The Principality of Andorra is one of the smallest and oldest countries in Europe, with an area of 468 km2 and 74,000 inhabitants. Andorra is a natural paradise in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, with just an 8% urbanization of the region and the rest remains as natural wilderness, with forests, lakes and 3,000m high mountain ranges.
The legend says that Charlemagne, i.e. Charles the Great, King of the Franks, chartered Andorra in the year 805 A.D. to thank the original inhabitants of the valleys in Andorra for their heroic battle against the Saracens, thereby establishing Andorra as one of the oldest countries in Europe.
Since 1278, Andorra's sovereignty was shared between the Count of Foix (whose title would ultimately transfer to the French Head of State) and the Bishop of Urgell in Catalonia. The agreement is called ‘Pareatge’ and it defined the rules for the shared governance of Andorra, especially concerning the laws, taxes and defence. 10 years after this date, a second treaty was signed, which complemented the first one and added further rules and regulations, one of which made the inhabitants of the Valleys pay a yearly charge to both of the sovereigns, who would ultimately receive the titles of Co-Princes of Andorra.
During World War II, Andorra remained neutral and became an important smuggling route between France and Spain. Given its relative isolation, Andorra has existed outside the mainstream of European history, with few ties to countries other than France and Spain. This relation can clearly be seen in the Andorran flag, which combines the yellow-red colours from the Spanish flag with the blue-red colours from the French flag.
Also in the coat of arms, the relationship between the neighbouring countries on both sides of the Pyrenees can be seen. The coat of arms is divided into 4 quarters: top-left represents the bishop from Urgell and the lower-right quarter, with two bulls, represents the old French region of Bearn. Top-right and its three red stripes in gold represents the French Count of Foix and the lower-left quarter with its four red stripes in gold represents Catalonia the northeast region of Spain
In the year 1993 Andorra established its first constitution, which meant the conversion from an old medieval state to an independent democratic country, and finally abolished the feudal tax system of paying yearly proceeds to the co-princes.
Andorra is one of the highest countries in Europe with the tallest mountain peak at 2,942 m above sea level, the Comapedrosa summit. Summers are sunny and warm, typical of the high altitude Mediterranean climates. In winter, there are heavy snow falls, which ensure excellent conditions for all types of winter sports, in cold but sunny conditions. On average, there are more than 300 days of sun in Andorra.
Thanks to the regular snow falls, Andorra is a hub for skiers from all over Europe and offers more than 300 km of ski slopes well designed for the ski and snow-board lovers. The ski seasons commences in November and lasts until the end of April.
On numerous occasions Andorra - Soldeu has been the seat of the World Mountain Skiing Championships organized by the Audi FIS Ski World Cup. In March 2019 Soldeu had the honor of hosting the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals.
The summers in Andorra are just as exciting as the winters. Hidden behind every corner you will find stunning postcard views, green valleys with tiny mountain villages and countless trails that lead through the endless high green mountains.
Whatever the season, a relaxing stay at the spa in the Pyrenees is the perfect way to end a fun-filled day of adventure.
Historically and culturally interested guests will not be bored in Andorra. This country has an incredible history that is worth exploring, a story that begins early in the 9th Century and whose traces can be discovered in the Romanesque churches and in the narrow streets that have survived untouched to this day.
Andorra is a shopper's paradise; the country is almost in itself a modern shopping mall, where you will find jewellery stores, boutiques, luxury brand name shops and the latest electronics all at competitive prices.
Andorra has more than 34,000 hotel beds, with 21 hotels ideal for group travel and business meetings. Modern convention centres with venues for conferences, concerts and special events round out Andorra's multifarious portfolio.
