Andorra

Where the name comes from

Andorra’s origin is unknown; suggested roots include Arabic ad-Darra, “forest”, and Navarro-Aragonese andurrial, “scrubland”.

First people

People have lived in these Pyrenean valleys since the Stone Age.¹

Known for

Andorra is known for its ski resorts and tax-free shopping, which draw millions of visitors a year.²

Outside contact

It grew up between French and Iberian powers; an agreement in 1278 set up the shared rule behind its two co-princes.¹

The modern country

Today its joint heads of state are the president of France and the bishop of Urgell in Spain, but neither makes it part of France or Spain: Andorra has its own elected parliament and government.³