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 here.
Natural and climatic conditions
The territory of the dwarf state is located in a small hollow that opens in the south. In the north, west and east, the state of Andorra is densely surrounded by mountain slopes. The highest peaks reach 2900 meters, the lowest sections - at least 880 meters. The highest mountain peak is Coma Pedrosa (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 many lakes of glacial origin.
The country's climate is subtropical mountain, somewhat relaxed due to the close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. Andorra has rightfully earned 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 essence the country is a republic. Since 1278, the order of taking up the post of head of the principality is quite unusual. So, the post of leaders of the state, who simultaneously hold the titles of princes, is held by two persons - the president of France and the bishop from the Spanish border town of La Ceu 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. The actual power in the dwarf state is vested in precisely the head of government. France and Spain reliably safeguard the independence of Andorra.
Economy
The main component of the economy of the principality is tourism. About 15 million tourists visit it every year. An excellent tax climate, the almost complete absence of fees for offshore operations - this is what Andora is most attractive about. The state is experiencing an acute shortage of fertile land. Only 4% of the land is cultivated; on the lower slopes of the mountains and in their valleys, mainly tobacco, potatoes, grapes, rye, and barley are grown. A huge part of the food has to be imported.
The country has reserves of lead and iron, but, unfortunately, due to the high transport costs, their deposits are studied rather poorly. Lead and iron ore, as well as marble , are mined in only a few areas.
sights
First of all, the state of 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 skiing in the Principality, sports such as horse riding, hiking, bench shooting, and fishing are also popular.
The country has a well-developed infrastructure: restaurants, theaters, supermarkets, concert halls and other institutions are abundant. In the capital of the mini-state of Andorra la Vella, you can see a myriad of charming buildings in a medieval style.
Architecture and natural landscapes attract hundreds of thousands of people to this small principality with the proud name of Andora. The state on the map can be clearly seen in the south-west of Europe framed by the Pyrenees.