Are you enjoying our inaugural trip of our virtual backpack adventure around Europe so far? I am so happy you've decided to join me. We are going to have lots of fun - experience lots of cultures and learn a lot! Let's go!
We have now arrived in #Andorra. I have a pretty decent handle on geography, but this one had me a little stumped - and we don't have to feel badly about that - it is a tiny nation! Andorra is currently the 16th smallest country in the world. In spite of that, it is among the world's 25 #wealthiest nations.
Technically, it is called the Andorran Valley. It is tucked right into the border zone between Spain and France in the #Pyrenees Mountains. It has no coastline, and it is snowy in the wintertime, so it is a great time to head there for some virtual skiing and duty-free shopping!
A little background on what we will find in Andorra on our virtual vacation:
*The capital, Andorra la Vella, is considered the highest European capital, due to the mountainous nature of the country.
*The population is about 25,000 people in the capital, and approximately 70,000 throughout the entire nation.
*Primarily, the residents speak #Catalan, but often Spanish and French as well due to their close proximity to Spain and France.
*Afternoon #Siesta is generally observed for about 2.5 hours each day.
*For being such an ancient community, it is a relatively new nation in its current form. The General Council was formed in 1419, but the constitution was only adopted in 1993. Women obtained the #righttovote in 1970. It is a member of the #UnitedNations, but not a member of the #EuropeanUnion (although it does have a trade agreement with the EU and uses Euros as currency).
*The country is ruled by a local legislature as well as by two Co-Princes - the Bishop of Urgell in Spain, and the President of France. So, fascinatingly, by his election to the top spot in France, Emmanuel Macron also became a Prince of a neighboring nation!
Stay tuned all week to learn more about Andorra!
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