Andorra is a country. Where is the photo located

Andorra is a small country located in the heart of Europe. This country is distinguished by its picturesque nature and rich historical heritage. Skiing and hiking in the mountains are especially popular. The combination of historical heritage and modern lifestyle makes this country an attractive place for tourists and accommodation.

General characteristics

Andorra has a total area of 468 km2.

The flag of Andorra is a blue-yellow rectangular panel divided by an oblique cross into 4 parts. The coat of arms of the country, known since the IX century, occupies a central place on the flag and symbolizes its sovereignty and freedom. It consists of an image of a black bull on a yellow background. Above the bull is a red Greek cross, and above is a crown.

The official anthem is “El Gran Carlemany” (“Charlemagne”), a song written in the 19th century based on poems by the poet Urgell J. Benloc y Vivo.

The time in Andorra corresponds to the European time zone (UTC+1). The time zone in the summer months is shifted to UTC+2. The currency is the euro. It was adopted in accordance with the economic situation after a long period of using the diner.

Andorra is a constitutional parliamentary monarchy. The head of State is 2 co-rulers: the President of France and the Bishop of Urquel (Spain). The highest executive authority is the Government. The supreme legislative and advisory body is the unicameral Parliament (General Council).

The state belongs to the category of small industrial countries. The vast majority of the population is employed in the service sector. There is practically no industry.

The economy is open and highly dependent on economic relations with Spain and France, as well as on the situation in the European Union. The banking sector is an important source of income. Tourism is an important branch of the economy. As a share of GDP, the financial sector exceeds the share of tourism.

Andorra is a country that does not have its own army, but carries out military cooperation with neighboring countries. There is a political partnership with Spain and France. In practice, this system means that a number of issues of Andorra’s foreign policy are solved jointly by both guarantor countries.

Location

Andorra can be found on the map of southern Europe, it is located in the eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. The state borders run at different heights – from sea level to mountain peaks.

It is adjacent to the countries of the European Union, Spain and France. To get to Andorra, you need to travel through one of these countries. Andorra la Vella, the capital of the state, does not have its own airport. The most convenient airports among the Spanish are Barcelona, Girona, Reus, and among the French: Toulouse, Perpignan and Montpellier.

From any of these airports, Andorra can be reached by rented car, taxi or bus. The journey time from Barcelona takes about 3 hours, from Toulouse — about 2 hours. A well-developed road network makes Andorra easily accessible and simplifies transport links with other regions. Numerous bus routes cover the entire territory of the state.

A visa is required to cross the border, but Andorra is not part of the Schengen area. In addition, it is necessary to apply for a transit visa to the country through which you plan to cross the border.

Historical facts

The history of this country begins in the VIII century AD. At that time, the territory was inhabited by Iberians, who left a significant mark on the culture. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the territory of modern Andorra became the object of disputes between the Franks and the Visigoths, and subsequently fell under the rule of the Frankish Empire of Charlemagne.

The administration of this territory was carried out by the Counts of Foix and the bishops of Urquel, and then it was transferred to the French crown. Over time, their power weakened, and in 1278, the rulers of Andorra concluded a formal agreement on joint government with the bishops and kings of France and Spain.

In the 19th century, revolutions and wars raged in Europe. These events had a significant impact on Andorra, whose borders were repeatedly violated by foreign troops and subjected to claims from neighbors.

The beginning of the 20th century was marked by the rise of the national liberation movement in Spain and the strengthening of the Catalan position in the south of Andorra.

Physical and geographical characteristics

Andorra is a country geographically divided into 2 unequal parts. The western part of the country is flat, and the eastern part is characterized by mountainous terrain.

Relief

The landscape belongs to the Mediterranean temperate type. The high peaks are covered with snow. The mountainous terrain of the eastern part of Andorra is formed by the massifs of the Pyrenees. The average height of the peaks is about 2.5 thousand m. Coma Pedrosa, towering on the border with Spain, is the most significant point of the country and reaches 2,943 m above sea level.

In the western part, the terrain is flat. It is characterized by small elevations, which are interspersed with deep river valleys. The climate in the west is milder and more favorable for both tourist recreation and human habitation.

Climatic conditions

The climate of Andorra strongly depends on its position in the highlands. There are 3 climatic zones on the territory of the country: alpine, mountainous and flat. Andorra is characterized by mild winters and moderately hot summers.

Precipitation, mainly in the form of rains, is evenly distributed throughout the year, with a slight increase in the autumn-winter period.

The average temperatures in Andorra vary depending on the altitude above sea level. In low—lying areas, temperatures range from 20-25 °C in summer, and from -2 to -4 °C in winter. In mountainous areas, the average winter temperature drops to -5 °C and below.

July is considered to be the warmest month – about 23 °C. In January, the coldest month is about 6 °C. The temperature can vary widely depending on the terrain and weather conditions in a particular year.

The holiday season falls in the summer months, but no less exciting in Andorra can be a winter vacation, represented by ski resorts.

Water resources

In mountainous areas, small rivers and streams predominate, which are fed by precipitation and snowmelt. However, within the uplands, the flow of rivers can be quite fast, and their water consumption is unstable.

The main lakes of the country are:

There are large rivers in the country:

• The Rio d’aubinha originates at the foot of the picturesque Coma Pedora peak and flows into the Valira River at an altitude of about 1000 m. Numerous recreation areas are organized on the river for residents and guests of the valley.
• The Valira originates in the Pyrenees and flows through various natural areas, including mountainous areas and flat landscapes. It forms an extensive network of tributaries.

Geological structure and minerals

Andorra is a country characterized by a complex geological structure, which is due to its location in the collision zone of the Eurasian and African lithospheric plates.

Sedimentary rocks of the Cretaceous and Tertiary periods stretch along the Mediterranean coast. The west of the country is dominated by volcanic rocks formed during the formation of the Pyrenees. Traces of ancient glaciation have been found here: moraines, glacial lakes and other traces of it.

There are deposits on the territory of Andorra:

• iron ores;
• lead;
• zinc;
• Bauxite;
• uranium;
• manganese;
• copper;
• some types of building materials.

Mineral reserves have not been studied in detail enough.

Flora and fauna

The most common types of vegetation are steppes, forests and mountain meadows.

Forests cover more than 1/3 of the entire territory of the country and demonstrate a high level of biodiversity.

The zone is represented by various types of trees that create a unique ecosystem and provide a habitat for many animals:

• fir;
• beech;
• oak;
• a pine tree.

Among the most common species, such endemics as Alpine aster, gentian and edelweiss can be distinguished.

The wildlife of the state is not rich and is typical for mountainous areas. Woodlands can hide foxes, weasels, and bears. The forests are home to many species of birds, including warbler, thrush and black woodpecker. Reptiles such as vipers and snakes are also inhabitants of this region.

Territorial structure and cities

The political and administrative map of the country includes 7 communities, or parks, which differ in architectural and natural features due to their territorial location and climatic conditions. Communities are divided into even smaller units – comarques.

About 24.3 thousand people live in the capital of Andorra la Vella. This city is the political and cultural center of the country.

Other large communities and towns of Andorra:

The capital and the regions have their own self-government.

Population

As of 2022, the country’s population was about 79 thousand people.

Andorra is a unique multicultural space where different ethnic groups have coexisted for centuries. The main nationalities are Andorrans of French and Spanish origin.

The main denomination is represented by the Roman Catholic Church. The State has no official religion. The religious composition is other Christian communities and a small number of Muslims.

Andorra is a country in which the standard of living of the population can be described as relatively high.

The official language of the country is Catalan, but the inhabitants of the principality speak Spanish and French. Catalan is used in office work, official documentation is published in it. Citizens also speak English and other European languages.

The average life expectancy in Andorra is high and is about 81 years for men and 86 years for women.

Cultural features

The culture of Andorra was formed as a result of the influence of Spain and France, with significant influence from Catholicism. This was reflected in the celebration of Christmas and Easter, the veneration of patron saints.

However, despite the Spanish and French influence, this state has its own unique identity. Family values are traditionally held in high esteem here.

National holidays are widely celebrated in the country:

• The most famous is the Day of Our Lady of Merichel on September 8th.
• The annual Sant Jordi Festival is held, which is celebrated on April 23. During this time, a variety of events are held, including fairs, musical performances and solemn processions.
• St. Entim’s Day symbolizes respect for the historical heritage associated with the name of this saint. Festive events include religious services, musical concerts and a variety of cultural programs.

Folklore is an important component of Andorran culture. Folk art includes dancing, music, artistic crafts: pottery, metalwork.

Tourism and attractions

The country has developed mountain tourism. Hikes of varying difficulty are organized.

Andorra is famous for its spa resorts. Caldea is one of the largest thermal centers in Europe, which offers mud treatment, mineral baths, massage.

The Principality attracts with historical monuments and architectural structures:

Andorra has a duty-free trade zone. Here you can find products at affordable prices, but the quality is not inferior to other countries.

There are several popular shopping malls:

Andorra is a small country with a high standard of living and a developed economy. The country has the 2nd largest population density after Monaco. Thanks to the policy of neutrality, Andorra has maintained its independence and identity for many decades. One of the main features of its culture is the preservation of the traditional way of life.

Video about the country

The lives of others. Andorra:

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