rules, reflected Andorra's ongoing accommodation with international regulatory standards alongside its thriving, tax-advantaged tourist economy.

Overview

Andorra

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Timeline of Key Events

  1. 803

    Emperor Charlemagne recovers area of present-day Andorra from Moors.

    Emperor Charlemagne recovers area of present-day Andorra from Moors and is said to grant charter to its residents. After Charlemagne’s death Andorra is granted to Spain’s Count of Urgel by Charles II, grandson of Charlemagne.

  2. 1278

    Andorra adopts joint allegiance to a French and a Spanish prince.

    Under terms of “pareage” agreement, Andorra adopts joint allegiance to a French and a Spanish prince after disputes between French heirs to the Urgel countship and the Spanish bishops of Urgel.

  3. 1607

    French royal edict establishes French head of state and bishop of Urgel as co-princes.

    French royal edict establishes French head of state and bishop of Urgel as co-princes.

  4. 1866

    New Reform changes electoral system, heralds process of democratisation.

    New Reform changes electoral system, heralds process of democratization.

  5. 1970

    Women given the vote.

    Women given the vote.

  6. 1982

    First executive branch of government, known as the Govern, takes office.

    First executive branch of government, known as the Govern, takes office. Its head is elected by Council of the Land.

  7. 2009

    Andorra agrees to ease banking secrecy rules.

    Andorra agrees to ease banking secrecy rules to make it easier for other countries to pursue tax evaders and money launderers.

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Interesting Facts

  • Andorra, located in the heart of the Pyrenees Mountains, is the hightest inhabited country in Europe.

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Geography and Environment

landlocked; straddles a number of important crossroads in the Pyrenees
Terrain
rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys
Climate
temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers
Natural Hazards
avalanches
Current Environmental Issues
deforestation; overgrazing of mountain meadows contributes to soil erosion; air pollution; wastewater treatment and solid waste disposal
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Catalan (official), French, Castilian, Portuguese

  • Catalan
  • French
  • Portuguese

Population

Population
77,265
Population: Male/Female
male: 43,652 female: 41,718
Population Distribution
population is unevenly distributed and is concentrated in the seven urbanized valleys that make up the country's parishes (political administrative divisions)
Urban Population
urban population: 87.8% of total population rate of urbanization: 0.11% annual rate of change
Population in Major Urban Areas
23,000 ANDORRA LA VELLA (capital)
Nationality Noun
noun: Andorran(s) adjective: Andorran
Ethnic Groups
Spanish 34.3%, Andorran 32.1%, Portuguese 10%, French 5.6%, other 18%
Language Note
Catalan (official) 44.1%, Castilian 40.3%, Portuguese 13.5%, French 10%, English 3%, other 6.8% note: data represent mother tongue

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
total population: 84.0 years male: 81.9 years female: 86.2 years
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 10.99 liters of pure alcohol beer: 3.59 liters of pure alcohol wine: 4.98 liters of pure alcohol spirits: 2.32 liters of pure alcohol other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol
Tobacco Use
total: 31.8% male: 35.3% female: 28.3%
Infant Mortality Rate
total: 3.6 deaths/1,000 live births male: 3.7 deaths/1,000 live births female: 3.4 deaths/1,000 live births

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
total population: 84.0 years male: 81.9 years female: 86.2 years
Median Age
total: 48.8 years male: 48.7 years female: 48.8 years
Age Structure
0-14 years: 12% (male 5,276/female 4,954) 15-64 years: 67.7% (male 29,562/female 28,201) 65 years and over: 20.4% (male 8,814/female 8,563)
Infant Mortality Rate
total: 3.6 deaths/1,000 live births male: 3.7 deaths/1,000 live births female: 3.4 deaths/1,000 live births
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Andorra
Full Country Name
Principality of Andorra
Local - Long
Principat d'Andorra
Local - Short
Andorra

Government Structure

Government Type
parliamentary democracy (since March 1993) that retains as its chiefs of state a coprincipality; the two princes are the president of France and bishop of Seo de Urgel, Spain, who are represented locally by coprinces' representatives
Legal System
based on French and Spanish civil codes; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive Branch
chief of state: French Coprince Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017), represented by Patrick STRZODA (since 2017); Spanish Coprince Bishop Joan-Enric VIVES i SICILIA (since 12 May 2003), represented by Josep Maria MAURI (since 2012) head of government: Prime Minister (Cap de Govern) Xavier ESPOT ZAMORA (since 16 May 2019) cabinet: Executive Council or Govern designated by the Prime Minister and formally appointed by the coprinces elections: Prime Minister elected by the General Council following legislative elections and formally appointed by the coprinces for a four-year term; election last held on 2 April 2023 (next to be held in 2027) election results: Xavier ESPOT ZAMORA reelected Prime Minister following the April 2023 general election, in which his party, Democrats for Andorra (DA), secured the largest share of seats in the General Council
Legislative Branch
Unicameral General Council of the Valleys or Consell General de les Valls (28 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote, 14 from a single national constituency and 14 to represent each of the seven parishes, with two seats per parish; members serve four-year terms) Elections: last held on 2 April 2023 (next to be held in 2027) Election results: percent of vote by party - DA 34.4%, PS 24.9%, Concòrdia 12.3%, CC 10.8%, Terceravia+Unió Laurediana+Independents 9.0%, other 8.6%; seats by party - DA 17, PS 5, Concòrdia 3, CC 2, Terceravia+Unió Laurediana+Independents 1
Judicial Branch
Tribunal of Judges or Tribunal de Batlles; Tribunal of the Courts or Tribunal de Corts; Supreme Court of Justice of Andorra or Tribunal Superior de Justicia d'Andorra; Supreme Council of Justice or Consell Superior de la Justicia; Fiscal Ministry or Ministeri Fiscal; Constitutional Tribunal or Tribunal Constitucional
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
Andorra's first written constitution was drafted in 1991; approved by referendum 14 March 1993; came into force 4 May 1993
Independence
1278 (was formed under the joint suzerainty of the French count of Foix and the Spanish bishop of Urgel)
National Holiday
Our Lady of Meritxell Day, 8 September (1278)

Capital City

Capital Name
Andorra la Vella
Capital - geographic coordinate
42 30 N, 1 31 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

translates as "Andorra the Old" in Catalan

Military

Branches: No regular military forces, Police Service of Andorra

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

Calle Serrano, 75

28006 Madrid, Spain

Telephone: (34) 91 587 2240

Emergency after-hours telephone: (34) 91 587 2200

Ask to speak to the duty officer if you need emergency assistance outside business hours.

Facsimile: (34) 91 587 2303

E-mail: askacs@state.gov

Website: U.S. Embassy Madrid

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Economy

Tourism, the mainstay of Andorra's small, prosperous economy, accounts for roughly 80% of GDP. An estimated 8 to 10 million visitors arrive annually, drawn by Andorra's duty-free shopping and its summer and winter mountain resorts.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Euro (EUR)
GDP Real Growth Rate
1.2%
GDP by Sector
agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
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News & Weather

Current Weather

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Latest News

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Climate Overview

Temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers

Videos

1 curated YouTube videos.

  • Source: YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Andorra?
The population of Andorra is approximately 77,265.
How do people greet each other in Andorra?
Andorrans greet the Spanish way: women hug and kiss on each cheek when greeting other women and men, while men shake hands and never kiss except with close relatives. Catalan is used, and Spanish and French are also widely spoken and understood. Do: Say "Bon dia" (good morning) or "Bona tarda" (good afternoon), and "Com esta" (how do you do?) in Catalan Offer a firm handshake with eye contact and a friendly smile when meeting someone for the first time Exchange one or two kisses on alternating cheeks with friends, family, and acquaintances Everyone understands and speaks Spanish (Castilian) and French as well as Catalan
What are dining customs like in Andorra?
Andorran cuisine is mainly Catalan, featuring farm produce and fresh game. A favorite entree is trinxat (boiled potatoes and cabbage) and a favorite dessert is coques, flat cakes made with grape syrup, brandy, and other flavorings. Cooking has become very popular among Andorran men
What etiquette should I know when visiting an Andorran home?
Bringing a small present like sweets, chocolate, or dessert when invited to lunch or dinner is welcome, though flowers are not very common. Do: Bring a small gift such as sweets, chocolate, or dessert when invited The old custom of hosts overwhelming guests with food is outdated nowadays
How should I dress in Andorra?
Andorrans wear modern Western-style clothing every day, and traditional clothing is only worn as costumes for special occasions. There are good fashion shops with all the big brands available Traditional women's dress includes a full flowered skirt over a white petticoat, blouse, long black fingerless net gloves, and black espadrilles; men wear a white shirt, dark knee-length pants, white stockings, black shoes, and sometimes a broad red sash
What gestures are important in Andorra?
Non-verbal cues like eye contact, smiling, nodding, and body language are significant in Andorran communication. Andorra shares many common gestures with neighboring countries. Do: Nod up and down to signal agreement, "yes," or understanding Use a friendly hand-wave to greet someone from a distance Use open palms facing upward to show openness, honesty, and a welcoming attitude In outdoor activities like skiing or hiking, raise an open palm for "stop" and point to indicate direction Tilt or shake the head from side to side to indicate "no" or disagreement Raising the thumb signifies approval; crossing index and middle fingers wishes good luck
What role does family play in Andorra?
Life centers around the family, which is very wide and includes direct, indirect, and very indirect relatives, with the father as the head of the house. "Trobadas" are popular family gatherings, generally in summer around a barbecue Holidays like Christmas or the National Patron Saint Day are also used for family gatherings Most Andorrans live in slate-roofed homes built against the hillside
What do people do for recreation in Andorra?
Skiing is a favorite pastime thanks to the mountainous climate and snow for about half the year, while hiking and mountain climbing are favorites in summer. Other sports include rugby, soccer, and tennis. Most Andorrans head eastbound to the Mediterranean coast or to second homes elsewhere in Europe for vacations
What is the capital of Andorra?
Andorra la Vella is the capital of Andorra and serves as the country's political, commercial, and cultural center. Situated in a narrow valley at the confluence of two mountain streams, it is one of the highest capital cities in Europe. The city houses the parliament building, known as the Casa de la Vall, and is home to the majority of the country's shopping districts, which draw visitors from across the region.
Where is Andorra located?
Andorra is a small landlocked microstate located in southwestern Europe, nestled in the eastern Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. It is widely considered the highest inhabited country in Europe, with its terrain consisting almost entirely of rugged mountain valleys and peaks. Despite its small size, Andorra has maintained its sovereignty for centuries and occupies a strategically significant position along a historic mountain corridor between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of continental Europe.
What countries border Andorra?
Andorra shares its borders with exactly two countries: France to the north and Spain to the south and west. This landlocked position deep within the Pyrenees has historically isolated Andorra from broader European affairs, contributing to the preservation of its unique political and cultural character. The two bordering nations have also played a direct role in Andorra's governance, as the heads of state of both countries have traditionally served as co-princes of the principality.
What is the predominant religion in Andorra?
Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion in Andorra, practiced by approximately 90 percent of the population. The influence of the Catholic Church runs deep in Andorran society and history; indeed, the Bishop of Urgell, a Spanish Catholic prelate, has served as one of Andorra's two co-princes since 1278. Numerous Romanesque churches and chapels scattered across the country's mountain parishes stand as enduring symbols of the Church's central role in shaping Andorran culture and identity.
What currency does Andorra use?
Andorra uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency, a reflection of its close economic and geographic ties to France and Spain, both eurozone members. Andorra does not belong to the European Union but has a formal monetary agreement with the EU permitting euro usage. The country's favorable tax environment — notably the absence of personal income taxes — has historically attracted both tourists and immigrants, making its economy disproportionately prosperous relative to its size.
What language is spoken in Andorra?
Catalan is the sole official language of Andorra and serves as the primary language of government, education, and cultural life. French, Castilian (Spanish), and Portuguese are also widely spoken, reflecting the diverse origins of Andorra's resident population, which includes a significant proportion of immigrants from neighboring countries. The prevalence of Catalan distinguishes Andorra as one of the few political entities in the world where Catalan holds full official status, reinforcing a distinct cultural identity separate from both France and Spain.
What is Andorra's geography like?
Andorra is one of Europe's smallest countries, with a total area of approximately 468 square kilometers. The entire territory lies within the Pyrenees mountain range, characterized by steep valleys, dramatic peaks, and fast-flowing rivers. Elevations across the country are consistently high, with the highest point, Coma Pedrosa, reaching 2,942 meters above sea level. This mountainous terrain historically impeded outside contact, helping to preserve Andorra's unique political institutions, but it has also made the country a celebrated destination for skiing and alpine recreation.
What is Andorra known for?
Andorra is known above all for its duty-free shopping, drawing millions of visitors annually to its stores stocked with electronics, tobacco, alcohol, and luxury goods at prices well below those found in neighboring France and Spain. The country is also celebrated for its world-class ski resorts, particularly Grandvalira, one of the largest ski areas in the Pyrenees. Andorra's unusual co-principality system — in which both the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell simultaneously serve as heads of state — represents a feudal arrangement unique in the modern world. Its Romanesque churches, such as Sant Joan de Caselles, further attract culturally minded travelers.

Last reviewed 2026

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