Andorra la Vella by morning

Andorra la Vella (1990 est. pop. 20,437) is the capital of the Principality of Andorra, and is located high in the east Pyrenees between France and Spain. It is also the name of the parish that surrounds it.

The population is very diverse: Spanish 43%, Andorran 33%, Portuguese 11%, French 7%, other 6%. Catalan is the official language, although Castilian and French are also spoken. Most of the population are Roman Catholics. The principal industry is tourism, although the country earns foreign income from being a tax-haven. Furniture and brandies are produced.

History

The site of Andorra la Vella (literally, "Andorra the Old") has been settled since prior to the Christian era, and it has acted as the principal city of Andorra since 1278 when the French and the Episcopal coprinces agreed to joint suzerainty. In 1993, the country's first constitution established a parliamentary democracy with executive, legislative, and judicial branches located in Andorra la Vella.

Andorra la Vella was Andorra's bid city of the 21st Olympic Winter Games, the 2010 Winter Olympics.