Andorra

Andorra

Andorra / is a small landlocked country in southwestern Europe, located in the eastern Pyrenees Mountains and bordered by Spain and France. Andorra is the sixth smallest country in Europe with an area of ​​468 km2 and a population of about 84,888 in 2009

Andorra is a prosperous country due mainly to its tourism sector, which serves an estimated 10.2 million visitors annually, also because of its status as a tax haven. Andorra is not a member of the European Union, but the euro is the actual currency. Andorra has the fourth highest average life expectancy in the world at birth, at about 82 years

Due to its location in the eastern region of the Pyrenees mountain range, Andorra consists mostly of rugged mountains with an average height of 1,996 meters (6,549 feet) and the highest is the summit of Badrosa at 2,946 meters (9,665 feet). These chains are divided by three narrow valleys in the form of the letter y, which cluster to one as in the main direction. The city of Spain is located on the Valera River (the lowest point in Andorra at 870 m / 2,854 feet) and the surface of Andorra is 468 square kilometers (181 sq mi)

Tourism is the mainstay of Andorra, as well as what the economy does, and tourism accounts for about 80% of GDP. Andorra attracts an estimated 9 million tourists annually, due to their duty-free exemptions, as well as its summer and winter products. Andorra's advantage is fading recently compared to the economies of France and neighboring Spain, due to the wider provision of goods and a further reduction in customs duties

As for the banking sector, and its tax collection status, it contributes significantly to the economy. Agricultural production is limited to only 2% of the arable land and most of the food is imported. Some tobacco is grown locally. The main activity in livestock raising is domestic sheep breeding. The output of the manufacturing industry consists of cigarettes, cigars, and furniture. Andorra's natural resources include hydro, mineral water, wood, iron ore and lead

Although Andorra is not a member of the European Union, it does have a special relationship with it, such as treating it as a member of the European Union for the manufacture of manufactured goods (no tariffs) and it does not deal as a member of the European Union for agricultural products. Andorra lacks a currency of its own, and uses the currency of two of the surrounding countries. Before 2002, the currency was the French franc and the Spanish peseta, and since then the European currency has become the euro. Andorra is negotiating its own currency

Andorra has a temperate climate similar to its neighbors, but its rise has resulted in more snow in the winter, with less humidity, and a bit cold in the summer. On average, 300 days a year from the sun

Andorra had no protection whatsoever and the bishop of Argyle known as the Count of Argyle, wanted to reclaim Andorra's valleys and decided to seek help and protection from the governor of Cabot. In 1095, the ruler of Cabot signed oath with the Count of Argyll to place Andorra under his sovereignty. Arnalda, the daughter of Arnaud, the governor of Cabot, married Vicount Castile and became Vicuna Castillo and Sardinia. Years later, their daughter, Airsinda, married the French Voyager of Roger Berner II. The provinces of Roger II and Amersanda became the first Viconta Castieblu and Sardegnau the owners of Andorra (in partnership with the Bishop of Argyll)

In the eleventh century a dispute arose between the bishop of Argyll and the Vox formed. The dispute was settled in 1278 with the signing of the first Aragon-brokered treaty, which stipulated that Andorra would be a shared sovereignty between the Count of the Fux (who eventually transferred a title to the French head of state) and the bishop of Urgil in Catalonia. This gave that small state its sovereignty and political status

The title moved over the years passed to the Kings of Navarre. After Henri Navarra became King Henry IV of France and issued a decree (1607) which determined that the French head of state and Bishop of Urgel would be co-princes of Andorra. In 1812-1813, the first French Empire conquered Catalonia and divided it into four provinces. Andorra was also divided and became part of the Bouygesda region (Segri province)