COUNTRY INFORMATION |
Introduction |
A tiny, landlocked principality between France and Spain, Andorra lies high in the eastern Pyrenees. From the 13th century, French and Spanish co-princes (today the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell) have ruled Andorra. In December 1993, the principality held its first full elections. Andorra's spectacular scenery, alpine climate, and duty-free shopping have made tourism, especially skiing, its main source of income. |
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Climate |
 |
Springs are cool and wettest in May; summers are relatively dry and warm. Snowfalls in December and January provide snow for good skiing up to March. Andorra's climate supports an abundance of wild flowers. |
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People |
| Languages |
Spanish, Catalan, French, Portuguese |
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| URBAN/RURAL POPULATION DIVIDE |
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Immigration is restricted to French and Spanish nationals intending to work in Andorra. Divorce is illegal and the marriage rate is low. |
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Economy |
| GNP (US$) |
1016
|
M |
GNP World rank |
154
|
|
| Inflation |
2 |
% |
Unemployment |
No data |
% |
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StrengthsTourism is the basis of the economy. Strict banking secrecy laws make Andorra an important tax haven. Healthy luxury retail sector. Farming: cereals, potatoes, and tobacco are the major products. WeaknessesFrance and Spain effectively decide economic policy. Dependence on imported food and raw materials. |
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Politics |
| Lower house |
Last election |
2001 |
Next election |
2005 |
| Upper house |
Last election |
Not applicable |
Next election |
Not applicable |
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Andorra was a semifeudal state until 1993, when a referendum approved measures which legalized political parties and the right to strike, and altered relations with the co-princes. The ruling PLA, led by Marc Forné, has twice been returned to power. |
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Resources |
|
|
| Oil reserves (barrels) |
No data |
Oil production (barrels/day) |
Not an oil producer and has no refineries |
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Water is a major resource, hydropower providing most energy needs. However, Andorra has to import twice as much electricity as it produces, and plans to develop wind power. A third of the country is designated forest. |
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Health |
| Life expectancy |
80 |
Life expect. World rank |
2 |
| Population per doctor |
455 |
Infant mortality (per 1000 births) |
4 |
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|
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| Principal causes of death |
Cerebrovascular and heart diseases |
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Andorra has one public hospital. Health spas are popular and the hot springs at les Escaldes attract rheumatism sufferers. |
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Education |
| Literacy |
99 |
% |
Expend. % GNP |
No data |
%
|
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| PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION IN FULL TIME EDUCATION |
|
| Primary |
No data |
% |
Secondary |
No data |
% |
Tertiary |
No data |
% |
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There are around 30 schools in Andorra, with instruction in Catalan, French, and Spanish. The University of Andorra specializes in distance learning using the Internet. |
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Wealth |
| Cars |
529 |
per 1,000 population |
| Telephones |
515 |
per 1,000 population |
| Televisions |
391 |
per 1,000 population |
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Hotel owners are the wealthiest group of citizens in Andorran society; many choose to live across the border in Spain.
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History |
Since 1278, Andorra has been autonomous, ruled by French and Spanish co-princes. - 1970 Women get the vote.
- 1982 First constitution enshrines popular sovereignty.
- 1983 General Council votes in favor of income tax.
- 1984 Government resigns over attempt to introduce indirect taxes.
- 1991 EU customs union comes into effect.
- 1992 Political demonstrations demanding constitutional reform. Government resigns.
- 1993 Referendum approves new constitution.
- 1994 Government falls; replaced by center-right Liberal cabinet, which is reelected in 1997 and 2001.
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