Andorra

Celebrates the diversity of life through the exploration of cultures around the world.

The authors guide us through every corner of this fascinating region, where they have spent much of their time over many years. GaudiOCOs Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is one of the most unusual churches in the world, with its melting sand-castle appearance and odd bubble-shaped spires. Catalonia''s Costa Brava provides stunning views as the Mediterranean waves clash with the jagged coastline. The stretch of small resort cities along the Costa Brava, which means the Rugged Coast, feels like a world caressed by the heavens. Stand above the rocks and look down to the sweeping coastline, the sea stretching endlessly. Relax at a seaside bar, sipping cocktails. Hike the trails leading from the shore to the hills above. Unlike the tourist-swarmed French Riviera, the Costa Brava is intimate. It''s like discovering a well-guarded secret. There are several busy resort cities, but there are also many quiet and isolated beaches. Some of the prime beach cities include Roses, L''Escala and Blanes. Mountain-climbing destinations, ski resorts, spa villages, Gallo-Roman ruins and prehistoric cave paintings are abundant in the region. Catelonia is marked by breathtaking cliffs, expanses of beaches and the thriving, hip seaside city of Barcelona. In the Navarre region, men taunt large, dangerous animals for PamplonaOCOs annual Running of the Bulls. Andorra is its own little world, and not just because it''s a 290-square-mile independent principality (a fifth the size of Rhode Island). Nestled atop some of the highest peaks of the Pyrenees, the principality is filled with amazing architecture, surreal panoramic views and some of Europe''s finest skeeng resorts. Andorra attracts tourists for its duty-free shopping alone. Because many visitors are French and Spanish residents seeking bargains, there is a very authentic European flair to a vacation here on the one hand. On the other hand, the shopping deals can lend the principality''s capital, Andorra la Vella, an unfortunate bargain-basement ambiance. Catalan is the national language, but French and Spanish are widely spoken. This is an ideal destination for lovers of both the city and the great outdoors. Quite possibly one of the globe''s best adventure travel destinations, the capital city itself is also an urban oasis perched at an altitude of 3,300 feet."

Andorra is one of the smallest states in Europe, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important. Readers uncover fun facts and essential information about this microstate with the help of up-to-date main text and detailed sidebars. Chapters focusing on the history, government, and economic climate of Andorra support social studies curriculum topics, while chapters focusing on leisure time, food, and festivals show readers all the ways people in Andorra have fun. Vivid, full-color photographs of life in Andorra fill the pages, giving readers a memorable look at a part of the world that often goes unnoticed.

Andorra is a tiny country located in southwestern Europe, with an area of just 468 square kilometers. Despite its small size, Andorra boasts a rich history and unique traditions that are deeply rooted in its Catalan origins. The country is situated in the eastern Pyrenees, between France and Spain, and has a population of approximately 77,000 people. The official languages of Andorra are Catalan, Spanish, and French, and the country has two co-princes, the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell in Spain. Andorra is renowned for its picturesque scenery, with mountains, valleys, and rivers creating breathtaking landscapes. The country is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, with skiing and snowboarding being the most popular activities. Andorra is also home to a number of historic landmarks, including the old stone bridge of Pont de la Margineda and the iconic medieval castle of Sant Joan de Caselles. Furthermore, Andorra has a strong economy, thanks in large part to its status as a tax haven, with numerous financial services available to businesses and individuals.

Principality of Andorra: Selected Issues

Andorra, the IMF’s newest member since October 2020, participated in its first Article IV consultation with a commitment to further enhance transparency. Tourism and banking-related services dominate economic activity in the euroized economy. The country enjoys long-standing political stability, a good track-record of fiscal discipline, a gender-balanced work force, and internationally competitive ski resorts. The authorities are managing the pandemic well with universal testing and expanded hospital capacity that kept fatality rates very low despite high case-loads. The testing strategy helped Andorra implement more targeted internal restrictions than in neighboring countries. At the same time, emergency fiscal measures stabilized real incomes and supported firms.

2011 Updated Reprint. Updated Annually. Andorra Company Laws and Regulations Handbook