Andorra la Vella - The Capital of Andorra
- Population
- 22,886
- Language
- Catalan
- Continent
- Europe
- Since
- 1278
- Eco Ranking
- -
Source: Environmental Performance Index 2024.
About Andorra la Vella
Andorra la Vella is the capital of the Principality of Andorra, one of Europe's smallest and most constitutionally distinctive states. The principality is a parliamentary co-principality with two heads of state: the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell (a diocese in Catalonia, Spain). This arrangement dates to a 1278 treaty between the Count of Foix and the Bishop of Urgell, which established shared sovereignty to resolve territorial disputes. The co-principality structure has persisted continuously for over 700 years, making it one of the world's oldest surviving political arrangements. Andorra la Vella has served as the seat of the General Council (the Andorran parliament, known in Catalan as the Consell General) since medieval times. The city sits at an altitude of 1,023 metres above sea level, making it the highest capital in Europe. A modern constitution was adopted in 1993, transforming Andorra from an essentially feudal arrangement into a constitutional state while preserving the co-principality system. The Casa de la Vall, a 16th-century building in the capital, served as the parliament building until 2011.
About Andorra
Andorra is a parliamentary co-principality with two simultaneous heads of state: the French President and the Bishop of Urgell. This unique structure dates to 1278. The country adopted its first written constitution in 1993. Andorra is not a member of the European Union but uses the euro and has a customs union with the EU. Catalan is the sole official language. The state has no standing army and a total population of approximately 80,000.
View Andorra la Vella on the map
Flight time from Andorra la Vella to other capitals
| City | Distance (km) | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | 700 | 0h 49m |
| Rome | 900 | 1h 4m |
| London | 1000 | 1h 11m |
| Abu Dhabi | 5200 | 6h 7m |
| Washington, D.C. | 6400 | 7h 32m |
| Cape Town | 8700 | 10h 14m |
| Tokyo | 10300 | 12h 7m |
| Buenos Aires | 10500 | 12h 21m |
| Singapore | 10900 | 12h 49m |
| Canberra | 17100 | 20h 7m |
Capitals with similar population to Andorra la Vella
| City | Population |
|---|---|
| Majuro | 28,000 |
| Victoria | 26,450 |
| Nuku'alofa | 23,658 |
| Andorra la Vella | 22,886 |
| St. John's | 22,219 |
| Castries | 22,000 |
| Belmopan | 16,451 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Andorra have two heads of state?
Andorra's dual co-principality structure originates from a 1278 treaty (paréage) between the Count of Foix and the Bishop of Urgell, who agreed to share sovereignty over the territory. When the Foix title passed to the French crown and eventually to the French Republic, the French president inherited the role. Both co-princes hold equal constitutional authority.
Is Andorra la Vella the highest capital city in Europe?
Yes. Andorra la Vella sits at an elevation of 1,023 metres above sea level, making it the highest capital city in Europe. It is located in a narrow valley in the Pyrenees mountains, between France and Spain.
When did Andorra la Vella become the capital?
Andorra la Vella has functioned as the seat of Andorran governance since the medieval co-principality was established in 1278. The General Council, Andorra's parliament, has historically convened in the capital. The city's political role was formally consolidated in the 1993 constitution.
Is Andorra a member of the European Union?
No. Andorra is not an EU member state. However, it uses the euro as its currency under a monetary agreement with the EU and maintains a customs union with the EU that allows free movement of goods. Andorra conducts its own foreign and trade policy within these constraints.
What language is spoken in Andorra la Vella?
The official language of Andorra, including Andorra la Vella, is Catalan, the only country in the world where Catalan holds sole official status. Spanish and French are widely spoken due to Andorra's geographic and economic ties with both neighboring countries.
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