The Principality of Andorra, a small country that was once isolated from the world and is now a tourism and tax haven, receives the most tourists from neighboring France and Spain. When we compare it to the population, it is the first in the world in the number of tourists per capita.
The Principality of Andorra (Principat d’Andorra in Catalan) is a very small independent landlocked country on the Iberian Peninsula. The official language is Catalan, and most of the people also speak Spanish, Portuguese and French. It is not a member of the European Union, but its currency is the euro. The form of government is principality, but there is no single prince, we can say a kind of co-principle. Their own princes, the president of France and the bishop of Catalonia, are the princes of the country.
A country brave enough to declare war on the German Empire in World War I, regardless of its size. Although he never fought, but whatever, intent matters.
On July 6, 1934, when the Belarusian adventurer Boris Skossyreff declared himself King of Andorra, Boris I, was arrested and expelled from the country two weeks later. Let’s just say, Boris had a good try.
Andorra is a country to live in with its clean air, peaceful, peaceful, calm, beautiful nature, villages and hot springs. The highest point of the mountainous country is Comapedrosa Peak at 2,942 meters, and the lowest point is the Ruuner River at 840 meters. Its lands are 38% forest, 26% high mountain meadow, 20% gravel and rocky, 5% cities and infrastructure facilities.
Andorra is one of 49 countries with a “very high human development index” and is among the countries with the highest quality of life. Andorra 35, Norway 1, Australia 2, Switzerland 3, Denmark 4, Netherlands 5, USA 8, according to the United Nations Development Program 2015 Human Development Report.
According to the rating of Freedom House, Andorra ranks 16th among free countries with a score of 96 out of 100. The international human rights organization Freedom House has been calculating and publishing the conditions of freedom in countries since 1973.
According to the World Bank report, Andorra ranks fifth in the world for “political determination” and “innocence”. For example, its neighbor Spain is in the thirty-first place. From organized crime to street crimes such as pickpocketing and car theft, it is the fifth safest country in the world with a near-zero crime rate, including misdemeanors. Iceland is the safest country in the world.
Andorra History
Uke gained its independence when Charlemagne (Charlemagne) liberated the region from Muslims in 803 AD. Another of the independence leaders is Charles I, son of Charlemagne, who brought the character of freedom to the people of the country. Charlemagne’s grandson II. Charles brought Urgel to the country.
In 1278, the country was brought under the joint rule of two princes, one in Spain and the other in France, the borders of the country became clear and have never changed until today. Although the established feudal order was temporarily interrupted during the French Revolution, it was re-established by Napoleon in 1806. Andorra has since been jointly ruled by the Spanish bishop of Urgel and the French president; they both pay a symbolic tax each year.
After the feudal state system remained unchanged until 1993, a constitution was adopted, reducing the power and authority of the princes; A legislative, executive and judicial system of state organs based on the separation of powers was established. Andorra joined the United Nations in 1993 and the Council of Europe in 1994.
Interesting facts about Andorra
Andorran Culture
Catalan culture and language dominate the country. Traditional folk dances contrapas, marratxa, sardana and saint anne’s have an important place in the culture of the country. National holiday September 8 is Our Lady of Meritxell Day.
The most important traditions and festivals Canolich Gathering in May, Roser d’Ordino in July, Meritxell Festival, Andorra la Vella Fair, Sant Jordi Day, Santa Llúcia Fair, La Candelera – Canillo Festival, Encamp Carnival, Sung of Caramelles, Sant Esteve Festival and Festa del poble.
The most famous legends in popular folk culture are the Legend of Charlemagne, the White Lady of Auvinyà, the Buner d’Ordino, the Legend of Lake Engolasters and the Legend of Our Lady of Meritxel.
Pre-Roman and Romanesque art is the country’s most important artistic expression and characteristic. It provides information about Andorra in terms of Romanesque art and style, the formation of communities, social and political power relations, national culture. There are a total of 40 churches, bridges, forests and mansions from the Roman period.
Education
Andorra is the only country in the world with 3 different education systems; Andorran, Spanish and French. Literacy rate is 100%. Education expenses are 3.8% of the gross national product. Primary, secondary and high school are compulsory and are free for Andorran citizens and residents.
In the three-system education, 3.300 students are French, 3.100 students are Spanish, 10,825 students are Andorran. Most of the courses are in French, Spanish and Catalan according to the system they attend. All schools are established and supported by the country’s government, but France and Spain pay the salaries of teachers in French and Spanish schools.
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