Andorra is the country of skiing and duty-free trade. Where is Andorra, History, Resorts, Entertainment, Holidays

Distinctive feature of that place where is Andorrais that this state is located separately from the rest of the world. Andorra does not have access to the sea and is a principality located in Eastern Pyrenees between France and Spain. Even the name of Andorra comes from the Latin word "wasteland".

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reference Information

The capital of the state is the city of Andorra-la-Velia, which is at the same time the most the largest city in the principality.
Official language Andorra - Catalan.
Official currency - euro.

The main historical moments of Andorra

The first official mention of the place, where is Andorra, It happened in the distant 778, and already in 790 the independence of the state was proclaimed by King Carl Great. The year of the foundation of the Principality of Andorra is considered to be 805.
In the ninth century, Andorra is experiencing numerous raids on its territory.
In 1278, an agreement was concluded between the Count de Fua and the Bishop of Spain on the double sovereignty.
1866 - a year of the basis of the Constitution of Andorra.
In 1934, the update of the current provisions of the Constitution of Andorra happened.
The first political party was formed in 1976 and was named the Democratic Party of Andorra.
In 1981, the authorities are divided into executive and legislative.
1993 it becomes rightfully significant for Andorra at the present level. During this period of time, several events occur immediately:
1) adoption of a new constitution
2) the first general elections
3) Entry into United Nations.
In 1994, the Principality, where is Andorra, Enters members of the Council of Europe, headed by Prime Minister Marka Molna.
In mid-June 1995, Andorra establishes diplomatic relations with Russian Federation.
The most modern and least politically significant achievements of Andorra include the victory of the Andorra football team in the match with Macedonia in 2004. In the same year, Andorra begins his constant participation in the Eurovision World Competition.

Geography Andorra

Preferred terrain relief, where is AndorraThe rocky sublime mountains, which are separated by high narrow paths and valleys. The most common deposits of Andorra are iron ore and lead. Winter in Andorra - snowy and cold. Summer is cool and dry. Special distinctive feature of Andorra - Numerous mountain lakes Ice Origin.

Among the trees that can be found often in this area are oaks, beech, chestnuts, pines and ate. Mountains are solid alpine meadows.

Attractions Andorra

Despite the fact that the principality where is Andorrais small and even called "dwarf", it is decorated with a different kind of attractions for every taste and color.

Caldea

Casa de la-Val

The next place to accumulate curious tourists. Represents the oldest building and at the same time as the most real fortress of the Middle Age of the Epoch.

Museum of Matryoshek in Andorra

Each tourist from Russia is simply obliged to include this museum in the list of his visits. Go to car museums, comics, microminiature, motorcycles, perfumes, mail, tobacco and many others. Undoubtedly, for each person in this country there will be its unforgettable place for the soul.

Located in the west of Europe in Eastern Pyrenees. In the north and east, it borders with France, in the West and South - with Spain. There is no exit to the sea.

The name of the country comes from the Basque and Turial - "Pustose".

Official name: Principality of Andorra

Capital: Andorra La-Vella

The area of \u200b\u200bthe land: 83.8 sq.km.

General population: 8.3 million people (2009)

Administrative division: 7 communities (districts) with some administrative and financial independence.

Form of government: Parliamentary principality.

Head of State: Coincidents from 1278 - Episcopes Urkhelsky (Spain) and French president.

Population composition: 90% of the population - Austrians. About 9% - immigrants from other countries: Yugoslav (35%), Turks (20%) and Bosnians (10%). In addition, small groups of Croats, Hungarians (Burgenland), Slovenes (South Carinthia), Chekhov and Gypsies live in the country.

Official language: german. Most tourism working in the sphere understand and speak English. In the border areas they speak: Hungarian, Slovenian, Croatian, Czech, Italian.

Religion: 78% Roman Catholic, 5% Protestant, 4.5% of other religions, 9% have not been determined.

Internet domain: .at

Voltage in the power grid: ~ 220 V, 50 Hz

Telephone code countries: +376

Description of the country

Andorra is one of the dwarf states of Europe, which has no way out to the sea, the principality located in Eastern Pyrenees between France and Spain. The name of the country comes from the Basque "AndURrial" - "wasteland".

Once closed, currently the principality flourishes mainly due to tourism.

Climate

In Andorra, a temperate climate with snowy winter and warm summer. Mountain peaks Often covered with snow until July.

Andorra is rightly considered to be the most unique ski resort of Europe. On average, the year is up to 250 sunny days, which makes this state the most sunny mountain resort of Europe.

Pyrenees surrounding Andorra determine its subtropical climate, softened by influence Mediterranean Sea. In December-January, the average temperature ranges from -10 to +2 s, and in June-July - from +15 C to +20 C. But at the same time, in the valley warm and even in winter, many colors can grow here.

In winter, as a rule, heavy snowfalls often go. The average annual level of precipitation (usually falls at night) - from 770 to 1100 mm. The greatest amount of precipitation falls from October to May.

The ski season begins in December and until the middle of April you can ski and do not worry about the snow. At night, the temperature is minus, and during the day it reaches 10 ° C.

It should be remembered that the high-height zonality in Andorra is pronounced brightly, therefore, the weather on the sea and location on the mountainside depends on the mountainside, the character of which can noticeably differ even within one area.

Geography

Located on the southern slopes of Pyrenees (Pyrenees), tiny Andorra has a length of only 25 km from north to south and 30 km from the west to east.

From a geographical point of view, this is just a "defect" of France's borders with Spain, with a border strip of 125 km.

Andorra is located 180 km from Toulouse (Toulouse), 225 km from Barcelona (Barcelona), 465 km from Nice (Nice), 855 km from Madrid (Madrid) and 885 km from Paris (Paris).

The capital, Andorra is located south-west of the center of the country, in the confluence of the Gran Valira Rivers (Gran Valira), East Valira Del Oriente (Valira del Norte).

Most of the 40 cities and towns of Andorra (some people live only a few dozen people) are located in high mountain valleysoh, where many mountain streams merging to form the Great Valira - main river countries. Top of Coma Pedrosa (Pic De Coma Pedrosa) in the Spanish border in the north-west Andorra - the most high mountain In the principality, height 2942 m, the lowest mountain - La Farga de Moles in the south-west of the Spanish border, height is 838 m.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

Human economic activity has greatly changed the appearance of the country. Forests, once covered the country, now only a third of its territory and continue to cut down. The most thick forests are preserved at the very north of Andorra and along the Spanish border in the south. Forest landscapes prevail to height in 2000. In the valleys and the lower parts of the slopes of the mountains grow tall oaks, the beech and chestnut are joined above. Berry shrubs and thick blooming herbs grow. Even above, mountain coniferous forests of ate, fir and pines begin.

A subalpine meadow spread over the forest belt with thickets of flowering shrubs, rhododendrons and azaleas, making mountain pine pines, as well as juicy highly old meadows - beautiful pastures for livestock. Next, the low-alpine meadows are replaced by a change, in spring covered with flowers - crocuses, taper, stamping, anemons, wild cloves, etc.

Animal world

The animal world also suffered a lot from human intervention. Cabans, mountain goats, Pyrenean SERNA IZard are still found; In the forests are found curtains, foxes, squirrels, Catalan hares, moles and a Pyrenean exhaust. Bears are almost completely exterminated. Musthary, Pheasants, Filin, Kanyuki and Royal Eagles are found from birds.

sights

Andorra - very ancient country - The first mention of Andorrz found in Latin Chronicles II century. BC e. Country can not boast of large quantities architectural monuments, although in sufficient quantities and preserved Roman bridges, the ruins of the Arab fortresses and medieval temples, but the high-altitude resorts of the country in terms of service and natural conditions Common to the number of the best mountain areas in Europe. The main thing is that attracts tourists from all over the world to Andorra, it is its mountain slopes.

Banks and currency

The payment unit of Andorra is the euro. One euro is 100 cents. In the turn, there are banknotes in dignity 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros and coins in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.

Money can be exchanged in a bank in specialized exchange offices. In hotels, it is often impossible to exchange currency, and if such a service is provided, the rate is much less profitable than in banks. When exchanging currency, commission usually make up a fixed tax regardless of the amount of exchanged currency, therefore it is more profitable to exchange large sums. At the same time, transactions can be in any currency, since currency control as such in Andorra does not exist, and the country's special tax regime allows you to find any acceptable options.

Taxes are absent almost completely. Most small shops and restaurants take dollars as payment. Freely used credit cards leading world systems and tourist checks.

Useful information for tourists

Andorra is a duty-free zone, that is, in fact - a huge Duty Free. Three avenue crossing the cities of Andorra La Velia and Escaldes, "- AV. Princip Benlloch, AV. Meritxell and AV. Carlemany - are a magnificent commercial center that can envy any european capital. The choice is not limited: clothes, shoes, sporting goods and ski equipment, watches, jewelry, perfumery, household and radio equipment. All this can be purchased at very reasonable prices and with a guarantee of quality.

In the rush hour, the waiting for a taxi can last up to one and a half hours, so it is better to rent a car. It will cost from $ 40. It is necessary to have a driver's license and credit card.

Where is the principality of Andorra on the map: general information

The Principality of Andorra is a small country that, along with Liechtenstein, Monaco and San Marino, are related to the "dwarf states" of Europe, while being the largest of the "dwarf states". Andorra Square is 468 square meters. km.

Name : Catalan Option: Andorra

Official name: Catalan Option: Principat d'Andorra

Andorra is located in the south-west of the Eurasian continent, between Spain and France, in the eastern slopes of the Pyrenean Mountains. The country does not have access to the sea, its large part is in the mountainous terrain, at an altitude exceeding 900 meters above sea level.

The principality of Andorra is not part of the European Union, however, actively negotiations are being conducted on possible options for signing agreements on associations with the EU.

Beauty and uniqueness of landscapes and resorts, skiing, thermal sources, Trade released from customs and excise fees, lack of crime, excellent ecology, low cost of living in comparison with neighboring France and Spain attract about 8 million tourists per year.

According to the World Bank at the beginning of 2017, the most visited country in the world in the number of tourists per resident - Andorra. In this country, 32.4 tourists account for each resident.

Andorra enters the top 5 most secure countries in the world in terms of accommodation and tourism. According to the World Bank's report, Andorra ranks fifth in the world according to the criteria "Political Stability" and "Lack of Criminal Ocline" (index 1.32). For example, neighboring Spain is located on the 31st place (index 0.01).

In 2015, Andorra joined the list of 49 "countries with a very high level of human development index," there was noted in the 2015 Human Development Report (Human Development Report 2015). According to the study, Andorra is located in 34th place between Qatar and Slovakia. He heads the list of Norway.

Andorra, according to the World Bank, is included in the top 10 rich countries with the greatest GDP per capita. This indicator at the beginning of 2017, 35.785.50 euros (Andorra Statistics Department).

Andorra is a country with the highest life lifespan, according to the rating of the American Institute for Studying and Assessing Health at the beginning of 2017.

According to the study of the leading global medical journal The Lancet, the leader of the rating "The best health in the world in 2017" became Andorra, the second place was taken by Iceland, the third was Switzerland.

Andorra ski resorts are included in the top 15 best resorts The world and in the top 10 of the most visited resorts of the world.

Almost 30% of the territory of Andorra - national parks, the largest of which is Madriu Pediffit Clarore - is under the protection of UNESCO.

The Principality of Andorra refers to the so-called "tax harbors" of Europe along with Monaco and Liechtenstein. Business taxation is the most liberal in Europe. Since 2012, the company's profit tax is 10% with the ability to reduce up to 2%. Income tax in Andorra is 10%, while if the income of the family does not exceed 24,000 euros per year, the tax is not paid.

In 2016, Andorra joined the OSCE Agreement on the "Blur of Tax Base and Tax Care". Thus, Andorra became the 86th member of this agreement.

In 2016, Andorra joined the list of countries that signed the Budapest Convention on Countering Cybercriminals. This convention was signed not only by European countries, but also, for example, USA, Australia, Canada, Japan.

Andorra is a country of duty-free trade with the lowest in Western Europe VAT rate. Prices for Suite products, perfume, clothing, some food, alcohol, tobacco, technique below the Middle Eastern 15-20%.

Andorra is the only state in the world in which 3 primary education systems are working at the same time: Andorran, French, Spanish. Due to the mixing in the country of educational systems and nationalities, the average and theorer freely since childhood speaks 4 languages: Catalan, Spanish, French, Portuguese. Immigrants in Andorra, the number of which is about 40% of the local population, are beginning to talk at least three languages \u200b\u200b(from the above) after 2-5 years of assimilation.

In 2017, Andorra occupies the 12th place in the world in terms of life quality, according to the Index of the Life Life Living Index.

Andorra took 16th place in the list of "free" countries in 2016 according to the Freedom House public organization rating.

Andorra - the 14th oldest state of the world. The first settlements on the territory of modern Andorra arose in the ice age. The founder of that state, which today is called Andorra, is considered to be Charles (742-814). At the same time, Andorra is the oldest state of the world, which supports military neutrality from about the 11th century.

The heritage of ancient Roman art can be traced everywhere and is reflected in many preserved small churches and medieval bridges. In Andorra, the heritage of Romanesque and Dorusan art has been preserved most of all in Europe. Many churches date back to the ninth century. Most festivals and popular traditional holidays coincide with religious events and the natural natural cycles of the Earth.

The Principality of Andorra does not have its own airport, however, the roads leading to Spain and France allow you to get by car to international Airports Barcelona and Toulouse about 3 hours. Before Paris and Madrid, the time on the road will be about 10 and 6 hours accordingly.

In 2016, the airport was launched for commercial use in the border Spanish city of Seo de Urzel, however, to date, the airport is in the process of obtaining a license of the Government of Spain to receive international flights. In 2020, the Government of Andorra launches the national heliport, which will allow regular flights For half an hour to fly to Barcelona and Toulouse.

The capital of Andorra - Andorra-La Vella is the highest capital of Europe (about 1030 m above sea level).

Andorra is a parliamentary democracy. Today, Andor has its own Constitution of 1993, and is a member of the UN and other major international organizations, both political and economic. Andorra - Parliamentary Principality. However, Historically, Andorra is managed by CO-Prince of Spain and France according to the decree "Pareatge". The title of co-princes of the state is personal and inseparable, and belongs to the bishop of Seo de Urzel and the President of France. According to the same decree, the bishop of the Uzelsky and French president are guarantors of constancy political device Andorra.

In Andorra there is no own army. The country is under the protection of the Spanish and French Armed Forces.

The population of Andorra (according to the Department of Statistics Andorra on 01/01/2018) is 74,794 people. Only 36% of the population are the Andorranians, while 44% is Spaniards, 11% of the Portuguese, 7% of the French, and the rest is a variety of other nationalities.

Working force on 01/01/2017 - 37 134 people. Unemployment in Andorra The present moment is 2.9%. 94.9% of the workforce is occupied in the service sector; 4.7% - in industry and only 0.4% - in agriculture. Minimum wage - 1045.33 euros per month. The average salary level is 1994 euros per month. Inflation at the beginning of 2017 amounted to 1.2%.

According to Net Index, Andorra takes the 8th place in the world ranking of countries with the fastest Internet speed indicators on "Download" and "Upload" information. The fastest countries are Hong Kong (96.99 MBPS) and Singapore (82.41 Mbps). In the top ten also included South Korea, Sweden and Switzerland. Andorra's indicator in 2016 amounted to 63.03 MBPS. Positions of the United States (30.36 Mbps) and Russia (25.53 Mbps) - 27th and 35th places, respectively.

The annual consumption of the country's electricity is about 600 gigavatt. Andorra itself produces only about 15-17% of the total volume, the rest purchases in Spain and France. At the same time, the cost of electricity in the domestic market for private consumers and industry is about 50% lower than in Spain, and 15-20% lower than in France.

The Principality of Andorra is not included in the European Union, however, the national currency of the country is euro. Andorra is the only country in Europe that uses the euro as a national currency without an official agreement with the EU.

Andorra's banking system is represented by 5 banking groups. The banking system of the country operating in the field of services of Privat Banking, in 2017 accumulated almost 50 billion euros in the accounts of private clients. Banks in Andorra work from Monday to Fridays from 9.30 to 16.30 with a break for lunch from 12.00 to 14.00.

90% of residents consider themselves Catholics. According to the Constitution of Andorra, Catholicism is not considered a state religion, the freedom of religion is proclaimed, however, in the main law catholic Church Mentioned separately.

State language Andorra: Catalan (Catalá).
Official languages \u200b\u200bAndorra: Catalan, Spanish and French.

_________________________

Principality of Andorra (El PrinciPado de Andorra - Cast. / Principat d'Andorra - Cat.) - A small state whose area is total 468 sq. km. It is located in the heart of the Pyrenean Axis (average height - 1996 m above sea level). In the south borders with an autonomous region Catalonia(Spain), and in the north with the Department Midi Piren (France). In the country lives approximately 84 thousand people ( 2008 ). In the winter months, the "population" increases many times, thanks to skiers from all over Europe, which are very loved local highways. Capital - Andorra La Vella (Andorra La Vella). The peculiarity of the principality is that the state 2 chapters. One of Spain and the other from France. The country has no own armed forces.
In the middle Xx in. The poor and isolated territory turned into a prosperous state due to the development of tourism and banking.

The anthem of Andorra is called "Karl Great" and glorifies the founder of the Sacred Roman Empire.

Geography and climate

Andorra Country with Alpine Relief In the south-east of the Pyrenean Peninsula. On the territory of Andorra are located 65 mountains whose height exceeds 2500 m. The highest of them - Peak Komapedros (ComapedRosa), 2942 m, the border between Spain and France. Between the mountains lie narrow valleys, according to which mountain rivers flow, including the three most extended: Northern Valira Del Norte, East Valira (Valira de Oriente) and Big Valira (Gran Valira). On the territory of Andorra there is more 60 lakes. The biggest one is lake Zhularwhich covers the area - 21 ha. IN summer time Due to the lack of water, it sometimes partly dries up, and then it looks like 3 independent lakes. On the territory of Andorra, pine and beech forests are growing mainly, and at the heights above 2000 M beginioning alpine meadows.
Climate Andorra - Mediterranean high-alinoic. Winter cold (on average -2 °C), and in the summer is not hot (on average 24 °C). The air temperature directly depends on the height above sea level. In Andorra, quite a large number of sunny days a year, and the climate is generally dry. The precipitation usually falls out in the afternoon, closer to the sunset. In winter in the form of snow.

HISTORICAL FACTS

The first mention of Andosena (Andosinos) is found in the work of an antique chronicler Polybiain which the transition was described Hannibala Through the Pyrenees (II century. BC). However, traces of material culture found by archaeologists irrefutably indicate that the person settled in Andorra's valleys much earlier. After the conquest of the Rome of the Pyrenean Peninsula, the territory on which the principality is located, was part of the province Spain Siterira. Then the lands of the current Andorra became part of the WestHot kingdom. At the beginning VIII. in. mauria. They captured almost the entire territory of Spain, and then moved through the Pyrenees Mountains and invaded the limits of the kingdom of francs. Carlos Martel (Karl Great) won the round ( 732 G.) and the further expansion of Muslims to the north of Europe was stopped. But the territory of the current Andorra was released only in 817 G. After which he became part of the so-called. Mark Spain (Marca Hispánica), which established Karl Great (Carlomagno.).

The current duality of its origin dates back to middle eyelids, when the valleys of Andorra belonged to the County of Ozel. IN 1033 G. Count Ermengol VI I gave all my rights to the lands of Andorra Bishop Urzhel, who did not have armed detachments to protect their possessions and their inhabitants. Therefore, the church was forced a little later ( 1095 G.) Conclude an agreement with the family Kaboe And convey to them political, judicial and military rights in Andorra. At the same time, the bishop of Urzhel left the supreme power behind him. So there was a special jurisdiction of the Bishopath of Urzel over Andorra. IN XII - XIII explosive After several dynastic marriages, the right to Andorra switched from the family Kaboe to graphs Fu., comes from Navarre (France).
8 september 1278 G. Betrie bishop Croel and Horn Bernardo III Fua was signed 1 Lerida treaty On the division of powers between sovereigns. From that moment on political map appeared Principality of Andorra. However, this did not lead to the elimination of all disagreements between the two co-citizens and in ten years they sat down again at the negotiating table to conclude a new (second in a row) agreement. The agreement, in particular, provided for the right of sovereigns to appoint notaries with their representatives in the principality.
IN 1419 g. To protect interests local residents was formed Council of Earth (CONSELL DE LA terra) in which 2-3 representative from each of each 6 parishes.
IN 1610 Son. Heinrich IV., Louis XIII.Finally includes the Fua County into the French crown and since then the principality of Andorra is jointly managed by the Bishop of Seu D'Grügel and sovereignt of France.
1812 – 1814 gg were the only in the history of the principality, when it belonged only to one owner - Napoleon.

For a long period of time, a rather original model of the socio-political device operated in this high-altitude principal. Society shared into two groups: family clans fox. and casalers. The first (Fox) treated prosperous citizens who paid taxes. The second (Casalers) was the owners of houses that were so poor that could not pay Casta. Only Fox representatives could participate in political life. There were 179 such families against 600 Kasalers homes. IN 1866 G. The reform was carried out, which eliminated division on Fox and Casalers.
The quiet life of the mountain valleys was interrupted in 1933 G., when the division of the French gendarmes occupied Andorra due to the emergence of open contradictions between the General Council (local government) and sovereigns. The presence of the police forces was also caused by the strike of the builders of the road from Andorra La Velia in Pa de la Cash. They demanded improvement in working conditions and wage.
IN 1934 G. happened historic anecdot. Russian Emigrant Boris Skosharev, on nickname Baron d'Oranzh, declared himself king Andorra - Boris I.. For first 9 The days of his reign Skiyarev "published" the constitution took several decrees and declared the war to the bishop of Urzhel. France refused to interfere in the internal affairs of the principality. And the priest did not tempt fate and sent out the five national guardsmen in Andorra. They repeated without much noise Boris I. to jail. Through 4 of the year Skosearev Reprovated again in the ex enjiccated by Provence, where "declared the requirements" on the throne of Andorra. Now the French have been forced to arrest him and judge.
During Second world War Andorra managed to preserve neutrality, although French troops were on the territory of the principality with 1936 g. P. 1940 G. and S. 1944 by 1945 G.
January 14, 1982 The first government of Andorra has begun to fulfill their powers, and in 1993 G. On the referendum was adopted by the 2nd Constitution of the Principality, which finally secured the sovereignty of the people of Andorra over the country's territory.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Andorra is Catalan or Catalan (Catalán). At the same time, most residents of the country own Spanish (Casteliano) and French.

Administrative-territorial division

Currently, the territory of the Principality of Andorra is divided into 7 parish (Parquet / Parroquias). It is Canillo, Encamp, Ordino, La Massana, Andorra La Vehla, Sant Julia de Loria, Eskaldez-Engordani.
The Principality of Andorra is a social, legal democratic state. Legislative authority is carried out by the elected body - the General Council of Andorra Valleys (Parliament). Selected by 4 years and consists of 28 deputies.
The heads of state are respectively: Bishop Urzhel, from the Spanish side and President of the French Republic- From France.

The current states of the state are engaged in the Government as part of the Prime Minister, 6 Ministers I. 9 state secretaries.
An interesting feature of Andorra, that in the case of natural disasters, a total collection (Somatén Somatén) is announced, in which men are participating over 18 years old who have the citizenship of Andorra.
Andorra has its own diplomatic missions abroad, and it takes part in the work of a number of international organizations.

TRANSPORT

The only view of the message on the territory of Andorra is automobile transport . At the same time, the road network is very well developed. Numerous tunnels are built to accelerate movement.

The path of tourist to the principality lies through neighbouring countries: France and Catalonia in Spain. There are close airports and railway stations.

On the french side it is:
Perpignan Airport (Perpignan) 128 km to the east. There are no bus service, but at the so-called. The yellow train can be reached by Latour de Carol (La Tour de Carol), where to transfer to the local branch to the L'Hospitalet border station (L'Hospitalet);
Toulouse Airport (Toulouse-Blagnac) in 196 km north. From here it is possible to book a transfer by car / bus in advance to any Tourist Center Andorra through the Andorra Airport Transfers service.
Airport Carcassonne (Carcassonne) 130 km north-east. Approximately two hours by car, but depends on the weather.

The most convenient option is on the Spanish side:
Airport Barcelona (Barcelona) 202 km south. Buses to Andorra follow several times a day. Time on the way 3-4 hours.

Holidays

Official holidays Andorra (weekends):
1st of January – New Year (CAP D'Any)
March 14th - Constitution Day (Día de La Constitució)
8 September - Day of the Virgin Meritchel (Mare de Déu de Meritxell)
December 25. - Christmas (Nadal)

Throughout the year, different settlements of Andorra celebrate their own holidays. Almost all of them have religious roots or are associated with changing the seasons. For example, Folk day (fiesta Del Pueblo) is celebrated on Sant Joan's day and coincides with the summer solstice (June). Other curious holidays Andorra: Sant Estev (Fiesta de Sant Esteve), Patron Day (Bourhouse) Andorra La Vella and christmas Fair Saint Lucia (Feria de Santa Llúcia). In the days of folk celebrations on the streets and squares of cities of the country, people dancing Sardan can be observed.

Main holidays parokers (part cars).

Canillo (Fiesta Mayor de Canillo) - the end of July.
Encamp(Fiesta Mayor de Encamp) - mid august.
Ordino(Fiesta Mayor de Ordino) - beginning of September.
La Massana (Fiesta Mayor De La Massana) - mid-August.
Andorra La Vella (Fiesta Mayor de Andorra La Vella) - The end of July - the beginning of August.
Sant Julia de Loria (Fiesta Mayor de Sant Julià de Lòria) - the end of July.
Eskaldez-Engordani (Fiesta Mayor de Escaldes-Engordany) - The end of July.
The main event of the cultural life of the principality is considered International Jazz Festival in Eskaldez Engordani (July). His participants in different years were: Miles Davis, B.B.King and other outstanding jazysts.
Another international festival - Narsiso Yiepes. (Narciso Yepes) is held in Ordino in the hall, called Auditorio Nacional de Andorra, called Auditorio. The program of the festival is classical music and jazz (September).
From November to May continues, saturated with a variety of musical and dance events, the concert season in Andorra-La Vehla.

GASTRONOMY

The Gastronomy of Andorra is owned by his distinctive features: the high-altitude nature of the country's relief and its position at the junction of two cultures: Spanish (Catalan) and French. Very common here dish from game (hare, deer and roe), in combination with lentils, rice or corn. Troutwhich is caught in local rivers is prepared by the most exotic ways. It is fry, extinguished and baked. Local attention worthy sheep cheese and cheered ham(Hamon Serrano). Favorite fruits in Andorra are apples and quince. Curious feature of the Andorra cuisine is that different types of meat can be used in one dish. For example, the rabbit is often combined with a pork, beef or duck.

The menu of restaurants Andorra can meet the following names:
Escamily (Escudella) - vegetable soup.
Rossel Al Mel.(Rostes Al Mel) - Fried pork pre-marinated in honey and vinegar. Thanks to this processing, the meat acquires a pleasant sour-sweet taste and becomes very gentle.
Kostelies A La Los (Costelles a la losa) - Baranje ribs that shine on a swine fat with garlic. The cooking process occurs at a preheated stone.
Perdis A La Vinagrett PERDIZ A LA VINAGRETA - the most common local bird dish. It is a partridge marinated in a special sauce from vinegar and Luke. This mixture gives a bird a particularly delicate taste.
La La Andorran (Trucha A La Andorrana) or la La Polyner (Trucha A La Molinera) - Trout by Andorra.
Lovers of desserts can try a variety mousses and sweet crepes (pancakes), as well as:
Torrhas (Torrijas) - bread, painted in honey and cream.
Coca Malegada (Coca Masegada) is a kind of Catalan Coca (cake with filling). In the dough without yeast, besides ordinary eggs, salts and sugar, a muscle and vodka is added.
Orekhoness(Orejones) - dried peach, boiled in fault with sugar.
Manzanas Asadas Manzanas Asadas - baked apples. They often complement the second dishes.
In Andorra, there are no own wines, but they are completely replaced by Spanish and French.

Reserves

IN2004 Valley Madryu - Perfitis - Clarore was included in the listWorld heritage of mankind as a natural monument.

SKIING

Mountain skiing is the National Hobby of Andorra. Here are a lot of trails for this kind of sport, which are concentrated in three regions of the country:

Grandvalira (Grandvalira) - This zone arose as a result of the merger of Pas de La Casa-Grau Roig (Pas de La Casa-Grau Roig) and Soldeu-El Tarter.
Walnord(VallNord) - appeared after combining several ski stations Pal (PAL), Arinsal (Arinsal) and Ordino Arkalis (Ordino-Arcalís).
Naturland(Naturlandia) - located in the area of \u200b\u200bLa Rabassa (La Rabassa) and has a height difference from 1960 m above sea level up to 2160 m. The total length of 5-ways of varying degrees is 15 km.

In Andorra there are places where you can ride and on ordinary skiing.
More about ski tourism and other rest opportunities in the principality in

ATTRACTIONS

Thanks to its small sizes, the Principality of Andorra boasts the largest number of monuments of the Romanesque period per square meter. Church of Santa Coloma (IX - X centuries) - the only temple in the world with a round bell tower.
A lot of museums are opened in Andorra: Casa Rull (Casa Rull) in Sisponi; Farga Rossell in La Massana; Andorra Romanika Interpretation Center (Centro de Interpretación Andorra Románica) in Pale; Museum Vildomat (Museo Viladomat); Museum of Romanesque Arts Muksa (Museo de Maquetas de Arte Románico) and Museum of Perfumery (Museo del Perfume) in Eskaldez Engordani; National Museum of Car (Museo Nacional Del Automóvil) in Encamp and a number of others.

Andorra - very small, but very beautiful country Europe with the total population of about 85 thousand people (as of September 30, 2008), with a rich historical past. Andorra located in Eastern Pyrenees and attracts more than 9 million tourists from all over the world every year.

Most of the relief "Wasteners" (this is exactly what is translated from the Basque name of this wonderful edge) is rocky Mountains With narrow valleys, on the territory a large number of beautiful mountain glacial lakes. Travel to Andorra, Country with middle temperatures Total + 9 ° СYou will definitely like it if you like dry summer coolness and cold snowy winter.

First of all, this place is a paradise for skiers, lovers and professionals, because there are 152 perfectly equipped here. ski highways With a total length of about 250 km, 91 lift, 6 stations, and about 500 ski instructors of high qualifications are ready to offer you their services.

Even if you are a newcomer in this form active rest , then nothing hurts to descend on simple tracks with uncomplicated descents, there are others for whom you really feel the whole range of unreal extreme and get it in full.

The hotel infrastructure is well developed in Andorra, so buying a tour, you have a wide variety of options for choosing a place of residence. Large metropolitan hotels are usually located near the shopping places and a cheerful holiday. As for shopping, it should be noted that compared with the nearby France and Spain, the lowest taxes for sale in the country and themselves goods cheaper by 20-45%And on autumn and spring sales you will surprise discounts.

Tours in Andorra Open all the sights of this wonderful edge for you. These include the ruins of the County Counts of Fua, which still preserved in the alpine village of Lesbons, where there is a medieval tower of the Mauris and the bathing of their queen - a water tank, which is a complex consisting of a water tank and channel systems. For fans of nature and fresh air there are tours beautiful places Countries, such as the Charming Lake Engelaster, located among dense forests - a lot of local legends are connected with it. Garden Andorra - Ordino, a real significant city in which houses were built back in the XI century from raw stones, and he himself lies between the two largest mountain peaks ESTANO (2915 m) and Kastamanya. (2740 m). Among the places where you should visit - the National Museum of Cars, the Church of St. John, St. Martin, Meritxelle Virgin.

Trip to Andorra, this amazing and colorful edge, will long leave you in mind the most pleasant experience of traveling.

Brief certificate of country

• Official name: Principality of Andorra
• State device: Parliamentary Prince
• Capital: Andorra La Velia
• Timezone: Time lags behind Moscow for 1 hour and 2 hours in winter.
• Official language: According to the country's constitution, the official language is Catalan, however official languages Also perform Spanish and (to a lesser extent) French.
• Territory: Andorra covers an area of \u200b\u200b468 square meters. km and geographically located between Spain and France.
• Telephone code: +376
• Currency: Euro (accepted unilaterally, Andorra is not included in the Eurozone)
• Freight duration: On the territory of the Principality of Andorra there are no airports. Tourists get to the capital of the principality and resorts road road either from France or from Spain. Russian tour operators offer tourpacks with flight to A / P Barcelona (Spain). Direct flight from Moscow to Barcelona - 4 hours 20 minutes. Transfers from A / P Barcelona to the resorts of Andorra make up an average of 3.5-4 hours.
• Visa formalities: For entry into the territory of Andorra, Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians need to have the existing