Andorra |
|
| OVERVIEW |
| Background |
For 715 years,
from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a unique co-principality,
ruled by the French chief of state and the Spanish bishop
of Urgel. In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the
titular heads of state retained, but the government transformed
into a parliamentary democracy. Long isolated and impoverished,
mountainous Andorra achieved considerable prosperity since
World War II through its tourist industry. Many immigrants
(legal and illegal) are attracted to the thriving economy
with its lack of income taxes. |
| Natural
resources |
hydropower, mineral water,
timber, iron ore, lead |
| Land
use |
arable land: 2.22%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 97.78% (1998 est.) |
| Population |
69,150 (July 2003 est.)
|
| Ethnic
groups |
Spanish 43%, Andorran
33%, Portuguese 11%, French 7%, other 6% (1998) |
| Religions |
Roman Catholic (predominant) |
| Languages |
Catalan (official), French,
Castilian, Portuguese |
| Literacy |
definition: NA
total population: 100%
male: NA%
female: NA% |
| Capital |
Andorra la Vella |
| Government
type |
parliamentary democracy
(since March 1993) that retains as its heads of state a coprincipality;
the two princes are the president of France and bishop of
Seo de Urgel, Spain, who are represented locally by coprinces'
representatives |
| Independence |
1278 (was formed under
the joint suzerainty of the French count of Foix and the Spanish
bishop of Urgel) |
| National
holiday |
Our Lady of Meritxell
Day, 8 September (1278) |
|
|
