Interesting facts about Andorra that will surprise you

This list of interesting facts reflects some of the traits that define our country.
Check them out and fall in love with the Principality!

A small country with big benefits

The inhabitants of Andorra live longer

Life expectancy in Andorra is the fifth highest in the world.
Could it be due to the country's elevation, the quality of the air, the delicious gastronomy or the nature that surrounds us?
We are trilingual by nature

We are the only country in the world whose official language is Catalan, but the proximity to France and Spain means the inhabitants of Andorra are fluent in Spanish and French. So if you want to practise and learn three languages easily, you have to come and visit us.

You can walk around the entire country

One of Andorra's favourite curiosities among hikers is that, thanks to the more than 100 mountain trails, you can travel the whole country without stepping on tarmac by following the GR Country Route. What's more, there are 29 mountain shelters where you can spend the night surrounded by nature.

You will find more nature here than anywhere else

Andorra is synonymous with nature: more than 90% of the territory is mountains, forests, rivers, lakes and meadows. About 4% of the territory has been built on at the bottom of the valleys and at the foot of the more than 65 peaks over 2000m above sea level.

You can ski for more than 300 km

Andorra has southern Europe’s largest skiable area! In Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal, Ordino Arcalis, and Naturland, you can ski down endless slopes, and enjoy the winter sports and snow activities you like most... day and night!

10% of Andorra is a World Heritage Site
It is one of the few countries in the world where 10% of the territory has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Matriu-Perafita-Claror Valley stands out for its beauty, pastures, meadows and large expanses of forest. In addition, it retains intact bordes (shelters), paths and vestiges of old forges, witnesses of the use of natural resources by Andorrans for more than 700 years.

We have one of the oldest parliaments in Europe
Our parliament, known as the General Council, was created in 1419. With only 28 members, it is one of the oldest, smallest and longest-serving parliaments in Europe.

We worship fire in our traditions
In Andorra, we have revived the ancient allure of fire with the falles. This tradition will surprise you and you can enjoy it on the night of Sant Joan (Saint John's Eve) in various places. The fire the fallaires swing in a spectacular display year after year coincides with the summer solstice, and is part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

We are surrounded by Romanesque art
More than 40 churches, chapels and monuments form part of the historical legacy of rural Romanesque art in Andorra. They were formerly places of worship and venues for social gatherings, and today they are one of the jewels of our cultural heritage. Visits are highly recommended: You can get a small insight into what life was like for our ancestors and many curiosities surrounding religion in Andorra since the 12th century.

We have more museums per km2 than anywhere else
Andorra has more than 15 museums in just 468 km2. Only the Vatican has more! Without a doubt, this is something that reflects the inhabitants of Andorra and their cultural concerns. These spaces are ideal to learn more about our culture, legends, traditions and customs, among other things. A thousand years of history are not easily told.
We have never had an army, but we know how to defend ourselves
One of Andorra’s most surprising facts relates to our peaceful character: our country has never had an army or Ministry of Defence. Over the centuries, and only in exceptional situations, the sometent, a popular militia formed by all the leaders of the Andorran house, from 21 to 60 years old, has been called. They used to be armed with hunting shotguns and led by captains, who had the mission of defending the population.

Try our local products

Andorra has a natural environment that makes high-quality local products possible. Don't miss the opportunity to try the cured meats made with traditional recipes. You will also find organic preserves and jams, vegetables, legumes, cheeses, beer and meat. We offer a wide range of natural products made with ingredients that are staples of the country's cuisine.

We make some excellent wines at altitude

Yes! This is another fun fact about Andorra: we make wine as well. If you travel through our valleys and mountains, you will discover vineyards. Thanks to the recovery of this crop, local wineries produce excellent high-altitude wines, recognised with international awards and distinctions. Sauvignon blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Alvariño are some of the varieties on offer.

Plenty of space to relax

When you need to disconnect from the daily routine, you can come and relax in the largest thermal spa in southern Europe: Caldea. You will find more than 30,000 m2 to take a break with your loved ones or relax with your partner at Inúu and give the kids a moment of peace in the children's spa. What will you choose?

We are passionate about shopping

People in Andorra are so crazy about shopping that we have more than 1,000 shops, and our shopping hub is closed only four days a year! That means you have 361 days a year to discover the latest trends in fashion, accessories, cosmetics, sports and more. And if you are partial to a shopping spree, every autumn you have a date at the Shop in Andorra Festival.

View of the Sanctuary of Meritxell Basilica

We close on only four days a year!

Come and enjoy Andorra at any time of year. If you want your experience to be a complete success, don’t forget that we have four national holidays every year. For these four days, the entire shopping area in Andorra remains closed. These dates are 1st January, New Year’s Day; 14th March, Constitution Day in Andorra; 8th September, the Day of Our Lady of Meritxell, the patron saint of Andorra; and 25th December, Christmas Day.