LocationWestern Europe, border of France and Spain.
Area467.8 sq km (180.6 sq miles).
Population75,000 (UN estimate 2007).
Population Density160 per sq km.
CapitalAndorra la Vella.
Population: 22,000 (2005).
GovernmentPrincipality under the suzerainty of the President of France and the Spanish Bishop of Urgel.
LanguageThe official language is Catalan. Spanish and French are also spoken.
ReligionRoman Catholic.
TimeGMT + 1 (GMT + 2
from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
ElectricitySockets: 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Lighting: 125 volts AC.
Head of GovernmentAlbert Pintat since 2005.
Head of StateCo-heads Joan Enric Vives i Sicilia (Bishop of la Seu d’Urgell) since 2003 and Nicolas Sarkozy (President of France) since 2007.
Recent HistoryThe present Andorran constitution, introduced in 1993, formally defined Andorra as a principality. Administration is in the hands of a general council with 28 members, four from each of the seven parishes, elected by universal suffrage. The council elects a president and a vice-president. Domestic politics are dominated by two parties - the
Uniò Liberal (UL) and the
Agrupament Nacional Democràtic (AND).
Following a comprehensive victory in the February 1997 poll, at which the UL took 18 of the 28 seats on the
Conseil Général, a UL government took office under the leadership of Marc Forné Molné. Four years later, in 2001, the electorate returned the Molné government for a second term, again with an absolute majority. However, in 2005, Albert Pintat of the Liberal Party became prime minister, although not with an absolute majority. Molné lost his seat in the 2005 election but, in any case, was barred by the constitution from standing for a new term.
TelephoneCountry code: 376.
Mobile TelephoneRoaming agreements exist with most international mobile companies. Coverage is good.
InternetInternet cafes are available throughout Andorra.
MediaThe Andorran media scene has been shaped by the country’s proximity to France and Spain. Andorrans have access to broadcasts from both countries, and for many years Andorra was home to Sud Radio, a powerful radio station broadcasting to southwest France. The constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press.
PostInternal mail services are free; international mail takes about one week within Europe.
Post office hours: 0900-1300 and 1500-1700 in Andorra la Vella, otherwise variable.
Press• Andorra has two daily newspapers, the
Diari d’Andorra and
El Periodic.
Radio•
Nacional d’Andorra operates
Radio Andorra and music station
Andorra Musica.
• Radio Valira,
Andorra 7 and
Andorra 1 are commercial stations.
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period.
2009
1 Jan New Year's Day.
6 Jan Epiphany.
14 Mar Constitution Day.
10-13 Apr Easter.
1 May Labor Day.
21 May Ascension.
1 Jun Whit Monday.
24 Jun St John's Day.
15 Aug Assumption of the Blessed Virgin.
8 Sep National Day.
1 Nov All Saints' Day.
4 Nov St Charles' Day.
8 Dec Immaculate Conception.
24 Dec Christmas Eve.
25-26 Dec Christmas.
31 Dec New Year's Eve
2010
1 Jan New Year's Day.
6 Jan Epiphany.
14 Mar Constitution Day.
2-5 Apr Easter.
1 May Labor Day.
1 May Ascension.
24 May Whit Monday.
24 Jun St John's Day.
15 Aug Assumption of the Blessed Virgin.
8 Sep National Day.
1 Nov All Saints' Day.
4 Nov St Charles' Day.
8 Dec Immaculate Conception.
24 Dec Christmas Eve.
25-26 Dec Christmas.
31 Dec New Year's Eve.
NoteIn July, August and September, parishes have their own public holidays, during which festivals are held.
Contact Information:Embassy of the Principality of Andorra in the UK63 Westover Road, London SW18 2RF, UK
Tel: (020) 8874 4806.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1700 (by appointment only).
Sindicat d'Iniciativa Oficina de Turisme (Tourist Office)Carrer Dr Vilanova,13 Edifici Davi, Local C, Andorra la Vella AD500, Andorra
Tel: 820 214.
Website:
www.andorra.ad Permanent Mission of the Principality of Andorra to the United Nations2 United Nations Plaza, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10017, USA
Tel: (212) 750 8064.
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