Where is Andorra

Asks stephenpowell

A. Andorra is in the eastern Pyrenees, bordered by France (to the east and north) and Spain (to the west and south).

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Q. How many people actually live in Andorra

A. At the last census, held in 1997, the population totalled 21,630.

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Q. Is Andorra part of France or Spain

A. Neither, it is an independent principality that has two heads of state (known as Princes) - the President of France and the Spanish Bishop of Urgel. It also has its own Head of Government, Marc Forn� Molne.

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Q. What language is spoken there French or Spanish

A. The official language is Catalan, although French and Spanish are also spoken.

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Q. Does Andorra have much to attract tourists

A. Situated in the Pyrenees it is very mountainous, and known for its gorges and narrow valleys. It is primarily a winter holiday resort (the main season runs from December to March), best known for its skiing and for the fact that it is a duty free state. Hiking is the main tourist activity in spring and summer.

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Q. What are the best places to visit

A. The main towns are Andorra la Vella (the capital) and Escaldes-Engordany.

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Andorra la Vella: Some of the best places to visit here include the Barri Antic (old quarter) which is full of ancient cobbled streets and is home to the Casa de la Vall (house in the valley) which dates back to 1580 and has been the national seat of government since 1702, it also contains the only court in the country; and the Pla�a la Poble a large public square in the centre of the town and home to the music academy, the theatre and many bars are restaurants. Today, Andorra la Vella attracts many visitors in search of cheap duty free, especially electronic, goods and its shops and markets reflect this demand.

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Just east of Andorra la Vella is the Caldea Spa Complex, which is well worth visiting as its pools, hot tubs, Turkish baths and saunas are fed by natural thermal springs which maintain a constant temperature of 32�C (89�F).

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Escaldes-Engordany: is a spa town close to Andorra la Vella and popular with tourists because it has some good hotels and restaurants.

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Other principal towns worth visiting include Encamp and Ordino.

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Ski resorts: The main ski resort can be found at Soldeu, on the French border best known for its excellent ski school. Other resorts include: Ordino-Arcalis, Pas de la Casa-Grau Roig, Pal, Arinsal and La Rabassa.

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Q. How would I get to Andorra from the UK

A. You would fly to either Barcelona in Spain (140 miles away) or Toulouse in France (112 miles away) bus or taxi connections to Andorra can be made when booking your flight. Alternatively, you can take the train to Paris, and change for Toulouse or Barcelona - once you've reached either of these destinations local connections to La Tour de Carol (the nearest railway station to Andorra, 12 miles away) can be arranged.

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Q. What is the currency of Andorra

A. Primarily it is Spanish pesetas, but French francs are also accepted. The Euro is also accepted now, although Andorra is not part of the EU.

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Q. When is the best time to visit

A. Either during the winter skiing season (December-March) or during the summer festival season. Most Andorran towns celebrate a village festival during the summer months, usually in July or August.

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For example, the main festival in Andorra la Vella is held from the first Saturday in August for three days; in Encamp there is a similar three-day festival in August; and in Ordino and Escaldes-Engordany three-day events are held in July. Mare de Deu de Meritxell is the national festival of the Virgin Mary and is celebrated on the 8th September.

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By Karen Anderson