Andorra
For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a unique co-principality, ruled by the French chief of state and the Spanish bishop of Urgel. In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titular heads of state retained, but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy. Long isolated and impoverished, mountainous Andorra achieved considerable prosperity since World War II through its tourist industry. Many immigrants (legal and illegal) are attracted to the thriving economy with its lack of income taxes.

Location:
Southwestern Europe, between France and Spain

Area:
total: 468 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 468 sq km

Land boundaries:
total: 120.3 km
border countries: France 56.6 km, Spain 63.7 km

Climate:
temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers

Terrain:
rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys

Land use:
arable land: 2.22%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 97.78% (1998 est.)

Population:
69,865 (July 2004 est.))

Nationality:
noun: Andorran(s)
adjective: Andorran

Languages:
Catalan (official), French, Castilian, Portuguese