Andorra - The Principality of Andorra is a small, landlocked principality in southwestern Europe, located in the eastern Pyrenees Mountains and bordered by France and Spain. Once isolated, it is currently a prosperous country mainly because of tourism and its status as a tax haven. It has the highest life expectancy in the world, at 83.51 years. Andorra has no military force of its own; its defense is the responsibility of Spain and France.
Andorra, a tiny principality nestled in scenic Pyrenees valleys on the border between France and Spain, was once a backwater of mule-raising and tobacco-smuggling. It has transformed itself into a tax-free playground of spas, ski resorts and shopping malls and now has one of the highest living standards in the world. It also offers "offshore" banking facilities for international finance that success is evidenced by the congested roads, plus the buzzing jackhammers and whirring cranes busy building new attractions and hotels in Andorra la Vella, the capital.
For travelers, Andorra offers hiking and village festivals in summer, skiing in winter, and dramatic mountain scenery, spas and duty-free shopping year-round, all tucked into one of the smallest countries in Europe.
Andorra is divided into seven parishes known in Catalan as parroquias or comuns. The countryside is characterized by high mountains and deep valleys.
Andorra's chief attractions are tax-free shopping, trekking, skiing, mountain cycling, fishing and scenery. The country appeals to three types of people: those who seek tax-free shopping; those who love outdoor activities (fishing, camping, hiking, skiing); and those who are in the neighborhood and want to say they've been there. If you just want outdoor activities, you'll find the rest of the Pyrenees to be a bit more tranquil, although Andorra does have some excellently marked trails for hikers of all levels.
Andorra la Vella claims it is Europe's highest capital.