Andorra history
Andorra is a small country with an extremely detailed and interesting history. Stationed snuggly between France and Spain, these two major powers have worked together to govern Andorra for centuries. The boarders of Andorra have not changed since the year 1278, but the history of the country is ever changing and morphing along with the rest of the world.
Early history
Years of questionable rule by Catholic Spanish bishops and French noblemen marred Andorra’s early history with in fighting and questionable rulers. The co-principality between Spain and France was strong, however the French revolutionary government disowned the Andorran government, declaring its traditions as a part of Feudalism. It wasn’t until 1806 that Napoleon reinstated the co-principality over Andorra that the country could be at peace with equal Spanish and French influence.
1933 – 1945
Andorra enjoyed many years of tranquility under the French and Spanish rule, that is until 1933. France was occupying the country due to civil unrest before government elections. In July of 1934, a man by the name of Boris Skossyreff declared himself sovereign prince of Andorra, naming himself Boris I. He declared war on the Bishop of Urgel (the Spanish “prince” of Andorra) and was quickly arrested by Spanish officers and banished from Spain. 1936 through 1940 brought with it a French occupation of Andorra in order to protect the small nation from the Spanish Civil War and the brutality of Franco’s Spain. Andorra remained a neutral state in both the Spanish Civil War and the Second World War. The country served as an excellent point for the French rebellion to transport arms, food, and much needed medicine into German occupied France.
1946 – 1992
The end of World War II brought prosperity and tourism to Andorra. After years of increased isolation, peace and rising tourism brought about new achievements in transportation, communications, and really brought Andorrans into modern European fashions and societies. These advances in economy and production led to civil cries for a democratic system of government. In the late 1970’s and the early 1980’s, Andorra began to create self-sufficient and independent government entities.
Quick fact!
Andorra has no official army, it is protected by France and Spain.
1993 – present
Andorra officially became a parliamentary democracy in 1993, while still maintaining the co-principality between France and Spain. Andorra created and instituted its constitution in March of 1993. Newer freedoms allowed for political parties to be formed, for trade unions to be established, and for individual Andorrans to participate in government elections. Andorra became apart of the United Nations in 1993. Modern day Andorra is still looking for ways to increase its financial independence with increased exports and better relations with the country’s European counterparts. Andorra is well known for financial services because of the detailed banking secrecy laws and low income taxes.
Andorra language and culture
Culture of Andorra
With an area of only 468 square kilometers, Andorra possesses a cultural heritage comparable to that of any other country in the world. Located in the Pyrenees Mountains, between France and Spain, Andorra receives more than ten million tourists every year, which is over a hundred times its population.
Traditions and festivals
Most traditional festivals in Andorra have a religious meaning; for example, on St. George’s Day (also known as Sant Jordi) people give each other roses and books, and the St. Lucia fair offers a variety of Christmas presents and decorations for purchase.
The capital hosts a number of yearly feasts on June 1st and from 6th to 9th August. Moreover, The Season of Music and Dance lasts from November until May, when local authorities organize a number of cultural events in the capital, Andorra la Vella.
Sport
It goes without saying that “the country of snow” in the Pyrenees Mountains is the home of many popular winter sports both tourists and professionals are free to enjoy. Skiing, trekking, Via Ferrata (a combination of trekking and rock climbing), alpinism, mountain biking and even paragliding are only some of the options you can choose from.
Music
Contrapàs and marratxa are two types of folk dances specific to the Sant Julià de Lòria region of Andorra. The contrapàs is representative to all regions in and around the capital, while the traditional Saint Anne’s dance is specific to the Escaldes-Engordany parish. Although primarily of Catalan origin, Andorran folk music is quite similar to that of its neighbors’ – France and Spain. Music festivals and an international jazz festival are held every year in Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany.
Languages of Andorra
The official language of Andorra is Catalan and is spoken by about a third of the Andorran nationals. It also is the official language used by the government and mainstream media.
Another third of Andorrans, mainly Spanish immigrants speak Spanish while the remaining portions of the population speak Portuguese or French.
Basic Catalan, Spanish and French words and phrases
Catalan
Hello – Hola
Goodbye – Adéu
Please – Sisplau
Thank you – Gràcies
Yes - Sí
No – No
My name is… – Em dic…
I don’t speak Catalan – No parlo el català
Do you speak English / Spanish / French / German – Parles angles / espanyol / francès / alemany
Spanish
Hello – Hola
Goodbye – Adiós
Please – Por favor
Thank you – Gracias
Yes – Si
No – No
My name is… – Me llamo…
I don’t speak Spanish – No hablo español
Andorra weather
Located in the Pyrenees Mountains, between Spain and France, Andorra is the sixth smallest nation on the European continent. Its climate varies greatly according to elevation; the valleys of Andorraexperience a temperate climate, whereas high-altitude mountain regions are characterized by cold winters and heavy snowfalls. This makes Andorra a fantastic destination for both sightseeing and winter sports.
Spring in Andorra
March and April are the best months to plan a ski holiday. With temperatures going up (from 3°C in March to 9°C in May), you won’t find yourself freezing on the slopes or out exploring the surroundings but it will still feel chilly. Expect temperatures to occasionally drop below 0°C even during this part of the year, so make sure you pack your warmest clothing.
Summer in Andorra
Although high temperatures are not guaranteed due to the high altitude, summer weather is suitable for all sorts of outdoor activities such as cycling and sightseeing. Temperatures rarely go over 20°C and drop significantly (below 10°C!) during the night, so make sure you put on a coat if you fancy a nocturnal walk. Also remember to bring your umbrella – rainfalls are very common in June.
Autumn in Andorra
Temperatures range between 4°C and 15°C in autumn; therefore, you can easily plan a September sightseeing tour, and ski resorts will have probably opened by mid-October. November is one of the wettest months of the year and temperatures may begin to drop below the freezing point, so don’t leave home without your umbrella, rain coat and thick sweaters.
Winter in Andorra
Temperatures aren’t as harsh as you may expect during the cold season – in fact, winter isn’t very different from spring, temperature wise. With the average minimums standing at -6°C in December and January, a nice ski holiday would be in order. February is the coldest month of the year, when temperatures may drop to -7°C.
Average temperatures in Andorra la Vella
Average rainfall in Andorra la Vella
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