Andorra is a tiny, independent principality situated between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. It’s known for its ski resorts and a tax-haven status that encourages duty-free shopping. Capital Andorra la Vella has boutiques and jewelers on Meritxell Avenue and several shopping centers. The old quarter, Barri Antic, houses Romanesque Santa Coloma Church, with a circular bell tower.
Major Languages: The official language of Andorra is Catalan, which is a Romance language spoken in Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands in Spain, as well as in the Roussillon region of France and in the Principality of Andorra. Catalan is the native language of the majority of the population of Andorra, and it is spoken by almost all of the country's residents. In addition to Catalan, many Andorrans also speak Spanish, French, and Portuguese, as Andorra is located between Spain and France and is influenced by both cultures. Finally, English is also spoken by many people in Andorra, particularly in the tourism industry.
Ethnic Groups: The majority of the population of Andorra is Catalan, with smaller numbers of Spanish, Portuguese, and French people. The Catalan ethnicity is indigenous to the region, and the majority of Andorrans are descended from Catalan ancestors. There are also smaller communities of people with Spanish, Portuguese, and French ancestry in Andorra, as well as a small number of other ethnicities. The population of Andorra is relatively homogenous, and there is a strong sense of national identity among the country's residents.
Belief Systems: Roman Catholicism, Jehovah's Witnesses
Demographics:
Population: 85458 people (World Rank: 206th) (2014 estimate)
Population Density: 473 people/mi^2 (People per Square Mile) (World Rank: 75th) (2014 estimate)
Population Growth: 0.248 %/yr (World Rank: 189th) (2013 estimate)
Life Expectancy: 82.5 years (World Rank: 4th) (2009 estimate)
Sites for More Information:
Map of Andorra
Worldatlas.com
Andorra
Wikipedia.org
Culture and Tourism:
Tourism Andorra
All about Andorra as a tourism destination
Catalan Language Resources:
Catalan Writing Resource
Information on Writing Catalan
Government Related:
Andorran Government Web Sites
by Gunnar Anzinger.
