• Norway!

    Norway: Sunnylvsfjord. Go Now!

    Norway
    Known for its natural beauty, Norway is home to isolated villages, fjords, and mountains that create a culture and landscape without compare. Begin Your Journey!

  • Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

  • Spain!

    Spain: Guell Park and Gaudi architecture. Go Now!

    Spain
    Fusion foods, lively music, historic ruins, and cultural events like the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina make Spain and Barcelona (pictured) a favorite tourist destination. Explore Spain!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

History of Andorra

Charlemagne granted Andorra freedom in the 900s in exchange for fighting with him against the Muslim Moors in the Iberian Peninsula. Later, in the 1000s the country was united under joint foreign rulers due to the need for outside protection. Since that time Andorra has almost always been ruled over by joint leaders, generally the Spanish Bishop of Urgell and the ruler of Navarre, which was later transferred to the King of France.

In the early 1800s Napoleon's France took over Andorra and united it with Catalonia (in Spain). However, after the war, Andorra re-gained their freedom.

During World War I Andorra declared war against Germany, but did not fight. After the war, France occupied the country due to domestic disturbances and civil war in Spain, which the French did not want to spill over into Andorra. During World War II Andorra remained neutral.

In 1993 Andorra adopted a new constitution, essentially eliminating the power of the two outside rulers and giving the people great autonomy and control over their own affairs. Since then Andorra has become more open to the rest of the world as they have joined the United Nations (UN) and the Council of Europe.

This page was last updated: March, 2013