The state of Andorra is in the embrace of the Pyrenees

The highland state of Andorra (Andorra) is surrounded by Spain and France. This country has a tiny size, only 458 square meters. M (less in area only Monaco, San Marino and Liechtenstein). Andorra has no access to the sea, but in the principality there are as many as 6 ski resorts, which attracts a lot of tourists.

Natural and climatic conditions

The territory of the dwarf state is in a small hollow that opens in the south. In the north, west and east the state of Andor is tightly surrounded by mountain slopes. The highest peaks reach 2900 meters, low areas - not less than 880 meters. The highest mountain peak is Coma-Pedroso (2947 m). The relief of the principality is quite diverse: the winding valleys of the Valira River and its tributaries, deep gorges and narrow gorges. Here you can find a lot of lakes of glacial origin.

The climate of the country is subtropical mountainous, somewhat relaxed due to its close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. Andorra rightly deserved the status of the sunniest ski resort in Europe (225 days).

Political system

According to the Constitution, the state of Andorra is a sovereign parliamentary principality, although in fact the country is a republic. Since 1278, the order of occupying the post of head of the principality is rather unusual. Thus, the post of leaders of the state, who simultaneously bear the titles of princes, are occupied by two persons - the president of France and the bishop of the border town of Spain, La Seu d'Urgell. They carry out the Board through their representatives, who are called vicars.

The General Council (Parliament) is the legislative body of the principality and consists of 28 elected members. This council is authorized to appoint a government. It is the head of government who is the actual power in the dwarf state. France and Spain reliably protect the independence of Andorra.

Economy

The main component of the economy of the principality is tourism. Every year it is visited by about 15 million tourists. Excellent tax climate, almost complete absence of fees for offshore operations - that's what attracts Andor most. The state feels an acute shortage of fertile land. Only 4% of the land is under cultivation, mainly on the lower mountain slopes and in their valleys, mainly tobacco, potatoes, grapes, rye, barley are grown. A huge part of the food has to be imported.

There are reserves of lead and iron in the country, but, unfortunately, due to the high transportation costs, their deposits have been studied rather poorly. Only a few sites produce lead and iron ore, as well as marble.

sights

First of all, Andorra attracts travelers with its mountain slopes. Here you can relax no worse and much cheaper than in the more famous Swiss Alps. In addition to mountain skiing in the Principality, such sports as horseback riding, hiking, bench shooting, and fishing are popular.

The country has a well-developed infrastructure: restaurants, theaters, supermarkets, concert halls and other institutions are in abundance. In the capital of the mini-state of Andorra la Vella, you can see a myriad of charming buildings in medieval style.

Architecture and natural landscapes attract hundreds of thousands of people to this small principality with the proud name of Andorra. The state on the map can be clearly seen in the south-west of Europe framed by the Pyrenees mountains.