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Description Andorra by rbd.me
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For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a unique co-principality, ruled by French and Spanish leaders (from 1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Spanish bishop of Seu d'Urgell). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titular heads of state retained, but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy. For decades Andorra enjoyed its status as a small refuge of fiscal and banking freedom and benefitted from Spanish and French tourists attracted to the country's duty-free shopping. The situation has changed in recent years as Andorra started to tax foreign investment and other sectors. Tourism accounts for over 80% of Andorra's gross domestic product.
WebCam
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Location
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Southwestern Europe, between France and Spain
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Area - comparative
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2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
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Natural resources Andorra
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rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys
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Population Andorra
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84,525 (July 2010 est.)
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Religions Andorra
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Roman Catholic (predominant)
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Languages
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Catalan (official), French, Castilian, Portuguese
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Education Andorra expenditures
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2.3% of GDP (2006)
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Government Andorra type
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parliamentary democracy (since March 1993) that retains as its chiefs of state a coprincipality; the two princes are the president of France and bishop of Seu d'Urgell, Spain, who are represented in Andorra by the coprinces' representatives
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Independence
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1278 (formed under the joint suzerainty of the French Count of Foix and the Spanish Bishop of Seu d'Urgel)
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Andorra Economy - overview
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three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red, with the national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; the latter band is slightly wider than the other two so that the ratio of band widths is 8:9:8; the coat of arms features a quartered shield with the emblems of (starting in the upper left and proceeding clockwise): Urgell, Foix, Bearn, and Catalonia; the motto reads VIRTUS UNITA FORTIOR (Strength United is Stronger); the flag combines the blue and red French colors with the red and yellow of Spain to show Franco-Spanish protection
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Investment Andorra
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2.3% (2008)
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Industries Andorra
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tobacco products, furniture
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Airports Andorra
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