I will admit that Andorra is a country I’ve only heard of and don’t really know anything about, other than that it’s in Europe. Let’s learn about Andorra together, shall we?
Andorra Basics
Andorra is a principality located in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. It is landlocked and measures just 181 square miles (468 square kilometers), which makes it the sixth-smallest nation in Europe.
It is the sixteenth-smallest country in the world by size and the eleventh smallest by population, at about 81,500 people.
The capital is Andorra la Vella, which has the highest elevation of any capital in Europe. The official language is Catalan, but people there also speak Spanish, French and Portuguese.
The principality was founded in 1278 and it is ruled by co-princes: the bishop of Urgell in Catalonia and the president of France.
National Symbols
The Andorran flag features vertical bands of blue, yellow and red, with the nation’s coat of arms in the center stripe (which is actually slightly wider than the other two stripes). The coat is a shield with four symbols, representing the Bishop of Urgell, the count of Foix and the viscount of Béarn, as well as a symbol of Catalonia.
The country’s motto, “Virtus Unita Fortior,” or “United Virtue is Stronger” is also printed on the flag. The national anthem, “El gran Carlemany,” or “The Great Charlemagne,” can be heard below:
Andorra Activities for Kids
Learn more about Charlemagne, who was said to have conquered Andorra from the Moors in 790 and granted independence to the nation, first defining its borders, from Britannica for Kids.
Discover the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, which includes a glacial landscape and illustrates how people have lived in the mountain region in harmony with the landscape for thousands of years. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the history of the Roc de les Bruixes (Rock of the Witches), which is covered with ancient carvings and is near the Sanctuary of Meritxell Basilica, the most important religious temple in the country.
Research some of the many museums of Andorra. Visit Andorra says the country has more museums per square mile than anywhere else, and you can cross the whole country on foot!
Try escudella, known as the national dish of Andorra. It’s a meat stew that typically features large meatballs or sausages as well as vegetables. Visit Andorra has a recipe for this hearty winter stew, which is commonly served around Christmas and the new year. Food.com has a somewhat easier version with fewer meats involved.
Books About Andorra for Kids
I couldn’t find a lot of books for kids about Andorra, so if you happen to know of some let me know and I’ll add them in.
There’s My First Book Andorra by Penelope Pallette, a picture book that covers landmarks and other basics with real photos of the country. Country Jumper in Andorra is another series that covers all the countries for kids, with information on its history and places to visit. This book is by Claudia Dobson-Largie.
And if you want to learn a little Catalan, check out My First 100 Catalan Words by Effie Delarosa.
[Map image via Free World Maps]
