Andorra, Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella is the capital of the Co-principality of Andorra, and is located high in the east Pyrenees between France and Spain. It is also the name of the parish that surrounds it. The town of Santa Coloma is located in the province.

Geography and climate

Andorra la Vella is located in the south west of Andorra, at the confluence of two mountain streams. Located at an Altitude of 1409 m, it is a high capital and popular ski resort.

History

The site of Andorra la Vella (literally, "Andorra the Old") has been settled since prior to the Christian era - notably by the Andosin tribe from the late Neolithic. The state is one of the Marca Hispanica created and protected by Charlemagne in the Eighth Century as a buffer from the Moorish settlers in the Iberian Peninsula.

The settlement has been the principal city of Andorra since 1278 when the French and the Episcopal co-princes agreed to joint suzerainty. Andorra La Vella's old town - the Barri Antic - includes streets and buildings dating from this time.

Demographics and language

Native Andorrans account for only 33% of the population, with the plurality being Spanish (43%), and notable minorities of Portuguese (11%) and French (7%). Catalan is the official language, although Spanish, Portuguese and French are also spoken.

Economy

Andorra la Vella is the node for economic networks in Andorra; it is the country's commercial centre. In the country as a whole, 80% of the GDP is derived from the 10 million tourists who visit annually.

Sights and culture

The city's old town is characterized by old stone streets and houses. The central Església de Sant Esteve (Saint Stephen) church is part of the area that guidebooks often label as a picturesque part of the city.This was built in a Romanesque style in the Eleventh Century.

Transportation

Surprisingly for a capital city, it is three hours drive from the nearest airports, at Toulouse, Girona, Perpignan and Barcelona. This is a result of its small population size and highly mountainous terrain.