My Views on Andorra

Andorra's long and complicated history starts in 795 when it was created by Charlemagne in 795 as a buffer state to protect Europe from the incursions of the Islamic Empire into Europe. This islamic Empire already threatened and overtook much of Southern Spain. Tradition states that Charlemagne gave a charter to the Andorrans for self-government in return for fighting against the Moors.

Andorra's twin rulers, the President of France and the Bishop of Urgel in Spain was first established in the 9th century and Charlemagnes' grandson Charles the Bald became the first diocese of Urgel.

There was conflict between the lords and the bishops in the 11th century and the bishop placed himself in custody to prevent his forced abdication.

Finally, in 1278, the conflict between the lords and the bishops were resolved. This is considered the independence day of Andorra to this day. Sovereignty was to be shared between the Count of Urgell and the Count of Foix. This feudal custom, refered to as pareage recongnized the sovereign equality of both rulers as leaders of the country and gave it's current borders.

Andorra was briefly annexed to Spain between 1396- 1512 but for the most part retained it's independence..

In 1607, Henry IV passed an edict which made the ruler of France and the Bishop of Urgell the heads of government in Andorra, which is still retained to this day.

During the Napoleonic years, France annexed Andorra and made it part of the Empire. However, this only lasted for a year between 1812-1813. Andorra was to be occupied by France during election riots in 1933-1934.

During World War iI, Andorra was a neutral state, but was a convienent smuggling route between France and Spain.

In 1993, the coprinces finally were reduced to symbolic status and a Parliament was first convened. Today, the head of state is the prime minister and the twin heads of government are the co-princes.

Andorra is a beautiful country with a high quality of life. Andorra is the country with the highest life expectancy in the world coming out to 83 years. That is 81 years for men and 85 years for women. Andorra is renowned for it's tourism industry and for it's wine and mineral water.

Andorra, is a tax haven and made citizens of European Union countries, including France and Spain have made Andorra their second home to take in the beautiful views, world standard healthcare, the beautiful hot springs and mass skiing opportunities in the winter.

 Currency: Euro

Life Expectancy

Total: 82 years

M: 81 F: 85

Official Language: Catalan

Borders: France to the North, Spain to the South

Capital City: Andorra La Vella (which is the largest city)

Divided into seven parishes, Canillo, Encamp,Ordino,La Massana, Andorra La Vella, Sant Julie de Loria, Escaldes Engordany