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Andorra[andOr´u] Pronunciation Key, Fr. Andorre[ANdOr´] Pronunciation Key, officially Principality of Andorra, autonomous parliamentary co-principality (1995 est. pop. 66,000), 179 sq mi (464 sq km), high in the E Pyrenees between France and Spain, under the joint suzerainty of the president of France and the bishop of Seo de Urgel, Spain. Andorra la Vella (1990 est. pop. 20,437; Span. Andorra la Vieja) is the capital and the most important city. Drained by the Valira River, Andorra comprises several high mountain valleys. Highways link the country with Spain and France.
Andorra is administratively divided into seven districts. The people are made up of Andorrans of Catalan stock (about 25%), Spanish (over 50%), and French (6%), the remaining being mostly Portuguese and recent immigrants from other countries. Catalan is the official language, although Spanish and French are also spoken. Most of the population is Roman Catholic.
Until the 1950s, farming, woodcutting, and smuggling were the main occupations. Andorra now has a prosperous tourist industry; skiing is particularly popular. Trade is duty-free and lack of taxation is attractive to foreign investment. There are three large hydroelectric facilities, and the country exports electricity to Spain. Sheep are raised, and Andorra's farms produce tobacco, grains, corn, and grapes. Furniture is manufactured and distilleries produce brandy and anisette. Iron and lead are mined.
In the 9th cent., Holy Roman Emperor Charles II is reputed to have made the bishop of Seo de Urgel overlord of Andorra. The French counts of Foix contested this overlordship, and finally in 1278 an agreement was reached providing joint suzerainty. The rights of the count passed by inheritance through the house of Albret to Henry IV of France, and from the French kings to the French presidents.
Long a semifeudal state with an ancient communal agrarian organization, Andorra was traditionally governed by a syndic-led council elected by heads of families. In 1993, the country's first constitution established a parliamentary democracy with executive, legislative, and judicial branches; political parties and labor unions were legalized and Andorra joined the United Nations. A 28-member legislature now effectively governs the country. Marc FornE MolnE has been premier since 1994. The president of France and the bishop of Seo de Urgel remain titular co-princes and serve to link the tiny country with both France and Spain.
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