About Andorra
Sometimes, columns are a way for reporters to get their thoughts out on a topic they’ve been pondering. Sometimes, it’s to make a statement about current events.
This column is about useless yet interesting information gained through research spurred by random discussion in the newsroom.
Have you ever heard of the nation of Andorra? Perhaps you know it by its full name, the Principality of the Valleys of Andorra. Now I know what you’re thinking, and no, it’s not a nation of elves in a corner of Middle-Earth. It’s a small nation sandwiched between Spain and France in the Pyrenees Mountains. It’s co-ruled by the President of France and the Spanish Bishop of Urgell, who serve as co-princes of Andorra.
If none of that rings a bell, I don’t blame you. Andorra is an obscure nation; it’s the kind of country that sounds made up when you describe it. And as a culture, we’re not really taught there’s a country that sits between France and Spain. But the more I read about the country, the more interested I became.
Historians don’t really know where the name “Andorra” comes from, but there are some theories. Some think Andorra comes form the Arabic “al-durra,” which means “the forest.” A folk tale says Charlemagne named the region as a reference to the Biblical Canaanite valley of Endor, or Andor. The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labors acknowledges the Andorran constitution promises freedom of religion, but notes a “special relationship” with the Catholic Church. The bureau also notes there are about 100 Jews living in Andorra.
Speaking of which, Andorra is really a land of notable statistics. Its population is about 80,950, and its land area is about 180 square miles, according to statistics from the United Nations. Most of the country’s food must be imported, since only five percent of its land is usable for farming.
The country is not a member of the European Union, though it does use the euro as its official currency. It’s been a member of the United Nations since 1993.
Prior to World War I, Andorra kept an armed force of around 600 part-time militiamen. Those 600 men were not required to serve outside the country. Two officers commanded the entire military. Despite that, Andorra was technically the longest combatant in the Great War. The country was left out of the Versailles Peace Conference, officially remaining at war with Germany until 1958, when it formally declared peace with the Germans.
Today, Andorra’s army consists of a small retinue of men who undertake ceremonial duties, though all able-bodied men are required to take up arms if called upon. All families are required to have access to a gun.
So, there’s a little bit about Andorra. It’s an interesting little country that sent me down a rabbit hole. Honestly, there’s likely no instance in which this information would be useful, but hey, now you have it.
-Will Channell is a reporter for the Journal-Tribune.