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Andorra

✨ The small country of the Pyrenees

Andorra is a small landlocked country in southwestern Europe, located in the eastern Pyrenees between France and Spain. Covering about 468 square kilometres, it is one of Europe’s smallest states. Its territory is largely mountainous, with narrow valleys, steep slopes and peaks rising above 2,000 metres.

The highest point is Coma Pedrosa, at 2,942 metres. The capital, Andorra la Vella, lies in a valley near the confluence of the Valira rivers and is the highest capital city in Europe, at roughly 1,000 metres above sea level. Catalan is the official language, while Spanish and French are also widely spoken.

Andorra has a unique political system known as a parliamentary co-principality. Its two heads of state are the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell in Spain, who serve jointly as co-princes. The country is not a member of the European Union, although it has close economic and travel links with neighboring countries.

Tourism plays a major role in the economy, especially through mountain resorts and winter sports. Visitors also come for hiking, nature and shopping. Andorra uses the euro as its currency. Its mountainous landscape, compact territory and distinctive political institutions make it an unusual country within Europe.

💡 Did you know?

Did you know that Andorra is the only country in the world to have two heads of state at the same time? They are called 'co-princes'. One is the Bishop of Urgell (in Spain) and the other is the President of France! This incredible tradition has lasted for over 700 years. Even if it is an independent country, it maintains this unique link with its two large neighbors.

Andorra is a true mountain giant! It is the highest country in Europe by its average altitude. Its capital, Andorra la Vella, is located at an altitude of 1,023 meters, making it the highest capital on the continent. Because of this, winters are very snowy and the landscapes look like magnificent high mountain postcards all year round.

Do you know which language is officially spoken in Andorra? It's Catalan! It is the only country in the world where Catalan is the sole official language of the state. It is a Romance language that sounds a bit like French and Spanish. Andorran children are true language champions: from a very young age, they often learn Catalan, French, and Spanish at the same time in school!