Andorra. Early history. Way of life

Andorra is one of the smallest countries in the world, situated high in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. Although it is one of the smallest nations in the world, Andorra's unusual political history and interesting geography make it a fascinating country.

In the past, the steep, rocky mountains that surround Andorra made transportation and communication almost impossible. As a result, Andorra was cut off from the rest of the world for hundreds of years.

Visitors come to Andorra to enjoy the country's picturesque landscape, with old churches nestled in steep, rocky mountainsides. Tourism is the country's largest source of income, and Andorra's capital, Andorra la Vella, has become a leading tourist center.

The tiny principality of Andorra is only about half the size of New York City. It lies on the south slope of the eastern Pyrenees between France and Spain

Early history. A Spanish ruler, the Count of Urgel, was the first known ruler of Andorra. He controlled the region in the A.D. 800's, until he gave it to the diocese of Urgel. In the 1000's, the bishop of Urgel asked a Spanish noble, the Lord of Caboet, to defend the region. Later, a French noble, the Count of Foix, inherited the lord's duties through marriages. Soon, the French count and the bishop of Urgel were fighting over control of Andorra.

They ended their differences by signing the Treaty of Lerida in 1278. The treaty made them joint rulers and remains in effect to this day.

Andorra is a parliamentary co-principality. Until 1993, the president of France and the bishop of Urgel, Spain, acted as co-princes of Andorra. In 1993, the citizens of Andorra adopted their first constitution. The constitution made elected officials responsible for governing Andorra, and the role of the princes became largely ceremonial.

Way of life. Andorra's mountainous landscape limits agriculture. Only a few Andorrans farm, raising crops such as buckwheat, corn, oats, rye, and tobacco. Most of the mountain slopes are used for grazing sheep and cattle.

The wildlife of the Pyrenees enjoy one of the last areas of Europe that is free from human activity. The mountains form an effective barrier between people and nature, allowing many species to thrive

1. Pyrenean ibex (goat). 2. Brown bear. 3. Griffon vulture. 4. Imperial eagle. 5. Ptarmigan. 6. Snow finch. 7. Pyrenean desman. 8. Alpine salamander. 9. Turk's-cap lily. 10. Pyrenean squill. 11. Crocus. 12. Pyrenean snakeshead. 13. Scotch pine. 14. Mountain pine

The opening of roads to France and Spain in the 1930's, as well as the growth of tourism in the 1950's, changed some of the old ways that had been a part of Andorran life for hundreds of years. Many farmers and shepherds became shopkeepers and hotel owners, for example.

Despite the changes, life for most Andorrans still centers around the family, and political issues are still decided by family clans. Many Andorrans still live in big farmhouses with stone walls and rough slate roofs. Almost all of them are Roman Catholics, and their faith greatly influences their everyday lives.