2. The highest capital city of Europe is in Andorra
One of the most interesting facts is that Andorra de la Vella is the highest capital in Europe. Andorra overall is a mountainous country with an average elevation of 6,549ft (1,996m) above sea level, characterized by a rugged and rocky terrain, making it a popular destination for winter sports and outdoor activities.
3. Andorra does not have an airport
Andorra is one of five countries without its own airport, the others being Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City. To visit Andorra, travelers must first go to France or Spain. The nearest airport, Andorra – La Seu d’Urgell Airport in Spain, is about 16.8 miles (27 km) from Andorra’s capital.
For long-distance travel, the main international airports are Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport in Spain (about 123 miles or 198 km away) and Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in France (about 120.5 miles or 194 km away). Despite the lack of an airport, Andorra is well-connected by road, making it accessible for travelers.
4. Andorra has two princes
Andorra operates a unique co-principality governed by two princes: the democratically elected French president and the Spanish Bishop of Urgell. While the roles of these co-princes are largely ceremonial and involve no real executive power, they require joint authority for major decisions, akin to a ceremonial monarchy.
5. Andorra has one of the oldest parliaments in the world
The parliament of Andorra, known as the General Council of the Valleys in Andorra la Vella, was established in 1419, making it one of the oldest parliamentary institutions still in operation today.
The General Council of the Valleys is responsible for enacting laws, approving budgets, and overseeing the executive branch of government. It comprises 28 members, elected every four years through a mixed system of proportional and majoritarian representation by parish. The General Council elects the Head of Government, who then appoints the executive officials.
6. Andorra has never won an Olympic medal
Since 1976, Andorra’s Olympic team has been a proud participant in every Summer and Winter Olympics. But here’s a fun fact: they have never won a medal!
In contrast, Liechtenstein, which is even smaller, has already collected 10 Olympic medals in Alpine skiing.
7. Roughly 80% of Andorra’s GDP is generated by tourism
Andorra attracts millions of visitors annually, far exceeding its population of 80,000 people. Tourism is crucial to Andorra’s economy, contributing to roughly 80% of its GDP.
Most tourists in Andorra are from France and Spain, visiting for duty-free shopping and cheaper fuel prices, making Andorra the most visited country per capita in the world. Additionally, the country’s ski resorts and mountain trails are major attractions, drawing tourists from around the globe.
Snowboarders in Andorra’s slopes, capturing a moment of winter adventure.
8. Andorra has one of the lowest tax rates in the world
Andorra was known as a tax haven due to its status as a tax-free zone. Despite changes in its tax regulations in 2015, the country still boasts low personal income tax rates, capped at just 10% for income exceeding $43,600 (€40,000).
Andorra imposes a 4.5% value-added tax (VAT) on most sales, with essentials like food (excluding alcohol), books, magazines, and newspapers taxed at a reduced rate of 1%. This favorable tax environment has made Andorra an attractive destination for expats, with approximately two-thirds of the population comprising non-Andorran nationals, primarily Spanish, French, and Portuguese citizens.
Sometimes the tiniest countries have the tiniest tax rates.
9. Andorra is not part of the European Union
Despite not being a member of the European Union or Schengen area, Andorra has a special relationship with the EU. It uses the euro as its official currency and follows EU trade rules for industry, but not for agriculture.
Andorra has never had its own currency. Before adopting the euro in 2002, the country used the Spanish peseta and occasionally the French franc. In 2013, Andorra gained the right to mint its own euro coins, featuring a national design on one side and the common euro design on the other.
10. Andorra is the only country with Catalan as its official language
The primary language of Andorra is Catalan, making it the only country with Catalan as its sole official language. Catalan culture, traditions, and cuisine are deeply integrated into Andorran life, influencing music, literature, and dance.
Besides Catalan, French and Spanish are also widely spoken, and due to the significant number of Portuguese nationals, Portuguese is also common.
An elderly couple strolls down the street, arm in arm, sharing a warm moment.
11. Life expectancy in Andorra is one of the highest in the world
Andorra boasts an average life expectancy of 83.5 years, one of the highest life expectancies globally. The country has an excellent public healthcare system, reimbursing around 75% of outpatient medical care and 90% of hospital expenses, coupled with a high immunization rate of 99%.
12. Andorra has no military
Andorra is one of the few countries in the world without a standing army, relying on its neighbors, France and Spain, for defense. For example, to prevent the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) from spreading into Andorra, France occupied the country from 1939 to 1940, during which Andorra sheltered many refugees.
Andorra’s commitment to neutrality dates back to the 13th century. This tiny nation is one of the few places to have avoided wars and conflicts, preserving its independence and sovereignty. Peace has been a way of life in Andorra since the era of Charlemagne, due to its non-strategic location and lack of natural resources.
