Andorra is a small principality wedged into the Pyrenees between Spain and France. At around 468 km² and roughly 80,000 people, it is one of Europe's smallest states — and one of its most singular. It is the only country in the world with Catalan as its sole official language, and its capital, Andorra la Vella (about 1,023 m), is the highest capital in Europe.
The country is divided into seven parishes: Canillo, Encamp, Ordino, la Massana, Andorra la Vella, Sant Julià de Lòria and Escaldes-Engordany. Each has its own government — the comú — and a calendar of festivals mixing pastoral tradition, religious devotion and plain celebration.
Andorra lives on tourism, trade, its ski resorts and services. But what makes it stay with you is the combination of high mountains, stone villages with Romanesque churches, and a folklore still practised — from the solstice fires to the legends of creatures in the woods.
The 7 parishes at a glance
- Canillo — the largest and highest parish; home to the Meritxell sanctuary and the Roc del Quer viewpoint. Festivals in El Tarter, Soldeu, Canillo and Ransol.
- Encamp — includes the border town of the Pas de la Casa; strong Carnival and Sant Antoni traditions. The Festa del Poble d'Encamp and the Pas de la Casa festa major.
- Ordino — the most scenic and the most "cultural", gateway to the Sornàs valley and the Ordino-Arcalís resort. The Roser d'Ordino is one of the country's landmark festivals.
- La Massana — an alpine valley with the country's highest peak, the Comapedrosa (2,942 m), and a great many village festivals (Pal, Arinsal, Anyós, Sispony, l'Aldosa).
- Andorra la Vella — the capital; home of the Casa de la Vall and the setting for the Contrapàs and the Falles de Sant Joan (UNESCO).
- Sant Julià de Lòria — the way in from Spain; home to the Aplec de Canòlich and the Naturland park.
- Escaldes-Engordany — thermal and urban; home to Caldea and the Santa Anna festa major; created in 1978 when it split from Andorra la Vella.