What is Andorra?
Andorra is a small, landlocked country nestled in the eastern Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. Known for its scenic landscapes, ski resorts, and tax-free shopping, Andorra is a popular destination for tourists. The country has a unique political system, with two Co-Princes as heads of state and a parliamentary democracy.
Provinces and Territories
Andorra is divided into 7 parishes:
- Andorra la Vella
- Escaldes-Engordany
- Sant Julià de Lòria
- La Massana
- Ordino
- Encamp
- Canillo
Currency Details
- Currency Name: Euro (EUR)
- Symbol: €
- Subunit: Cent (1 Euro = 100 cents)
- Central Bank: Andorra doesn’t have a central bank but operates with the Euro.
Type of Government
Andorra is a parliamentary co-principality. It has two Co-Princes:
- President of France
- Bishop of Urgell (Spain)
The Prime Minister is the head of government and exercises executive power. The General Council (Parliament) makes legislative decisions.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch Hierarchy
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Co-Princes | Dual heads of state | Shared power between the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell. Represent the country in foreign matters. |
| Prime Minister | Head of Government | Appointed by the Co-Princes, manages the executive branch, and implements policies. |
| Ministers | Government Officials | Oversee various sectors like Finance, Health, and Education. |
| General Secretary | Top civil servant | Assists the Prime Minister in managing government affairs. |
Legislative Branch Hierarchy
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| General Council (Parliament) | Unicameral legislature | Consists of 28 members. Elected for 4-year terms. Makes laws and approves the budget. |
| President of the General Council | Presides over the General Council | Ensures legislative activities run smoothly. |
| Councilors | Members of the General Council | Debate laws, propose amendments, and approve government policies. |
Judicial Branch Hierarchy
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Court | Highest court for constitutional matters | Interprets the constitutionality of laws. |
| Superior Court of Justice | Highest court for criminal and civil cases | Resolves appeals and enforces legal rulings. |
| Judges | Judicial officers | Handle lower court cases and disputes. |
International Memberships
- United Nations (UN)
- European Union (EU): Not a member but has agreements with the EU
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
- Council of Europe
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Military Structure
Andorra does not maintain a standing army. Defense matters are handled by France and Spain under agreements. The country does have a small Andorra National Police force that handles internal security.
Secret Agencies
Andorra does not have significant secret intelligence agencies, but relies on neighboring countries for intelligence and security cooperation.
Stock Markets
Andorra does not have its own stock exchange but uses the Spanish and French financial markets. The country relies heavily on tourism and financial services for its economic activity.
Emergency Numbers
- General Emergency: 112
- Police: 113
- Fire Department: 118
- Ambulance: 116
SWOT Analysis of Andorra
Strengths
- Strategic location in the Pyrenees, attracting tourists year-round
- Strong financial sector with low taxes
- High standard of living
Weaknesses
- Limited natural resources
- Heavy reliance on tourism
- Small population and labor market
Opportunities
- Expanding international trade agreements
- Growth in digital and tech industries
- Eco-tourism potential
Threats
- Economic reliance on neighboring countries
- Climate change impacting winter tourism
- Global economic downturns affecting exports
Additional Information
- Official Language: Catalan
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET, UTC +1)
- National Anthem: “El Gran Carlemany” (The Great Charlemagne)