This gave the small principality its territory and political form. Over the years the title passed to the kings of Navarre. Annex — If a country is annexed it means that it becomes part of another country, usually against the will of the people. Andorra declared war on Imperial Germany during World War I but did not actually take part in the fighting. It remained in an official state of belligerency until as it was not included in the Versailles Peace Treaty.
In France occupied Andorra as a result of social unrest before elections. On July 12, , an adventurer named Boris Skossyreff issued a proclamation in Urgell, declaring himself Boris I, sovereign prince of Andorra, simultaneously declaring war on the bishop of Urgell. He was arrested by Spanish authorities on July 20 and ultimately expelled from Spain. Francoist troops reached the Andorran border in the later stages of the war. Given its relative isolation, Andorra has existed outside the mainstream of European history, with few ties to countries other than France and Spain.
In recent times, however, its thriving tourist industry along with developments in transportation and communications have removed the country from its isolation.
Its political system was thoroughly modernized in , the year in which it became a member of the United Nations. Andorra is in the Pyrenees mountain range. While Andorrans speak Catalan — and have an affinity for the Spanish region of Catalunya, which includes Barcelona — the commercial environment here is as international as can be.
With the unification of Europe and the rapid growth of shopping on the Internet in Europe, Andorra knows that its allure as a shopping Mecca is threatened. The local tourist board is promoting the place as an outdoor sports destination both hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. On my first visit here back in the s, I remember it felt like a big Spanish-speaking Radio Shack.
Today, while spiffed up, it retains the charm of a giant shopping mall. While most know this place for its shops and for what locals claim is the biggest spa in Europe, pockets of Old World charm hide out in the old center.
It has 28 seats — four representatives for each of the seven parishes — with portraits of the current co-princes on the wall. The centuries-old kitchen adjacent to the Assembly Room evokes a time when representatives would travel from distant valleys of Andorra. While a humble reminder of a simple past, Andorrans still look to this building for leadership as their country builds an ever better life for its citizens.
Rick Steves writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. E-mail him at rick ricksteves.
For more information on taxes, see out in-depth guide on the Andorran tax system. Patients are reimbursed for a portion of their fees for medical consultations, examinations and pharmaceutical expenses. For more information, see our guide on the healthcare system. In a small country with less than 80, people, those looking to settle down in Andorra often have their doubts about the community. Will they accept a foreigner?
Am I going to be able to find friends and a welcoming community? The short answer: yes! Andorrans are a friendly society of people of different origins. You can also try meeting others via the internet; take a read of our article on living in Andorra forums and social groups.
Andorra really is one of those countries that you need to visit to really get a strong impression of.
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