Andorra
Southern Region
About Andorra
Nestled high in the Pyrenees mountains, Andorra is known as one of the smallest countries in the world. It is a landlocked country, bordered by neighbouring countries France and Spain. Andorra is the only country in Europe with an official language of Catalan. It is well known as a tourist destination along with winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding and other sports in warmer weather. There are also many parks and trails to walk on including the old stone path that links Andorra to Spain and France. With over 65 mountain peaks and 70 different lakes, Andorra is definitely a place you want to visit.
Tourist Attractions
Vallnord
Located on the Pyrenees mountains is the Vallnord skiing resort. It includes more than 10 km of slopes. It is a very popular resort for ski lovers and includes many other activities for those who don't. Vallnord also has many different biking trails available during summer.
Lady of Meritxell
This is a Roman Catholic statue that is displayed with a shrine. It is meant to resemble the Virgin Mary.
Lake Engolaster
This lake is located near Andorra la Vella, echo hails be Andorra's Capitol. It was originally formed during glacier depression. Engolaster is a very popular tourist attraction because of it's biking and hiking trails that surround the lake
Climate
Andorra's climate is mainly Mediterranean. This means their summers are hot and dry and winters mild and wet. Year round, Andorra has warm weather so anytime is a good time to visit Andorra. In summer there will be likely dry but warm weather and winter has mild wet weather. Depending on activities one wishes to see whether that is skiing or hiking, there isn't a bad time to visit. Shorts and t-shirts are most recommendable for summers, especially when doing biking or trail hiking.
Foods
Coques
Also known as "Andorran Flat Cakes" coques are a very common food in Andorra. Its base is from a thick pancake-like mixture along with stale bread. Along with sugar, it can be mixed or substituted with spices, oils, and honey.
Escudella
Escudella is Andorra's national dish and is very popular here. This dish includes mainly meats such as ham, chicken, and pork. Many people may serve this dish differently, but mainly it consists of meat, potatoes, and is served with noodles.
Xuixo
Xuixo is a cream filled pastry well known to Andorran's. It is a pastry deep fried and then coated in crystallized sugar. Usually the cream filling is lemon flavored which is covered in a yeast dough. Xuixo is very similar to a yeast doughnut.
Language
Catalan
One thing that makes Andorra unique from others is that it is the only country in Europe to have Catalan as an official language. Other sub languages would include Spanish as well. Catalan is a language that is spoken by more that 12 million people in the world. It is a romance language that originated in Catalonia.
Hello: bon dia
Where are you from?: D'on ets?
Thank you: merces
What is your name?: com et dius?
Goodbye: adeu
History
1278- conflict resolved of signing pareage that provided Andorra's power shared between France and Spain
1866- change in electoral system, affects process of democratization
1970- women given the vote
1990- Andorra signs custom union along with EU
1993- first adopted constitution which reduces feudal powers of two princes
1994- Marc Forne becomes prime minister under resignation
2009- agrees to ease banking rules
Major Cities
Andorra la Vella (capitol) population: 2,430
Escaldes-Engordany, population: 15,833
Encamp, population: 11,223
Saint Julia de Loria, population: 8,022
La Massana, population: 7,211
Holidays
Epiphany- January 6th, celebrates manifestation of Christ represented by the Magi
Constitution Day- March 14th, honors constitution in Andorra
Ascension Day- May 29th, remembrance of the ascension of Jesus christ into heaven (Feast of The Ascension)
Travel Agent
Kayleigh Ruzga
13 year old, middle school aged student. Lives in Mukwonago Wisconsin with two parents a sibling in high school and a border collie. Has many interests in sports, journalism, and film production. Enjoys reading, writing, exercise, and photography.