nsists of between 28 and 42 Councilors, as the members of the legislative branch are called. The Councilors serve for four-year terms and elections are held between the thirtieth and fortieth days following the dissolution of the previous Council. The Councilors can be elected on two equal constituencies. Half are elected in equal number from each of the seven administrative parishes and the other half of the Councilors are elected from a single national constituency. Fifteen days after the election, the Councilors hold their inauguration. During this session, the Syndic General, who is the head of the General Council, and the Subsyndic General, his assistant, are elected. Eight days later, the Council convenes once more. During this session the Head of Government, the Prime Minister of Andorra, is chosen from among the Councilors. Candidates for the prime-ministerial nomination can be proposed by a minimum of one-fifth of the Councilors. The Council then elects the candidate with the absolute majority of votes to be Head of Government. The Syndic General then notifies the Co-princes who in turn appoint the elected candidate as the Prime Minister of Andorra. The General Council is also responsible for proposing and passing laws. Bills may be presented to the Council as Private Members' Bills by three of the Local Parish Councils jointly or by at least one tenth of the citizens of Andorra. The Council also approves the annual budget of the principality. The government must submit the proposed budget for parliamentary approval at least two months before the previous budget expires. If the budget is not approved by the first day of the next year, the previous budget is extended until a new one is approved. Once any bill is approved, the Syndic General is responsible for presenting it to the Co-princes so that they may sign and enact it. If the Head of Government is not satisfied with the Council, he may request that the Co-princes dissolve the Council and order new elections. In turn, the Councilors have the power to remove the Head of Government from office. After a motion of censure is approved by at least one-fifth of the Councilors, the Council will vote and if it receives the absolute majority of votes, the Prime Minister is removed. Law and criminal justice The judiciary is composed of the Magistrates Court, the Criminal Law Court, the High Court of Andorra, and the Constitutional Court. The High Court of Justice is composed of five judges: one appointed by the Head of Government, one each by the Coprinces, one by the Syndic General, and one by the Judges and Magistrates. It is presided over by the member appointed by the Syndic General and the judges hold office for six-year terms. The Magistrates and Judges are appointed by the High Court, and so is the President of the Criminal Law Court. The High Court also appoints members of the Office of the Attorney General. The Constitutional Court is responsible for interpreting the Constitution and reviewing all appeals of unconstitutionality against laws and treaties. It is composed of four judges, one appointed by each of the Coprinces and two by the General Council. They serve eight-year terms. The Court is presided over by one of the Judges on a two-year rotation so that each judge at one point will be the leader of the Court. Foreign relations and defence Main article: Foreign relations of Andorra Responsibility for defending Andorra rests with Spain and France. Geography Main articles: Geography of Andorra and Geology of Andorra Map of Andorra with its seven parishes labeled (enlarge map) Parishes Main article: Parishes of Andorra Andorra consists of seven parishes: Andorra la Vella Canillo Encamp Escaldes-Engordany La Massana Ordino Sant Julià de Lòria Physical geography Topographic map of Andorra Escaldes-Engordany with Caldea spa (center) Due to its location in the eastern Pyrenees mountain range, Andorra consists predominantly of rugged mountains of an average height of 1,996 metres (6,549 ft) with the highest being the Coma Pedrosa at 2,942 metres (9,652 ft). These are dissected by three narrow valleys in a Y shape that combine into one as the main stream, the Gran Valira river, leaves the country for Spain (at Andorra's lowest point of 840 m/2,756 ft). Andorra's surface area is 468 square kilometres (181 sq mi). Phytogeographically, Andorra belongs to the Atlantic European province of the Circumboreal Region within the Boreal Kingdom. According to the WWF, the territory of Andorra belongs to the ecoregion of Pyrenees conifer and mixed forests. Climate Andorra has a temperate climate similar to that of its neighbours, but its higher altitude means there is, on average, more snow in winter, lower humidity, and it is slightly cooler in summer. There are, on average, 300 days per year of sunshine. Economy Main article: Economy of Andorra Tourism, the mainstay of Andorra's tiny, well-to-do economy, accounts for roughly 80% of GDP. An estimated 10.2 million tourists visit annually,[6] attracted by Andorra's duty-free status and by its summer and winter resorts. Andorra's comparative advantage has recently eroded as the economies of adjoining France and Spain have been opened up, providing broader availability of goods and lower tariffs. The banking sector, with its tax haven status, also contributes substantially to the economy. Agricultural production is limited—only 2% of the land is arable—and most food has to be imported. Some tobacco is grown locally. The principal livestock activity is domestic sheep raising. Manufacturing output consists mainly of cigarettes, cigars, and furniture. Andorra's natural resources include hydroelectric power, mineral water, timber, iron ore, and lead.[11] Andorra is not a member of the European Union, but enjoys a special relationship with it, such as being treated as an EU member for trade in manufactured goods (no tariffs) and as a non-EU member for agricultural products. Andorra lacks a currency of its own and uses that of its two surrounding nations. Andorra used the French franc and the Spanish peseta until 1999 when both currencies were replaced by the EU's single currency, the euro. Coins and notes of both the franc and the peseta, however, remained legal tender in Andorra until 2002. Andorra is negotiating to issue its own euro coins. Demography Main article: Demographics of Andorra Population The population of Andorra is estimated to be 83,888 (July 2009).[12] The population has grown from 5,000 in 1900, and reached a peak of 84,484 (estimated) in July 2008.[13] Andorrans are a minority in their own country (31,363);[14]; Spaniards (27,300),[14] Portuguese (13,794),[14] French (5,213),[14] Britons (1,085) [14] and Italians make up 67.7% of Andorra's population. Languages Main article: Languages of Andorra The historic and official language is Catalan, a Romance language. Because of immigration, historical links, and close geographic proximity, other languages such as Spanish, French and Portuguese are also commonly spoken. Most Andorrans also speak Spanish (Castilian), French or both. Andorra is one of only four European countries (together with France, Monaco, and Turkey) that have never signed the Council of Europe Framework Convention on National Minorities.[15] Religion The population of Andorra is predominantly (90%) Roman Catholic.[16] Their patron saint is Our Lady of Meritxell. Though it is not an official state religion, the constitution acknowledges a special relationship with the Roman Catholic Church, offering some special privileges to that group. The Muslim community is primarily made up of North African immigrants. Other Christian denominations include the Anglican Church, Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Reunification Church, the New Apostolic Church, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is a small community of Hindus. Education Children between the ages of 6 and 16 are required by law to have full-time education. Education up to secondary level is provided free of charge by the government. There are three systems of schools – Andorran, French and Spanish – which use Catalan, French and Spanish, respectively, as the main language of instruction. Parents may choose which system their children attend. All schools are built and maintained by Andorran authorities, but teachers in the French and Spanish schools are paid for the most part by France and Spain. About 50% of Andorran children attend the French primary schools, and the rest attend Spanish or Andorran schools. In July 1997, the Andorran Government passed a law on universities and shortly afterward, the University of Andorra was established. The geographical complexity of the country as well as the small number of students prevents the University of Andorra from developing a full academic programme, and it serves principally as a centre for virtual studies, connected to Spanish and French universities. The only two graduate schools in Andorra are the Nursing School and the School of Computer Science. Healthcare Healthcare in Andorra is provided to all employed persons and their families by the government-run social security system, CASS (Caixa Andorrana de Seguretat Social), which is funded by employer and employee contributions in respect of salaries.[17] The cost of healthcare is covered by CASS at rates of 75% for out-patient expenses such as medicines and hospital visits, 90% for hospitalisation, and 100% for work-related accidents. The remainder of the costs may be covered by private health insurance. Other residents and tourists require full private health insurance.[17] The main hospital, Meritxell, is in Escaldes-Engordany. Its services include 24-hour accident and emergency, anatomy, angiology, pathology, anesthesiology, clinical cardiology, clinical biochemistry, clinical neurology, dermatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, genetics, geriatrics, hematology, immunology, intensive care, internal medicine, medical oncology, microbiology, nephrology and dialysis, neurophysiology, obstetrics and gynecology, oncology, ophthalmology, otorhinolaringology, orthopedics, pediatrics, physiotherapy, neonatology, plastic surgery, general surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, neurosurgery, pediatric surgery, thoracic surgery, trauma surgery, cardiovascular surgery, parasitology, psychiatry, radiodiagnostics, radiotherapy, urology, and venerealogy.[18] There are also 12 primary health care centres in various locations around the Principality.[18] Transport Main articles: Transport in Andorra and Rail transport in Andorra Andorra has a road network of 279 km (173 mi), of which 76 km (47 mi) is unpaved. The two main roads out of Andorra La Vella are the CG-1 to the Spanish border, and the CG-2 to the French border via the Envalira Tunnel near Pas de la Casa.[19] In winter, the main roads in Andorra are usually quickly cleared of snow and remain accessible, but the main road out of Andorra on the French side (RN-20/22) is less frequently cleared and is sometimes closed by avalanches.[20] Other main roads out of Andorra La Vella are the CG-3 and CG-4 to Arcalis and Pal, respectively. Bus services cover all metropolitan areas and many rural communities, with services on most major routes running half-hourly or more frequently during peak travel times. There are frequent long-distance bus services from Andorra to Barcelona and Barcelona Airport, and also to Toulouse and Toulouse Airport, in each case taking approximately 3 hours. Bus routes also serve Girona Airport and Portugal via Lleida. Bus services are mostly run by private companies, but some local ones are operated by the Government. The private bus companies are Autocars Nadal, Camino Bus, Cooperativa Interurbana Andorrana, Eurolines, Hispano Andorrana, and Novatel.[21] There are no railways, ports, or airports for fixed-wing aircraft in Andorra. There are, however, heliports in La Massana, Arinsal and Escaldes-Engordany with commercial helicopter services.[22][23] Nearby airports are located in Barcelona, Toulouse, Perpignan, Reus, and Girona. The closest public airport is Perpignan - Rivesaltes Airport, which is 160 km (99 mi) away and has short-haul services to several destinations in the United Kingdom and France. La Seu d'Urgell Airport, a small airfield 12 km (7 mi) south of Andorra currently used only by private aeroplanes, is being studied by the Catalan government as a possible future airport for public aviation services.[24] The nearest railway station is L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre 10 km (6 mi) east of Andorra which is on the 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1/2 in)-gauge line from Latour-de-Carol, (25 km/16 mi) southeast of Andorra, to Toulouse and on to Paris by the French high-speed trains. This line is operated by the SNCF. Latour-de-Carol has a scenic metre-gauge trainline to Villefranche-de-Conflent, as well as the SNCF's 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1/2 in)-gauge line connecting to Perpignan, and the RENFE's 1,668 mm (5 ft 5+2/3 in) -gauge line to Barcelona [25][26]. Media and telecommunications Main article: Telecommunications in Andorra In Andorra, mobile and fixed telephony and internet services are operated exclusively by the Andorran national telecommunications company, SOM, also known as Servei de Telecomunicacions d'Andorra (STA). The same company also manages the technical infrastructure for national broadcasting of digital television and radio. By the end of 2010, it is planned that every part of the country will have Fibre-Optic to the Home for internet access at a minimum speed of 100 Mbps.[27] There is only one Andorran television station, Ràdio i Televisió d'Andorra (RTVA). Radio Nacional d’Andorra operates two radio stations, Radio Andorra and Andorra Música. There are three national newspapers, Diari D'Andorra, El Periòdic, and Bon Dia as well as several local newspapers. Culture Andorran flag on balcony, Ordino Main article: Culture of Andorra The official and historic language is Catalan. Thus, its culture is Catalan with some own specificity. Andorra is home to folk dances like the contrapàs and marratxa, which survive in Sant Julià de Lòria especially. Andorran folk music has similarities to the music of its neighbors, but is especially Catalan in character, especially in the presence of dances such as the sardana. Other Andorran folk dances include contrapàs in Andorra la Vella and Saint Anne's dance in Escaldes-Engordany. Andorra's national holiday is Our Lady of Meritxell Day, September 8.[11] See also: Music of Andorra See also Main article: Outline of Andorra Andorra and the European Union Communications in Andorra European microstates Foreign relations of Andorra Wikimedia Atlas of Andorra List of Andorra-related topics List of Co-Princes of Andorra Lists of Andorrans Recognition of same-sex unions in Andorra Scouting in Andorra Tourism in Andorra Transport in Andorra Universitat d'Andorra References ^ Estadísticas de población de Andorra. Ministerio de Justicia e Interior de Andorra ^ Girard P & Gomez P (2009), Lacs des Pyrénées: Andorre. (French) ^ World Gazetteer ^ Human Development Report 2009. The United Nations. Retrieved 5 October 2009 ^ Funk and Wagnalls Encyclopedia, 1991 ^ a b Departament d'Estadística, Govern d'Andorra: www.estadistica.ad. (Catalan) ^ Pat Thompson (23 April 2009). "Why Andorrans live longer than everyone else". CNN. http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/23/andorra.life.expectancy/index.html. Retrieved 7 June 2009.  ^ "La formació d'Andorra". l’Enciclopèdia. Enciclopèdia Catalana. http://www.enciclopedia.cat/fitxa_v2.jsp?NDCHEC=0003864.  (Catalan) English version ^ a b c Things about the history of Andorra French Co-prince (Catalan) ^ "Ermessenda de Castellbò". l’Enciclopèdia. Enciclopèdia Catalana. http://www.enciclopedia.cat/fitxa_v2.jsp?NDCHEC=0024413.  (Catalan) English version ^ a b "CIA World Factbook entry: Andorra". https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/an.html.  ^ CIA World Factbook (2009) ^ CIA World Factbook (2008) ^ a b c d e Departament d'Estadistica, 2008 ^ "Council of Europe". http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/Commun/ChercheSig.asp?NT=157&CM=&DF=&CL=ENG.  ^ "CIA - The World Fact Book – Andorra". https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/an.html.  ^ a b Travailler en Andorre (May 2006), Govern d'Andorra, Servei d'Ocupació, p.30. (French) ^ a b List of specialities with coverage by CASS at Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell (2009), Cass.ad, Retrieved 2009-07-19. ^ Agència de Mobilitat, Govern d'Andorra ^ L'Hospitalet. La RN 20 coupée à cause d'une avalanche, La Depeche, 17 December 2008. Ladepeche.fr (French) ^ Public transport of passengers, Servei de Planificació i Gestió del Transport, Govern d'Andorra, 2009. ^ Heliand - Serveis (2009). Heliand.com (Catalan) ^ Helitrans - Services (2009). Helitrans.ad (Catalan) ^ La Generalitat es reuneix amb els pobles afectats per l'aeroport (31 October 2008). Viurealspirineus.cat (Catalan) ^ SNCF Map ^ Google map ^ SOM Newsletter, March 2009. External links Find more about Andorra on Wikipedia's sister projects: Definitions from Wiktionary Textbooks from Wikibooks Quotations from Wikiquote Source texts from Wikisource Images and media from Commons News stories from Wikinews Learning resources from Wikiversity Govern d'Andorra - Official governmental site (in Catalan) Chief of State and Cabinet Members Andorra entry at The World Factbook Portals to the World from the United States Library of Congress Andorra from UCB Libraries GovPubs Andorra at the Open Directory Project History of Andorra: Primary Documents from EuroDocs Andorra travel guide from Wikitravel v • d • e  Andorra topics Geography Parishes · Cities · Lakes · Mountains · Rivers  · Wildlife · Environment · Geology Politics Co-Princes · Prime Minister · Constitution · Political parties  · Elections · Foreign relations · Human rights · LGBT rights Economy Companies · Banks · Tourism · Euro Demographics People · Ethnic groups · Religion · Communications · Transport · Languages Culture Arts · Cuisine · Education · Flag · History · Literature · Music · Public holidays · Rugby union · Sport · Olympics Portal   Geographic locale v • d • e Countries of Europe Albania · Andorra · Armenia2 · Austria · Azerbaijan1 · Belarus · Belgium · Bosnia and Herzegovina · Bulgaria · Croatia · Cyprus2 · Czech Republic · Denmark3 · Estonia · Finland · France1 · Georgia1 · Germany · Greece  · Hungary · Iceland · Ireland · Italy1 · Kazakhstan1 · Kosovo5 · Latvia · Liechtenstein · Lithuania · Luxembourg · Macedonia4 · Malta · Moldova · Monaco · Montenegro · Netherlands3 · Norway3 · Poland · Portugal3 · Romania · Russia1 · San Marino · Serbia · Slovakia · Slovenia · Spain1 · Sweden · Switzerland · Turkey1 · Ukraine · United Kingdom3 · Vatican City 1 Has part of its territory outside Europe.  2 Entirely in Western Asia but having socio-political connections with Europe.  3 Has dependencies or similar territories outside Europe. 4 Name disputed by Greece; see Macedonia naming dispute. 5 Declared independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008 and is