History of Andorra
Since its foundation 700 years ago, Andorra has experienced a significant growth, thanks to the persistence and negotiating manner of its citizens. In this time, the country has learned how to diversify its attractions while remaining faithful to its historic identity.
The first archaeological sites found in Andorra confirm the presence of men during the Mesolithic period, and popular myth relates that Charlemagne founded Andorra in the ninth century.
According to this myth, the country was born as part of the Marca Hispanica, the territories that separated Christian Europe from the lands conquered by the Muslims.
During the Middle Age, battles between feudal lords had an interesting outcome: from the thirteenth century, Andorra would have a two-tier ruling system with pre-established co-princes.
As a result of this, Andorran representation lies in the hands of an Episcopal co-prince, a role carried out by the Bishop of Urgell (a bishop from northern Spain) and the French co-prince, whose rights currently belong to the French president. This, combined with the respect that the country has maintained with its neighbouring states, contributed to the prosperous neutral personality that Andorra has adopted over the years.
Thus, Andorra has an Episcopal co-principality, governed by the Bishop of Urgell (a bishop from northern Spain) and the French co-principality, whose administration currently belongs to the French president.
Andorra has experienced a great economic growth since the fitties the fifties, mainly thanks to its beneficial tax system.
Andorra approved its Constitution in 1993 and in the same year it was granted a seat in the United Nations. Since then, it has been internationally recognised as a social and democratic state in its own right.