Population

A small country

Andorra 84,484 inhabitants (Source: Servei d’Estudis del Ministeri de Finances. Data for 2008).

Most of the population lives in the Principality’s two main cities, Andorra la Vella and Escaldes, which, together with Pas de la Casa, are also the main commercial centres of the Andorra. Major towns include Encamp and Sant Julià de Lòria, which have relatively large populations but are less commercially-orientated than the capital and its surrounding area.

A young and varied population

The average age of the population is 39.12. Economic development and high levels of immigration in the second half of the 20th century have contributed to the range of nationalities that make up contemporary Andorran society. is one of the few countries in the world with a higher number of foreigners than nationals: only 37% of the population has Andorran nationality.

The second largest national group is Spanish (32.3% of the population), followed by Portuguese (16.3%) and French (6.1%). The remaining 8.3% consists of a diverse group made up of over 17 nationalities.

Since the approval of less stringent laws in 1995, which relaxed the conditions for obtaining Andorran nationality, the percentage of Andorran nationals has gradually begun to climb.

Catalan is the sole official language for administrative purposes. However, Spanish is commonly spoken, as are French and Portuguese, albeit to a much lesser extent.

Climate

Andorra has a high mountain climate with Mediterranean influences. Temperatures are low in the winter and mild in the summer, with significant variations depending on altitude and orientation.

Andorra has a high percentage of sunshine and a generally dry climate.

The average annual minimum temperature is -2ºC and the average maximum is 24ºC. The highest rainfall is recorded in the autumn, while winter precipitation is largely snow.

Culture and traditions

Throughout the year, Andorran cultural tradition is revived in the festes majors of towns and villages across the Principality and at a range of commemorative events.

Andorran folklore is expressed through typical national dances such as the marratxa (Sant Julià de Lòria), the ball de Santa Anna (Escaldes-Engordany), the contrapàs (Andorra la Vella), and the sardana, which is often danced in squares across the Principality, particularly during festivals.

To understand Andorra’s varied festivals and customs, it is important to consider its distinctive Catalan culture, its geography, and the history that has shaped the country.

Almost all festivals and popular traditions coincide with religious festivals and with natural cycles and seasons:

• St George’s Day (St Jordi), with its traditional gifts of roses for women and books for men.
• The festa del Poble, celebrated on St John’s Day (St Joan) and marking the summer solstice.
• The festa de Sant Esteve (St Stephen), patron saint of the parish of Andorra la Vella.
• St Lucia’s Fair, where nativity figures and typical Christmas products are traditionally sold.

Cultural life

As a popular tourist destination, Andorra hosts prestigious international events throughout the year, which showcase the rich culture of the Principality.

In addition to specific exhibitions in Andorra and local art, a number of events of international renown are held in the parishes across the country:

• Jazz, flamenco, Spanish popular music, local modern music.
• Country music festival, pipers, folk dancing, dance exhibitions.
• Street theatre.
• The Ordino Classical Music Festival (September).
• The Season of Music and Dance in Andorra la Vella (from November to May).

Shopping

If you would like to know what to wear this season, Andorra’s shops have the latest fashion, accessory, sports and swimwear fashion – everything you could possibly imagine!

Come with friends or family, or with your partner, and enjoy the shopping destination bar none.

First, book your hotel for a comfortable stay, either surrounded by nature or in the heart of the city. Get·settled in and head out for lunch in a typical borda restaurant where you can try the best mountain cuisine. There’s so much to choose from!

Afterwards, head out and enjoy the more than 1,600 shops to suit all tastes and budgets.

Avinguda Meritxell, in Andorra la Vella, and Avinguda Carlemany, in Escaldes-Engordany, are home to most shops. These open-air streets offer: perfumeries, fashion stores stocking the latest trends and exclusive brands at unbeatable prices, shoe shops, technology stores, sports shops, jewellers, chemists, opticians, etc. etc.

In addition to this area, there are also shopping centres in Sant Julià de Lòria and Pas de la Casa.

What is more, the shops are open every day of the week and only a few close on Sunday afternoon.