Andorra Overview
Andorra is a small, mountainous country sandwiched between France and Spain.
Only 31,000 (33%) of the people living in Andorra are Andorran nationals, although this number is increasing rapidly as citizenship laws are relaxed. The next largest groups are Spanish (27,000), Portuguese (14,000), French (5,000) and British (1,000). The official language is Catalan, spoken by almost all Andorran nationals, but in view of its geographical position, most people speak French and Spanish as well. A sizeable minority also speak English.
The capital and largest city in Andorra is Andorra la Vella, which is home to 19,319 people. Andorra la Vella is also the highest capital in all of Europe. In total there are ten towns in Andorra with a population of more than 1,000 people.
Andorra Demographics
Despite its small population, Andorra is one of the richest countries in the world. The World Bank estimated that its GDP per capita was 44,952 in 2008, making it the 16th richest country in the world. Its prosperity is built largely on its status as a tax haven and its tourist industry. The Andorran Government estimates that 10.8 million tourists visited the country in 2008, and at times the number of tourists in the country dwarfs the number of residents.
More than 90% of the population is Roman Catholic. There are some other Christian denominations, a Muslim community of about 2,000 from North Africa, and small populations of Hindus.
Andorra is notable for having the 4th highest life expectancy in the world. An Andorran born today can expect to live for 82 years.