HISTORY
The first written record of Andorra is the deed of consecration
of the cathedral of Urgell, dating to the 9th century,
where it is referred to as belonging to the county of
Urgell. In 1133 count Ermengol IV gave his possessions
to the bishop of Urgell. Subsequent hostilities forced
the bishop to place himself under the protection of
the Caboet family, whose heir was the count of Foix.
In the 13th century, on account of several disputes
on the territory, the Pariatges were signed between
the Bishop of Urgell and the Count of Foix. It was a
reconciliation document between them which became the
origin of the institution of the coprincipality. The
parliament as we know it today, called the Consell General
(General Council), was set up in 1419 with the creation
of the Consell de la Terra (Council of the Land). In
1866 a democratic process was started in Andorra with
the New Reform, which modernised the electoral system.
In 1982 the first government of Andorra was set up.
The last historic date is the 14 March 1993, where the
first written constitution was approved by referendum
and Andorra became a constitutional democracy.
ANDORRA,
THE PYRENEAN COUNTRY The Principality of Andorra, nestling
in the heart of the Pyrenees between France and Spain, is a
land where traditions and modernity are well mixed in and where
well-kept treasures will surprise and delight you. Its territory,
made up 468 square kilometres of splendid natural scenery, is
home to a welcoming people with a vision of the future. The
climate is dry and healthy. In the heat of summer, the cool
evenings are refreshing, and in winter, the sunny days a joy.
Andorra has the largest area suitable for skiing in all the
Pyrenees. The official language is Catalan, although Castilian
and French are also spoken. For administrative purposes, Andorra
is divided into seven parts called parishes: Andorra la Vella,
Canillo, Encamp, Escaldes-Engordany, Ordino, la Massana and
Sant Julià de Lòria.
