Andorra, officially the Principality of Andorra, is one of the tiniest states in Europe and interestingly can fit into new York thrice.
The country which lies in between the two giants France and Spain and located on the south slopes of the Pyrenees Mountains, has a total population of approximately 75,000.
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It is reported that the country was created to serve as a protective barrier that would keep Muslim off from mixing and converting to Christianity in France.
Even though the country has not been added in the eurozone or the EU, its official currency in Andorra is the euro.
Language
Andorra boasts as the only country that has treasured the Catalan language and even made it it official language.
Catalan is actually the official language of Catalonia but not widely spoken in the country as in Andorra where it’s spoken in the whole country.
Spanish and French are also spoken in the country but not as much as the Catalan language.
Andorra La Vella
The capital of Andorra is Andorra La Vella is the highest capital city in Europe with an elevation of 3,356 feet (1,023 meters).
Andorra is a principality
A principality is a country governed by a Prince or Princess, and interestingly Andorra is ruled by two princes.
The two co-rulers of Andorra are The Bishop of Urgell and the President of France making Andorra a top example of democratically elected leader serving in a royal capacity in another country.
The current Bishop of Urgell Joan Enric Vives Sicília and Emmanuel Macron, the current president of France are the current princes of Andorra.
However, Macron is the current head of the state owing to that the president
Tourism
Andorra is popularly known for for tourism, particularly skiing as it has many ski resorts.
Every year the country receives millions of visitors who enjoys the miles and miles of ski slopes.
The country also receives it’s visitors due to its Duty-Free shopping.
In the past, before tourism become a major source of income in Andorra, the country thrived on sheep and tobacco!
Flag
Andorra flag composed of a vertical tricolor of blue, yellow, and red stripe and a yellow coat of arms in the middle of the yellow stripe was adopted in 1886.
The coat of arms refers to the country’s ties with Spain, whereas the second points to its relations with France.
Miter and crutches in the upper left quarter of the coat of arms symbolizes the Spanish Bishop while the two red cows at the bottom right are signs of France’s province of Bern.
No army
Andorra being the largest microstate country in Europe has never had an army of its own.
However, the families of the two princes had two make plans for army during extreme times of need.
No airport
Andorra also tops in the world’s country’s that lack airports.
Anyone from abroad willing to visit the country can only reach there via land or fly to either France or Spain and later use a vehicle to the country.
The two most popular international airport neighbouring Andorra are Toulouse in France and Barcelona in Spain.
On the same note, The country’s postal service is purely operated by France and Spain.
The two states issue unique stamps that can only be used by Andorrans.
Highest life expectancy
Andorrans actually have one of the highest life expectancy rate in the world.
People in the country can live to very old ages.
It is reported that for female it’s around 84 while that for men is around 80.
It is believed that the fresh mountain air and hiking the hills make these people live to a ripe old age.
Andorra’s official currency is Euro even though the country is not part of the European Union.
Never won an Olympic medal
Andorra might hold a very big celebration when they bag an Olympic medal which they have never done over the past years.
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The country unfortunately has been taking part in the Olympics since 1976 but has been always unlucky in both winter and summer Olympics.
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