Coordinates: 42 30 N 1 30 E
Population: 71,822 (2007 est.)
If you’re one of a handful of extant micro-states, lacking in natural resources, arable land, or even a sizable labor force, what do you do for money? Well, in the case of the tiny Principality of Andorra, wedged between Spain and France in the Pyrenees Mountains, building resorts seemed to be the best option available. As a result, this landlocked European country lures nearly 12 million people a year inside its borders and boasts a zero percent unemployment rate. Without any airports or railways, visitors must rely on other means of transportation to reach Andorra, but this inconvenience doesn’t seem to matter: approximately 80% of their $2.77 billion GDP is derived indirectly from tourism.
Ben Keene is the editor of Oxford Atlas of the World. Check out some of his previous places of the week.
And some of us had to walk in and walk out as few were picking up hitchhikers.
Pleasant valley though, and lots of shops left over from the duty-free days.
Hey Bill, thanks for posting. How long has it been sisnce you were there last? I’m curious to know how much a little country can change. Also, if you’re interested in Andorra and are up for a fun read, check out this link:
http://www.worldhum.com/home/item/the_art_of_writing_a_story_about_walking_across_andorra_20051228/