Andorra, a small landlocked country in southwestern Europe, is located in the eastern Pyrenees mountains, bordered by France to the north and Spain to the south. It is one of the smallest countries in the world, covering an area of approximately 468 square kilometers, and is home to a population of around 77,000 people. Andorra la Vella, the capital, is the highest capital city in Europe, situated at an altitude of 1,023 meters. The official language is Catalan, though Spanish, French, and Portuguese are also commonly spoken due to the country's geographical location and its proximity to larger neighboring nations.
The Principality of Andorra is a parliamentary co-principality, with two Co-Princes as heads of state: the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell in Spain. This unique form of governance dates back to the medieval period, and today the country operates as a democratic parliamentary system, with an elected General Council responsible for legislation. Andorra does not have its own military, relying instead on France and Spain for defense under informal agreements.
The economy of Andorra has historically been driven by tourism, which accounts for over 80% of its GDP. The country's picturesque mountains attract millions of visitors annually, particularly for skiing and other winter sports. Duty-free shopping also plays a significant role in its economy, with visitors flocking to Andorra for tax-free goods. In recent years, the financial services sector has grown, and Andorra has been considered a tax haven, though reforms have been implemented to align with international transparency standards.
Andorra is not a member of the European Union, but it uses the euro as its de facto currency under an agreement with the EU. The country has no airport, but it is accessible by road from France and Spain. The Andorran government has invested heavily in infrastructure to support the tourism industry and ensure smooth connections with its neighbors. Andorra maintains diplomatic relations with many countries and is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations.
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