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Andorra is a tiny ministate between France and Spain. It is the only independent country in which Catalan is spoken. The aforementioned language is widely spoken in Catalonia (Barcelona & area, in northeastern Spain). Andorra represents the ideal of catalan nationalism. High up in the Pyrenee mountains it is a unique place to visit. In winter time Andorra has some fine ski slopes to explore. In summer it is an enjoyable stop when going from Spain to France. The capital, Andorra is a nice town, with a few good museums and a relaxed atmosphere.

For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a unique co-principality, ruled by 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.

Andorra's shopping is known all over the world. Everything is prepared to give the customer the leading role. The privileged tax system allows very competitive prices. In the Principality you will also find Caldea, the largest fun spa centre in the south of Europe, a water palace situated at an altitude of 1000 m, with an architecture and amenities which make it a unique building.

Until the 1950s, Andorra's population hovered around 6000. Today, only about a quarter of the population - almost two-thirds of whom live in Andorra la Vella and its suburbs - are Andorran nationals. The rest are mainly Spanish, French and Portuguese.

The official language is Catalan (Catala), a Romance language most closely related to Provencal but with roots in Castilian and French. Local lore has it that everyone in Andorra speaks Catalan, Spanish and French, but there are plenty of people who can't understand more than 10 words of French. Hardly anyone speaks English.

Andorran cuisine is mainly Catalan, with strong French and Italian influences. Sauces are typically served with meat and fish. Pasta is also common. Local dishes include cunillo (rabbit cooked in tomato sauce), xai (roast lamb), trinxat (bacon, potatoes and cabbage) and escudella (a stew of chicken, sausage and meatballs).

Events

Many Andorran towns and hamlets celebrate their heritage with a village festival, when locals gather to enjoy music, dancing, wine and feasts. Nearly all of these fall between July and September. Andorra la Vella's three day festival period begins on the first Saturday in August. Mare de Deu de Meritxell, the national festival of the Virgin Mary, is celebrated on 8 September with a pilgrimage to Meritxell, 7km (4mi) northeast of Andorra la Vella.

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