Andorra

Introduction to Andorra

The Principality of Andorra (Catalan: Principat d'Andorra, French: Principauté d'Andorre, Spanish: Principado de Andorra) is a small, landlocked principality in south-western Europe, located in the eastern Pyrenees mountains and bordered by France and Spain. Once isolated, it is currently a prosperous country mainly because of tourism and its status as a tax haven. Andorra is not to be confused with the Comune di Andora.

Cultural notes about Andorra

Andorran culture is Catalan in essence, since the native-born population is Catalan. However, it has given a significant and easily identifiable contribution to the conglomerate of Catalan culture.

Two writers renowned in Catalonia and the region, Michèle Gazier and Ramon Villeró, both come from Andorra. In adition, Ricard Fiter, a renowned writer, not only comes from Andorra, but also serves as the Principality's ombudsman. Yet the tradition of writing in Andorra dates farther back than the 20th century; Antoni Fiter i Rossell, from the parish of Ordino, wrote a history book of his lands called Digest manual de las valls neutras de Andorra in 1748, describing the feudal historical and legal setting of Andorra.

Given the fondness of the Catalans for music, it may not be surprising to hear that Andorra has a Chamber Orchestra directed by the violinist Gérard Claret; and that it also stages a famous international singing contest supported by Montserrat Caballé. This year, for the first time, Andorra will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, with the first song in the contest's 50 year long history to be sung in the Catalan language.

The single most important event in Andorran cultural life is the Escaldes-Engordany international jazz festival, where stars such as Miles Davis, Fats Domino and B.B. King have taken part.

Typical dances, such as the marratxa and the contrapàs, are especially popular at feasts. Among famous feasts are the one honouring Sant Jordi, when books and roses are given as presents; the People's feast, celebrating Saint John and the summer solstice, and the feast of Saint Stephen (Sant Esteve), patron saint of Andorra la Vella. Andorrans tend to celebrate their feasts gladly and loudly.

Andorra's constitution provides for full freedom of the media, and there are two daily newspapers published in the principality, Diari D'Andorra and El Periòdic. Television services are broadcast by the public ATV, and apart from the public Radio nacional d'Andorra there is also the commercial radio station called Radio Valira.

Official Canadian government advisories for travelling to, in and around Andorra

There are no safety or security issues. The crime rate is low. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure that personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times. In an emergency, call 110.