International Security Bulletin

Andorra

Principality of Andorra

Capital: Andorra la Vella

History

The landlocked Principality of Andorra is one of the smallest states in Europe, nestled high in the Pyrenees Mountains between the French and Spanish borders. For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a unique co-principality, ruled by French and Spanish leaders (from 1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Spanish bishop of Seu d'Urgell). In 1993, this feudal system was modified, with the titular heads of state retained, but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy. In the late 20th century, Andorra became a popular tourist destination. An estimated 10 million people visit each year drawn by the winter sports, summer climate, and duty free goods. Andorra has also become a wealthy international commercial center because of its banking facilities, low taxes, and lack of customs duties. However, recent economic hardships have required Andorra to start taxing foreign investments and to implement stricter economic policies. Andorra is not a member of the European Union, but enjoys a special relationship with it and uses the Euro as its national currency.

Geography

Metric Units

Total Area 468 sq km
Land Boundaries 120.3 km
Border Countries France 56.6 km, Spain 63.7 km
Coastline 0 km
Terrain rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys
Minimum Elevation 840 m
Maximum Elevation 2,946 m
Climate temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers
Natural Resources hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, lead
Arable Land 5.32%
Permanent Crops 0%

Economy

Gross Domestic Product $3.16 billion
GDP (per capita) $37,200
GDP Growth -1.6%
Unemployment Rate 2.9%
Population in Poverty No data%
GINI Index No data

Budget & Debt

Expenditures $470 million
Revenue $403 million
Current Account Balance $No data
External Debt $No data

Trade

Exports $70 million
Export Items tobacco products, furniture
Export Partners No data
Imports $1.43 billion
Import Items consumer goods, food, electricity
Import Partners No data

People

Population 85,293
Population Growth 0.22%
Ethnic Groups Spanish 43%, Andorran 33%, Portuguese 11%, French 7%, other 6% (1998)
Religion Roman Catholic (predominant)
Life Expectancy 82.58 years
Infant Mortality 1.07 deaths/1,000 live births
Maternal Mortality 1.1 deaths/100,000 live births

Energy

Electricity Production 91.24 million kWh
Electricity Consumption 562.4 million kWh
From Fossil Fuels No data%
From Nuclear No data%
From Hydroelectric No data%
From Renewable Sources No data%