Principality of Andorra


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Flag of Andorra Flag of Andorra
Three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red with the national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; the coat of arms features a quartered shield; similar to the flags of Chad and Romania, which do not have a national coat of arms in the center, and the flag of Moldova, which does bear a national emblem.

For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a unique co-principality, ruled by French and Spanish leaders (from 1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Spanish bishop of Urgel). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titular heads of state retained, but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy. Long isolated and impoverished, mountainous Andorra achieved considerable prosperity since World War II through its tourist industry. Many immigrants (legal and illegal) are attracted to the thriving economy with its lack of income taxes. - CIA World Factbook.

Map of Andorra

Andorra Coat of Arms Andorra Coat of Arms

Andorra - Fotw
Flag, Coat of Arms.
www.fotw.us/flags/ad.html

Andorra - wikipedia.org
Andorra is a co-principality with the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell, Spain as co-princes.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andorra

Andorra - U.S. Department of State
Andorrans live in seven valleys that form Andorra's political districts. Andorrans are a minority in their own country; Spanish, French, and Portuguese residents make up 64% of the population.
        The national language is Catalan, a romance language related to the Provençal groups. French and Spanish are also spoken.
        Education law requires school attendance for children up to age 16. A system of French, Spanish, and Andorran public schools provides education up to the secondary level. Schools are built and maintained by Andorran authorities, who pay also for Andorran teachers. French and Spanish schools pay for their own teachers. About 35% of Andorran children attend the French primary schools, 35% attend Spanish, and 29 % attend Andorran schools. Andorran schools follow the Spanish curriculum, and their diplomas are recognized by the Spanish education system. In July 1997, the University of Andorra was established. The number of students makes it impossible for the University of Andorra to develop a full academic program, and it serves principally as a center for virtual studies, connected to Spanish and French universities. The only two graduate schools in Andorra are the Nursing School and the School of Computer Science.
www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3164.htm