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Andorra:
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Other pages in this profile of Andorra:
People, Government, Economy, Communications & Transportation, Military & Transnational Issues.
People, Government, Economy, Communications & Transportation, Military & Transnational Issues.
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Background |
Definition For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a unique co-principality, ruled by French and Spanish leaders (from 1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Spanish bishop of Urgel). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titular heads of state retained, but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy. Long isolated and impoverished, mountainous Andorra achieved considerable prosperity since World War II through its tourist industry. Many immigrants (legal and illegal) are attracted to the thriving economy with its lack of income taxes. |
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Location |
Definition Southwestern Europe, between France and Spain |
Geographic coordinates |
Definition 42 30 N, 1 30 E |
Map references |
Definition Europe |
Area |
Definition - World rank and map total: 468 sq km land: 468 sq km water: 0 sq km |
Area - comparative |
Definition 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC |
Land boundaries |
Definition total: 120.3 km border countries: France 56.6 km, Spain 63.7 km |
Coastline |
Definition 0 km (landlocked) |
Maritime claims |
Definition none (landlocked) |
Climate |
Definition temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers |
Terrain |
Definition rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys |
Elevation extremes |
Definition lowest point: Riu Runer 840 m highest point: Coma Pedrosa 2,946 m |
Natural resources |
Definition hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, lead |
Land use |
Definition - World rank and map arable land: 2.13% permanent crops: 0% other: 97.87% (2005) |
Irrigated land |
Definition NA |
Natural hazards |
Definition avalanches |
Environment - current issues |
Definition deforestation; overgrazing of mountain meadows contributes to soil erosion; air pollution; wastewater treatment and solid waste disposal |
Environment - international agreements |
Definition party to: Biodiversity, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements |
Geography - note |
Definition landlocked; straddles a number of important crossroads in the Pyrenees |
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Copyright 2008 World Sites Atlas (sitesatlas.com) |