Information About Andorra

History of Andorra

The ancestries of Andorra can be positioned between theNeolithic and theMesolithic periods. The archaeological site of BalmaMargineda dates back eight thousand years, although full territorial occupation was not achieved until 2000 B.C. During the Roman era, Andorra had anestablished population. Until the period of Arab occupation in the eighth century, Iberian populations diversified with peoples approaching from central Europe. At the commencement of the ninth century, the expanse was repopulated. The first document that denotesAndorra is the "Act of Consecration" of the Cathedral of Urgel (839). In the eighth and ninth centuries, Andorra was possessed by the County of Barcelona, which conceded sovereignty over the valleys of Andorra in 988 to the pontifical see of Urgel (Spain). At the expiration of the thirteenth century, after clashes between the bishop of Urgel and the count of Foix, a Judicial Verdict (Pareatge) was signed in 1278 that recognized the regime of co-princes that remains today. Presently, the two co-princes of Andorra are the president of the French Republic and the bishop of Urgel. Medieval privileges over Andorra handed from the count of Foix to the king of Navarre in the fifteenth century, and then to the king of France in the sixteenth century; in the nineteenth century, they passed to the president of the state. Historically, Andorra has been a colony of France and Spain. This is apparent in several ways:
(1)The country has the franc and the peseta as currencies;
(2)The two structures of public education were, till 1982, the French and the Spanish; and
(3)The two languages most frequently spoken are French and Spanish, in addition to Catalan. This dichotomy has been expressed in numerous ways in recent centuries; Andorran factionalism also constantly has a pro-Spanish front and a pro-French front.

Today, nevertheless, both state political authorities and Andorran civil society have strived to associate a national individuality that takes as its symbolic referents its medieval past, mythologizing the political distinctiveness of the Pareatges. Andorrans also recognize themselves as a mountain society and have a distinctive interest in leading sociopolitical and economic activities of the Pyrenean regions. The third pillar of identity is "Catalanness" (catalanitat), which it dividends with 1.1 billion persons in the northeast of Spain and the southeast of France.

Geography of Andorra

Andorra being cuddled by Spain and France is a landlocked country positioned in the eastern Pyrenees mountain range. The terrain comprises of mainly rugged mountains and narrow valleys. It expanses over a total land area of 468 sq. kms (100%).
The highest point of Andorra is Coma Pedrosa (2,942m) and
The lowest point is RiuRuner (840m)
The longest river of Andorra is Gran Valira.

Climate of Andorra

Being bordered by Spain and France, Andorra has mainly temperate climate but because of theposition on the Pyrenees Mountains, winters incline to be more severe, the humidity lower, and summers to some extent cooler. The driest months are from January to February, and the wettest, May, June, and November. Throughout the summer months, there are very scarce rainy days, but the rainfall can be very heavy because it is accompanied with thunderstorms.

Natural Resources in Andorra

The main natural resources of Andorra are hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore and lead.

Tourist Attraction in Andorra

The famous cities of Andorra are Andorra la Vella, Pas de la Casa, Escaldes-Engordany, Soldeu, Arsinal, El Tarter and Erts. Andorra is a country whose economy depends on tourism. So there are lots of famous tourists spots around the country namely –
1)Andorra la Vella - Reigning over the Gran Valira river under the east side of the 2,317-meter Pic d'Enclar mountain, the city's main street is furrowed with shops selling everything from souvenirs to local arts & crafts, along with many galleries, cafés, and restaurants. Top fascinations include Casa de la Vell, built in 1580 and are the seat of government now. Other sites valued seeing are Plaça del Poble, and the 12th-century SantEsteve Church.
2)Vallnord – the most popular winter sport destination
3)Sant Joan de Caselles Church
4)Centre TermolúdicCaledea
5)Ordino and Casa Plairald'Areny de Plandolit
6)La Cortinada and SantMartí Church
7)The Town of Les Escaldes
8)Touring the Valirad'Orient Valley
9)Encamp and the National Automobile Museum
10)The Santa Coloma Church

Famous Hotels in Andorra

The famous hotels of Andorra are

• Hotel Fènix
• Centric Atiram
• Mola Park Atiram
• Hotel Delfos
• Acta Art Hotel
• Holiday Inn Andorra
• Andorra Park Hotel
• Exe Prisma Hotel
• Hotel Cervol
• Novotel Andorra

Andorra Cuisine

Cuisine is primarily Catalan, and has strong French and Italian savors. Meat, in the form of lamb, game, pork, fish and poultry, is asignificant part of the native diet, and is frequently served with pastas, potatoes, some vegetables and sauces. Among Andorra’s specialties are trinxat–bacon item cooked with cabbageandpotatoes; escudella - a chicken stew with meatballsand sausages; tender dandelion salad; formatge de tupi -cheese fermented with brandyand garlic; and cunillo - rabbit prepared in a tomato sauce. The delicacies are –

• Coques (seasoned flat cakes).
• Trinxat (a potato and cabbage plate).
• Truites de carreroles(mushroom omelette).
• Local cheeseand sausages.
• Andorran veal.

International Airports in Andorra

Andorra does not have an international airport. Neighboring international airports are Barcelona (BCN) in Spain, 225km from Andorra, and Toulouse (TLS), in France, 180km from Andorra. Though, Andorra is very well connected by nice and well developed highways with its neighbors.