Country Profile: Andorra
Nestled in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, Andorra is a landlocked principality known for its rugged mountains and rich history dating back to the co-principality established in 1278. With a population of approximately 85,370, it features a unique governance system that combines elements of a parliamentary democracy with a dual head of state comprised of the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell, Spain. The economy, characterized by a high GDP per capita and low unemployment rates, relies heavily on tourism, banking, and duty-free shopping, making it a popular destination for roughly 8 million visitors annually.
Geography
Andorra's geographical setting is defined by its mountainous terrain, situated in southwestern Europe, with a total area of 468 square kilometers. The country is landlocked, bordered by France to the north and Spain to the south, and possesses no coastlines. Its climate varies with snowy winters and warm, dry summers, making it a prime location for both winter sports and summer tourism.
- 468 sq km: Total land area
- 118 km: Total land boundaries (France 55 km; Spain 63 km)
- 2.5 times the size of Washington, D.C.: Comparative area
- 2,946 m: Highest point at Pic de Coma Pedrosa
- 39.9%: Agricultural land (2023 est.)
- 38.7%: Forest cover (2023 est.)
People and Society
As of 2024, Andorra has an estimated population of 85,370, with a majority composed of Spanish (34.3%), Andorran (32.1%), and Portuguese (10%) citizens. The official language is Catalan, although Castilian and Portuguese also have significant presence due to the diverse ethnic makeup. The country enjoys a high life expectancy of 83.8 years, indicating a well-established healthcare system, with urbanization at 87.8%.
- 48.8 years: Median age (2024 est.)
- 6.9 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024 est.)
- 12%: Proportion of the population aged 0-14 years
- 20.4%: Population aged 65 years and over (2024 est.)
- 0.12%: Population growth rate (2024 est.)
- 100%: Access to improved drinking water (2022 est.)
Economy
Andorra's economy is robust, with a Real GDP estimated at $5.402 billion for 2024 and a Real GDP per capita of $65,900. A significant portion of the economy is centered around the services sector, particularly tourism, which has been a key driver of growth. The country operates as a duty-free zone and is targeting investments in technology following its inclusion in the SEPA.
- 3.4%: Projected Real GDP growth rate (2024 est.)
- 77.6%: Services contribution to GDP (2024 est.)
- $3.169 billion: Exports (2023 est.)
- $2.716 billion: Imports (2023 est.)
- 1.3%: Remittances as a percentage of GDP (2023 est.)
- 41.4%: Public debt to GDP (2013 est.)
Government
Andorra is a parliamentary democracy that operates under a mixed legal system with influences from both civil and customary law. The government is led by a Prime Minister, who is elected indirectly by the General Council. The dual co-princes, one of whom is the President of France, serve as ceremonial heads of state.
- 18 years: Minimum voting age
- 7: Number of administrative parishes
- 50%: Proportion of women in the General Council (2023)
- 4: Number of years for which the Prime Minister is appointed
- March 1993: Year in which the current constitution was enacted
Military and Security
Andorra does not maintain regular military forces, relying instead on France and Spain for its defense. The internal security is managed by the Police Corps of Andorra, which falls under the Ministry of Justice and Interior.
- No regular military forces: Defense responsibility delegated to France and Spain
Energy
The principality boasts 100% electrification of its population as of 2022, showcasing its effective infrastructure in energy provision.
- 100%: Electrification rate (2022 est.)
Environment
Andorra faces environmental challenges such as deforestation and soil erosion. However, it actively participates in international agreements aimed at biodiversity and climate change mitigation.
- 315.6 million cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022 est.)
- 8.5 micrograms per cubic meter: Particulate matter emissions (2019 est.)
- 43,000 tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024 est.)
Transportation
Andorra features limited but essential transportation infrastructure that includes heliports and civil aircraft registration.
- 2: Heliports as of 2025
Communications
The country has advanced telecommunications, with a high percentage of internet access and mobile subscriptions per capita.
- 95%: Internet penetration rate (2023 est.)
- 126,000: Total mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 est.)
- 52,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 85,370 | Estimated for 2024 |
| Area | 468 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP | $5.402 billion | Real GDP (2024 est.) |
| GDP per capita | $65,900 | Real GDP per capita (2024 est.) |
| Birth rate | 6.9 births/1,000 | Birth rate (2024 est.) |
| Life expectancy | 83.8 years | Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.) |
| Urban population | 87.8% | Urbanization rate (2023 est.) |
| Public debt | 41.4% | Public debt to GDP (2013 est.) |
| Total renewable water resources | 315.6 million cubic meters | Total renewable water resources (2022 est.) |
| Electric access | 100% | Electrification rate (2022 est.) |
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