Introduction to Andorra

Quick Overview

Andorra is one of the smallest sovereign states in Europe. It is also a mountainous country whose capital, Andorra la Vella, is the highest in Europe at 1,023 m above sea level.

Key Facts

• Type of place: country.

• Location: in the heart of the Pyrenees, between France and Spain.

• Latitude/longitude: 42°30' N, 1°31' E.

• Local time: Heure : 5175

• Capital: Andorra la Vella

• Nature of the state: co-principality (French Republic and Bishopric of Urgell).

• Official language: Catalan.

• Currency: euro.

• Population: 85,708 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 468 km².

• Density: 183 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Coma Pedrosa (2,942 m).

• Lowest point: Valira River at the Spanish border (870 m).

• Coastline: 0 km; no maritime access.

• Driving: on the right

Tourism

Beyond its "image" as a tax haven, the small co-principality nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees is highly popular for its winter sports resorts and, above all, its duty-free products (particularly alcohol and tobacco), which attract several million visitors each year (3.042 million in 2018), primarily French and Spanish.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for beginner travelers.

• By air: the country has no airport within its territory.

• Entry requirements: ID card or passport.

• Currency to bring: euros.

• Exchange rate:

• Daily "backpacker" budget:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around: car.

• Risks: none in terms of health and very low in terms of security.

• Best period (climate/crowds/prices):

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★; Adventure ★; Culture ★; Relaxation/Holidays ★.

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": 35/188 (rank in 2018)

• GDP per capita: $49,900 (2015)

• Average monthly income: ()

• Inflation: -0.9% (2016), i.e., deflation

• "Official" unemployment: 3.7% (2016)

• Population below the poverty line: ()

• Life expectancy: 82.9 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: 0 (2017)

• Population growth: -0.01% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 100% (2019)

• Urban population: 88.1% (2018)

• Press freedom: 37/180 (rank in 2018)

• Political regime: ()

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook