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a short history of Andorra

Brief History of Andorra

Andorra is a small country set between Spain and France. Historically speaking it is the last independent state of the Marca Hispanica, which were buffer states that were formed by Charlemange to keep the Islamic Moors from coming into the Christian France. Some years later, the grandson of Charlemangne was named Count of Urgell and became overlord of Andorra. The descendants of the count gave the lands to the Diocese of Urgell which was headed by the Bishop of Urgell. During the 11th century, the bishop placed himself under the Lord of Caboet protection, as he feared military actions by the neighbouring lords.

Some years later when the Count of Foix became heir to the Lord of Caboet, a dispute over Andorra arose between the Catalan bishop and the French Count. This conflict was put to an end in year 1278, by signing a pareage and thus the sovereignty of Andorra was announced shared by the two sides of the conflict. Today the borders of Andorra are just the same as they used to be back in 1278. Twice was Andorra annexed to the Crown of Aragon, in years 1396 and 1512, but this was only for short periods of time. The years passed and the title was given to the Navarre kings and Henry IV. During the period between the years 1812 and 1813, Andorra was annexed to the French Empire and given as part of the Puigcerda district.

A century later, in 1933, as a result of social unrest before important elections, Andorra was occupied by France. On the next year a funny thing happened, an adventurer proclaimed himself a sovereign prince of Andorra and declared war on the Bishop of Urgel. A week later, the self-proclaimed prince was arrested by the Spanish authorities and expelled from Spain. For the next four years, a French garrison was sent to Andorra in order to keep the country and preserve it from the influence of the Spanish Civil War.

During the devastating World War Two, Andorra was neutral and was thus serving as a very important smuggling route between Spain and France. After the Second World War, Andorra was isolated and impoverished for a long period of time, the state achieved prosperity through its tourist industry and excellent conditions for skiing.

Until year 1993, Andorra lived in a unique divided principality and was ruled by a French chief of state and the Spanish Bishop. In year 1993 however this feudal system was modified and the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy. Today Andorra attracts with its fabulous ski resorts and the fact that there is no income taxes applied.