Andorra is a tiny dot on the map; an independent Principality
dwarfed by France and Spain, most famous for being a tax haven and
a popular tourist destination peppered with summer and winter
resorts.
Following centuries of struggle between the counts and the
bishops of Urgell for the surrounding valleys, Andorra came into
being in 1278, when the Spanish bishop of La Seu d'Urgell, and the
French House of Foix established co-sovereignty of the area. The
French and Spanish continued to tussle over the region and it was
only in 1993 that it officially became an independent state,
obtaining its first written constitution. With this mixed history,
it is no surprise that true Andorrans are a minority in their own
country; Spaniards, French and Portuguese make up the majority of
the population.
The country occupies 181 square miles (468 sq km) and is
mountainous and beautiful, dotted with lakes, forests, and three
major rivers. Scenery, flora and fauna are typical of the Pyrenees
region. Its principal and most populated town is Andorra la Vella
and there are several museums and monuments to explore, including a
Miniature Museum, a Perfume museum and an Ethnographic museum. The
principal reason, however, for visits to Andorra is for the
excellent skiing. The country boasts several major ski resorts,
including GrandValira (formerly called Soldeu/El Tartar) and
VallNord (formerly Arcalis/Ordino), which cater for all types of
skiers.
If skiing is not for you, however, Andorra also offers plenty of
hiking opportunities, horse riding, golfing, relaxing in some fine
restaurants and cafes, and of course some excellent duty-free
shopping.
