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Country Profile: Andorra

The Principality of Andorra is a landlocked microstate located in the Pyrenees mountains, bordered by France and Spain. With a population of approximately 85,370, Andorra has transitioned from a historic co-principality to a parliamentary democracy, maintaining a unique governance system that includes both French and Spanish leaders as co-princes. The economy is vibrant, largely driven by tourism, finance, and a low-tax environment, making it a hub for commerce and culture. With a temperate climate and rugged terrain, Andorra attracts millions of tourists annually, contributing significantly to its economic stability.

Geography

Andorra is situated in southwestern Europe, characterized by its mountainous terrain and temperate climate, which includes snowy winters and warm, dry summers. The country spans an area of 468 square kilometers and is completely landlocked, with no coastline. It features rugged mountains and narrow valleys, and its highest point is Pic de Coma Pedrosa at 2,946 meters.

  • 468 sq km - total area
  • 39.9% - agricultural land (2023 estimate)
  • 38.7% - forested area (2023 estimate)
  • No - coastline (landlocked)
  • 2.5 times - the size of Washington, D.C.
  • Average elevation - 1,996 m above sea level

People and Society

The population of Andorra is estimated at 85,370 (2024), with a demographic mix including Andorrans, Spaniards, Portuguese, and French. Catalan is the official language, spoken by 44.1% of the population, while a significant percentage also speaks Castilian and Portuguese. The society demonstrates a high urbanization rate, with 87.8% living in urban areas, primarily concentrated in seven parishes.

  • 95% - internet penetration (2023 estimate)
  • 83.8 years - life expectancy at birth (2024 estimate)
  • 12% - population aged 0-14 years (2024 estimate)
  • 20.4% - population aged 65 years and over (2024 estimate)
  • 1.05 male(s)/female - sex ratio (total population, 2024 estimate)
  • 100% - access to improved drinking water (2022 estimate)

Economy

Andorra's economy is marked by a high GDP and low unemployment, largely influenced by tourism and a modern financial sector. The real GDP is expected to reach $5.402 billion in 2024, with a growth rate of 3.4% for that year. The country has successfully opened its market to foreign investments while maintaining its non-tax haven status, which has helped it to recover post-COVID-19.

  • $65,900 - GDP per capita (2024 estimate)
  • 77.6% - services sector contribution to GDP (2024 estimate)
  • 1.3% - remittances as a share of GDP (2023 estimate)
  • $3.169 billion - exports (2023 estimate)
  • $2.716 billion - imports (2023 estimate)
  • $538.287 million - current account balance (2023 estimate)

Government

Andorra operates as a parliamentary democracy since 1993, featuring a unique co-principality governance model. The Head of State is represented by the Co-princes — the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell from Spain. The General Council, a unicameral legislature, consists of 28 members and is responsible for making laws, with elections held every four years.

  • 18 years - voting age
  • 2 April 2023 - date of the most recent election
  • 50% - women representation in the General Council
  • 7 - administrative divisions (parishes)
  • 25 years - residency requirement for naturalization

Military and Security

Andorra does not maintain regular military forces, as defense responsibilities are managed by France and Spain. The country relies on its Police Corps for internal security, operating under the Ministry of Justice and Interior.

  • No - regular military forces
  • Police Corps of Andorra - primary law enforcement agency

Energy

Andorra boasts a total electrification rate of 100%, ensuring that the entire population has access to electricity.

  • 100% - electricity access (2022 estimate)

Environment

Andorra faces several environmental issues including deforestation and air pollution, which are being addressed through various international agreements. The country participates in multiple environmental initiatives aimed at combating climate change and preserving biodiversity.

  • 315.6 million cubic meters - total renewable water resources (2022 estimate)
  • 43,000 tons - municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 estimate)

Transportation

Andorra has a small but efficient transportation infrastructure, including heliports and civil aircraft registration.

  • 2 - heliports (2025 estimate)

Communications

The country's communication infrastructure is well-developed, with high mobile and internet penetration. Andorra has access to broadcast media from nearby countries.

  • 95% - internet users (2023 estimate)
  • 126,214 - mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 estimate)

Key Metrics

MetricValueNote
Population85,370 (2024 est.)
Area468 sq km
GDP$5.402 billion(2024 estimate)
GDP per capita$65,900(2024 estimate)
Birth rate6.88 births/1,000(2025 estimate)
Unemployment rateNot specified
Life expectancy83.8 years(2024 estimate)
Electricity access100%(2022 estimate)
Urban population87.8%(2023 estimate)
Debt to GDP ratio41.4%(2013 estimate)