Country Summary: Andorra
Country Name: Andorra
Capital: Andorra la Vella
Official Visa & Travel Information: Andorra’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Principality of Andorra is not a member of the Schengen Area. Access to the Principality is made through France or Spain. Thus, any national from a third-country travelling to Andorra must get information from the French or Spanish Embassies or Consulates (depending on the country of entrance) about the need of a Schengen visa, and when deemed necessary, about the visa obtaining procedures.
When the Schengen visa is required, third-country nationals shall apply for a double-entry or a multiple entry Schengen visa depending on how many times you will enter the Schengen area from Andorra.
Government Type: Parliamentary democracy (since March 1993) that retains its chiefs of state in the form of a co-principality; the two princes are the President of France and Bishop of Seu d'Urgell, Spain.
Background: The Moorish invasion of Spain in the 8th century and subsequent incursions into France were finally stemmed at the Pyrenees by Frankish King Charlemagne, who in 795 created the Hispanic March, a series of buffer states to keep the Muslim Moors from advancing into Christian France. The landlocked Principality of Andorra, one of the smallest states in Europe and nestled high in the Pyrenees between the French and Spanish borders, is the last independent survivor of these March states. For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a unique coprincipality, ruled by French and Spanish leaders (from 1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Bishop of Urgell). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the introduction of a modern constitution; the co-princes remained as titular heads of state, but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy.
Andorra has become a popular tourist destination visited by approximately 8 million people each year drawn by the winter sports, summer climate, and duty-free shopping. Andorra has also become a wealthy international commercial center because of its mature banking sector and low taxes. As part of its effort to modernize its economy, Andorra has opened to foreign investment, and engaged in other reforms, such as advancing tax initiatives aimed at supporting a broader infrastructure. Although not a member of the EU, Andorra enjoys a special relationship with the bloc that is governed by various customs and cooperation agreements and uses the euro as its national currency.
Continent: Europe
Population: 85,560 (2022 est.)
Ethnic Groups: Andorran 48.3%, Spanish 24.8%, Portuguese 11.2%, French 4.5%, Argentine 1.4%, other 9.8% (2021 est.)
Languages: Catalan (official) 35.7%, Castilian 43.2%, Portuguese 17.1%, French 8.9%, English 1.8%, other 5% (2018 est.); note: data represents mother tongue
Religions: Christian (predominantly Roman Catholic) 89.5, other 8.8%, unaffiliated 1.7% (2020 est.)
Economic Overview: High GDP; low unemployment; non-EU Euro user; co-principality duty-free area between Spain and France; tourist hub but hit hard by COVID-19; modern, non-tax haven financial sector; looking for big tech investments; new member of SEPA and IMF.
Currency: European Euro (EUR)
Reserves of Foreign Exchange & Gold: N/A
Real GDP (Purchasing Power Parity): $3.327 billion (2015 est.); note: data is in 2012 U.S. dollars
Real GDP Growth Rate: 8.95% (2021 est.)
Real GDP per Capita: $49,900 (2015 est.)
Exports:
$1.842 billion (2020 est.); note: data is in current year U.S. dollars and do not include illicit exports or re-exports
Comparison Ranking: 163
Export Commodities: Integrated circuits, dental fitting supplies, cars, gold, and essential oils (2021)
Export Partners: Spain 40%, France 19%, United States 11%, Mauritania 5% (2019)
Imports:
$1.727 billion (2020 est.)
Comparison Ranking: 178
Import Commodities: Cars, refined petroleum, perfumes, shaving products, and liquors (2019)
Import Partners: Spain 71%, France 17%, Others 12% (2019)
Natural Resources: Hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, and lead.
Agricultural Products: Small quantities of rye, wheat, barley, oats, vegetables, tobacco, sheep, and cattle.
Industries: Tourism (particularly skiing), banking, timber, and furniture.
Industrial Production Growth Rate:
-3.9% (2020 est.)
Comparison Ranking: 184
Labor Force: 39,750 (2016)
Labor Force By Occupation:
Agriculture: 0.5%
Industry: 4.4%
Services: 95.1% (2015)
Unemployment Rate: 3.7% (2016 est.)
Natural Hazards: Avalanches
Geography:
Total: 468 sq km
Land: 468 sq km
Water: 0 sq km
(Country Summary, The World Factbook, CIA.gov)
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