Amazing Webventures: Let's Explore Andorra!

Andorra is located in the eastern Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. In 2008, its population was estimated to be around 72,413 people. It has no airports, ports, or harbors.

Known as a co-principality, it has been under the joint governing power of the French state and the Spanish bishops of Urgel since 1278! (To put this in perspective, check out what else was happening in that period of history.)

5 Facts About the Pyrenees Mountains

1. The mountains extend for about 270 miles from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean Sea.

2. The highest point is Pico de Aneto at 11,168 ft. (3,404m)

3. The main roads between France and Spain run only in the eastern and western lowlands near sea level.

4. In Summer and Autumn, the Pyrenees are featured in the Tour de France (July) and the Vuelta a España held in September.

5. The Pyrenees have no large alpine lakes such as those found in the Alps.

Andorran cuisine is mainly Catalan and also combines with French and Italian cuisine. At every meal, you'll see pasta with meat and/or fish. Vegetables make up the bigger portion of cuisine in Andorra.

Baked Apples are a hit, and if you like mincemeat pies, you're in good company. There's a secret to carmelizing the apples without overcooking. It's an achievement every Catalan chef learns to master.

Crema Catalana (sometimes referred to as Crême Brulée) is a popular dessert.

Flam (flan) is basically custard with caramel: this is a universal pudding and you'll find it most everywhere. If you are used to dousing your desserts in Cool Whip, this isn't the place to mention it!

Mixed nuts and dried fruit are popular desserts, and you can order them year-round.

Try these authentic Andorra recipes:
Honeydew Melon with Caramelia Sauce

Onion Salad with Honey

Trinxat (Cabbage/Potato Cake with Smoked Bacon)

Andorran families love to cook and bake, and entertaining is a time of swapping stories and enjoying each other's company. For the most part, they're said to be a gracious people steeped in rich tradition.

Children are required to attend school between the ages of six and sixteen. About half of Andorra's primary schools teach in French, while the other half teach in Spanish or Catalan.

If an Andorran wishes to attend college, they usually do so in France or Spain.

According to the CIA World Factbook 2007, the life expectancy of Andorrans is the highest in the world: 83.5 years. See how that stacks up against your own country. Quite an eye-popper, isn't it?

The official language of Andorra is Catalan. Catalan first surfaced as a distinct language in the 10th-12th centuries. It quickly spread to several regions of southern Spain, such as Barcelona and Valencia, and to Balearic Islands and the Alghero region of Sardinia, Italy.

Say it in Catalan

Good morning! hola!, digui!
family família, llinatge
food menjar, aliment
sleep son, dormida | mort
goodbye dir adéu, acomiadar
child nen, nena, infant, criatura, al·lot, xiquet
house encaix, encaixament