U.S. Department of State Background Notes: Andorra, December 1995 Bureau of Public Affairs December 1995 Official Name: Principality of Andorra PROFILE Geography Area: 467 sq. km. (180 sq. mi.); about half the size of New York City. Cities: Capital--Andorra la Vella. Terrain: Mountainous. Climate: Temperate, cool, dry. People Nationality: Noun and adjective--Andorran(s). Population: 64,000. Annual growth rate: 1.4% Ethnic groups: Catalan, Spanish, French, Portuguese. Religion: Roman Catholic. Languages: Catalan (official), Spanish, French. Education: Years compulsory--to age 16. Attendance--100%. Literacy-- 100%. Health: Infant mortality rate--8/1,000. Life expectancy--76 yrs. male, 81 yrs. female. Government Type: Parliamentary democracy that retains as its heads of state a co- principality. Constitution: Ratified in March 1993. Independence: 1278. Branches: Head of State--Two co-princes (President of France, Bishop of Seo de Urgel in Spain). Executive--Head of Government (Cap de Govern) and seven counselors. Legislative--General Council (founded 1419) consisting of 28 members. Judicial--Civil cases heard in first instance by four judges (batlles) and in appeals by the one-judge Court of Appeals. The highest body is the five-member Superior Council of Justice. Criminal cases are heard by the Tribunal of Courts in Andorra la Vella. Subdivisions: Seven parishes (parroguies)--Andorra la Vella, Canillo, Encamp, La Massana, Ordino, Sant Julia de Loria, and Escaldes make up the districts represented in the General Council. Political parties/groups: Liberal Union (UL); National Andorran Coalition (CNA); Andorran National Democracy (AND); New Democracy (ND); National Democratic Initiative (NDI); various minor groups. Suffrage: Universal at 18. Economy GDP: $1 billion Natural resources: Hydroelectric power, mineral water, timber, iron ore, lead. Agriculture: Products--tobacco, sheep. Industry: Types--tourism (mainstay of the economy), tobacco products, furniture. Trade: Major activities are commerce and banking, but no official figures are available. Duty-free status. Official currencies: Spanish pesetas and French francs. PEOPLE Andorrans live in seven urbanized valleys that form Andorra's political districts. Andorrans are a minority in their own country; Spanish, French, and Portuguese residents make up 70% of the population. The national language is Catalan, a romance language related to the Provencal groups. It is spoken by more than 6 million people in the region comprising French and Spanish Catalonia. French and Spanish are also spoken. Education law requires school attendance for children up to age 16. A system of French, Spanish and Andorran lay schools provide education up to the secondary level. Schools are built and maintained by Andorran authorities, but teachers are paid for the most part by France or Spain. About 50% of Andorran children attend the French primary schools, and the rest attend Spanish or Andorran schools. Andorran schools follow the Spanish curriculum, and their diplomas are recognized by Spain. There are no schools of higher education. HISTORY Andorra is the last independent survivor of the March states, a number of buffer states created by Charlemagne to keep the Muslim Moors from advancing into Christian France. Tradition holds that Charlemagne granted a charter to the Andorran people in return for their fighting the Moors. In the 800s, Charlemagne's grandson, Charles the Bald, named the Count of Urgel as overlord of Andorra. A descendant of the count later gave the lands to the diocese of Urgel, headed by the Bishop of Urgel. In the 11th century, fearing military action by neighboring lords, the bishop placed himself under the protection of the Lord of Caboet, a Spanish nobleman. Later, the Count of Foix, a French noble, became heir to Lord Caboet through marriage, and a dispute arose between the French Count and the Spanish bishop over Andorra. In 1278, the conflict was resolved by the signing of a pareage, which provided that Andorra's sovereignty be shared between the Count of Foix and the Bishop of Seo de Urgel of Spain. The pareage, a feudal institution recognizing the principle of equality of rights shared by two rulers, gave the small state its territory and political form. Over the years, the title was passed between French and Spanish rule until, under the French throne of Henry IV, an edict in 1607 established the head of the French state and the Bishop of Urgel as co-princes of Andorra. In its mountain fastness, 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. GOVERNMENT Until very recently, Andorra's political system had no clear division of powers into executive, legislative, and judicial branches. A constitution was ratified and approved in 1993. The constitution establishes Andorra as a sovereign parliamentary democracy that retains as its heads of state a co-principality. The fundamental impetus for this political transformation was a recommendation by the Council of Europe in 1990 that, if Andorra wished to attain full integration in the European Union (EU), it should adopt a modern constitution which guarantees the rights of those living and working there. A Tripartite Commission--made up of representatives of the co-princes, the General Council, and the Executive Council--was formed in 1990 and finalized the draft constitution in April 1991. Under the new 1993 constitution, the co-princes will continue as heads of state, but the head of government retains executive power. The two co-princes serve coequally with limited powers that do not include veto over the government. They are represented in Andorra by a delegate. As co-princes of Andorra, the President of France and the Bishop of Seo de Urgel maintain supreme authority in approval of all international treaties with France and Spain, as well as all those which deal with internal security, defense, Andorran territory, diplomatic representation, and judicial or penal cooperation. Although the institution of the co-princes is viewed by some as an anachronism, the majority sees them as both a link with Andorra's traditions and as a way to balance the power of Andorra's two much larger neighbors. Andorra's main legislative body is the 28-member General Council (Parliament). The sindic (president), the subsindic and the members of the Council are elected in the general elections to be held every four years. The Council meets throughout the year on certain dates set by tradition or as required. At least one representative from each parish must be present for the General Council to meet. Historically, within the General Council, four deputies apiece from each of the seven individual parishes have provided representation. This system allowed the smaller parishes, who have as few as 350 voters, the same number of representatives as larger parishes which have up to 2,600 voters. To correct this imbalance, a provision in the new constitution introduces a modification of the structure and format for electing the members of the Council; under this new format, half of the representatives are to be chosen by the traditional system, while the other half will be selected from nationwide lists. A sindic and a subsindic are chosen by the General Council to implement its decisions. They serve three-year terms and may be reappointed once. They receive an annual salary. Sindics have virtually no discretionary powers, and all policy decisions must be approved by the Council as a whole. In 1981, the Executive Council, consisting of the head of government and seven ministers, was established. Every four years, after the general elections, the General Council elects the head of government, who, in turn, chooses the other members of the Executive Council. The judicial system is independent. Courts apply the customary laws of Andorra, supplemented with Roman law and customary Catalan law. Civil cases are first heard by the batlles court--a group of four judges, two chosen by each co-prince. Appeals are heard in the Court of Appeals. The highest body is the five-member Superior Council of Justice. Andorra has no defense forces and only a small internal police force. All able-bodied men who own firearms must serve, without remuneration, in the small army, which is unique in that all of its men are treated as officers. The army has not fought for more than 700 years, and its main responsibility is to present the Andorran flag at official ceremonies. POLITICAL CONDITIONS Andorra's nascent political system is dominated by five major political parties/groups of which only one has completed the necessary registration process. The five are the Liberal Union, the National Andorran Coalition, the Andorran National Democracy, the New Democracy, and the National Democratic Initiative parties. Given the number of parties and Andorra's relative size, no one party controls the General Council; therefore, legislative majorities arise through coalitions. As a result of the political fragmentation, interest groups formed on the basis of economic and political motives have a strong hand in Andorran politics. Since the 1993 constitutional ratification, two coalition governments have formed. The current government unites the UL, CNA, and a minor party with Marc Forne Molne, a liberal Unionist, as Cap de Govern, or Head of Government. Recently, the government has addressed many long-awaited reforms. In addition to political parties and trade unions being legal for the first time (although no labor unions exist at present), freedom of religion and assembly have been guaranteed. Most significant has been a redefinition of the qualifications for Andorran citizenship, a major issue in a country where only 13,000 of 64,000 are legal citizens. Non- citizens are allowed to own 33% of the shares of a company. By creating a modern legal framework for the country, the 1993 constitution has allowed Andorra to begin a shift from an economy based largely on duty-free shopping to one based on international banking and finance. Despite promising new changes, it is likely that Andorra will, at least for the short term, continue to confront a number of difficult issues arising from the large influx of foreign residents and the need to develop modern social and political institutions. In addition to questions of Andorran nationality and immigration policy, other priority issues will include modernizing the educational system, allowing freedom of association, dealing with housing scarcities and uncontrolled speculation in real estate, and developing the tourist industry. Principal Government Officials Co-Prince--Jacques Chirac, President of France Co-Prince--Juan Marti Alanis, Bishop of Seo de Urgel, Spain Head of Government--Marc Forne Sindic General--Josep Dalleres Ambassador to the United States--Juli F. Minoves Triquell ECONOMY Andorra's GDP for 1993 was $1 billion, with tourism as its principal component. Attractive for shoppers from France and Spain as a free port, the country also has developed active summer and winter tourist resorts. With some 340 hotels and 390 restaurants, as well as many shops, the tourist trade employs a growing portion of the domestic labor force. There is a fairly active trade in consumer goods, including imported manufactured items, which, because they are duty-free, are less expensive in Andorra than in neighboring countries. As a result, smuggling is commonplace. Andorra's duty-free status has also had a significant effect on the controversy concerning its relationship with the European Union. Its negotiations on duty-free status and relationship with the union began in 1987, soon after Spain joined. An agreement that went into effect in July 1991 sets duty-free quotas and places limits on certain items--mainly milk products, tobacco, and alcoholic beverages. Andorra is permitted to maintain price differences from other EU countries, and visitors enjoy limited duty-free allowances. The results of Andorra's elections thus far indicate that many support the government's reform initiatives and believe Andorra must, to some degree, integrate into the European Union in order to continue to enjoy its prosperity. Although less than 2% of the land is arable, agriculture was the mainstay of the Andorran economy until the upsurge in tourism. Sheep-raising has been the principal agricultural activity, but tobacco growing is lucrative. Most of Andorra's food is imported. In addition to handicrafts, manufacturing includes cigars, cigarettes, and furniture for domestic and export markets. A hydroelectric plant at Les Escaldes, with a capacity of 26.5 megawatts, provides 40% of Andorra's electricity; Spain provides the rest. FOREIGN RELATIONS Since the establishment of sovereignty with the ratification of the constitution in 1993, Andorra has moved to become an active member of the international community. In July 1993, Andorra established its first diplomatic mission in the world, to the United Nations. In early 1995, the United States and Andorra established formal diplomatic relations. Andorra has also expanded relations with other nations. Andorra is a full member of the United Nations (UN), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Customs Cooperation Council (CCC), Telecommunications International Union, Universal Copyright Convention, Meteorological Organization Convention, the 1941 Automotive Convention, International Red Cross, European Council, FUTFI SAT, and the World Tourism Organization. Since 1991 Andorra has a special agreement with the European Union. U.S.-ANDORRAN RELATIONS As noted, the United States established diplomatic relations with Andorra in early 1995. The two countries are on excellent terms, and the U.S. includes the country within the Barcelona consular district. United States consulate general officials visit Andorra regularly. Principal U.S. Official Maurice Parker is the U.S. consul general in Barcelona and the representative of the U.S. Government to Andorra. The U.S. consulate general is at Passeig Reina Elisenda, 23-25, 08034 Barcelona, Spain (tel. 280-2227). TRAVEL AND BUSINESS INFORMATION The U.S. Department of State's Consular Information Program provides Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. Travel Warnings are issued when the Department of State recommends that Americans avoid travel to a certain country. Consular Information Sheets exist for all countries and include information on immigration practices, currency regulations, health conditions, areas of instability, crime and security information, political disturbances, and the addresses of the U.S. embassies and consulates in the subject country. They can be obtained by telephone at (202) 647-5225 or by fax at (202) 647-3000. To access the Consular Affairs Bulletin Board by computer, dial (202) 647-9225, via a modem with standard settings. Bureau of Consular Affairs' publications on obtaining passports and planning a safe trip abroad are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, tel. (202) 512-1800. Emergency information concerning Americans traveling abroad may be obtained from the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at (202) 647- 5225. While planning a trip, travelers can check the latest information on health requirements and conditions with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia. A hotline at (404) 332-4559 provides telephonic or fax information on the most recent health advisories, immunization recommendations or requirements, and advice on food and drinking water safety for regions and countries. A booklet entitled Health Information for International Travel (HHS publication number CDC-94-8280, price $7.00) is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, tel. (202) 512-1800. Information on travel conditions, visa requirements, currency and customs regulations, legal holidays, and other items of interest to travelers also may be obtained before your departure from a country's embassy and/or consulates in the U.S. (see "Principal Government Officials" listing in this publication). Upon their arrival in a country, U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the U.S. embassy (see "Principal U.S. Embassy Officials" listing in this publication). Such information might assist family members in making contact en route in case of an emergency. Further Electronic Information: Consular Affairs Bulletin Board (CABB). Available by modem, the CABB provides Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings, and helpful information for travelers. Access at (202) 647-9225 is free of charge to anyone with a personal computer, modem, telecommunications software, and telephone line. Department of State Foreign Affairs Network. Available on the Internet, DOSFAN provides timely, global access to official U.S. foreign policy information. Updated daily, DOSFAN includes Background Notes; Dispatch, the official weekly magazine of U.S. foreign policy; daily press briefings; directories of key officers of foreign service posts; etc. DOSFAN is accessible three ways on the Internet: Gopher: dosfan.lib.uic.edu URL: gopher://dosfan.lib.uic.edu/ WWW: http://dosfan.lib.uic.edu/dosfan.html U.S. Foreign Affairs on CD-ROM (USFAC). Published on a quarterly basis by the U.S. Department of State, USFAC archives information on the Department of State Foreign Affairs Network, and includes an array of official foreign policy information from 1990 to the present. Priced at $80 ($100 foreign), one-year subscriptions include four discs (MSDOS and Macintosh compatible) and are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, P.O. Box 37194, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. To order, call (202) 512-1800 or fax (202) 512-2250. Federal Bulletin Board (BBS). A broad range of foreign policy information also is carried on the BBS, operated by the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO). By modem, dial (202) 512-1387. For general BBS information, call (202) 512-1530. National Trade Data Bank (NTDB). Operated by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the NTDB contains a wealth of trade-related information, including Country Commercial Guides. It is available on the Internet (gopher. stat-usa.gov) and on CD-ROM. Call the NTDB Help-Line at (202) 482-1986 for more information. ======================================== Background Notes Series -- Published by the United States Department of State -- Bureau of Public Affairs -- Office of Public Communication -- Washington, DC -- Series Editor: Marilyn J. Bremner Andorra -- Department of State Publication 8992 -- December 1995 -- Editor: Joanna Weinz This material is in the public domain and may be reprinted without permission; citation of this source is appreciated. For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.