World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Andorra
| Publisher | Minority Rights Group International |
| Publication Date | 2007 |
| Cite as | Minority Rights Group International, World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Andorra, 2007, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4954ce0823.html [accessed 18 May 2023] |
| Comments | In October 2015, MRG revised its World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples. For the most part, overview texts were not themselves updated, but the previous 'Current state of minorities and indigenous peoples' rubric was replaced throughout with links to the relevant minority-specific reports, and a 'Resources' section was added. Refworld entries have been updated accordingly. |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Environment
The Principality of Andorra is a tiny state located in the eastern Pyrenees between France and Spain.
History
From 1278 to 1993 Andorra was a co-principality, its joint sovereigns being the French President and the bishop of the nearby Spanish town of Seu d'Urgell. Andorra's new Constitution of 1993 gave it independence but allowed the co-princes a veto over treaties affecting borders and security.
Peoples
Main languages: Andorran (Catalan), Spanish (Castilian)
Main religions: Roman Catholicism
Minority groups include Andorrans 27,465 (36%), Portuguese 9,980 (13%) and French 5,095 (7%). Spanish citizens account for 37 per cent of the population (Andorra Statistics, 2006).
Most Spanish and French in Andorra are wealthy tax exiles. Approximately 7 per cent of the population are nationals of Argentina, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Morocco, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Portugal and the UK. The Andorran language is related to Catalan. Despite the existence of a government linguistic advice service, new forms of leisure and 12 million annual tourists are eroding both language and tradition.
Governance
It is extremely difficult to gain Andorran citizenship, although the 1995 Law on Nationality is less restrictive than the 1939 law. The main means for foreign citizens to gain Andorran nationality are through marriage to an Andorran or by establishing their main residence in Andorra for 25 years. A major disincentive to acquiring Andorran nationality is that any other nationalities must be revoked. A reform reducing the number of years before foreigners can qualify for nationality is being drafted.
Foreigners cannot vote, own businesses or join unions or political parties.
In 2002 the government adopted an immigration policy setting quotas and favouring Spanish and French immigrants, then those from other European Union countries, then those from the European Economic Area. In 2007 the government created an interministerial committee to ensure the welfare of five Eritreans who were given safe haven for 90 days and the option of seeking asylum. The committee will oversee any further permissions for refugees to enter the country.
There is prejudice against Portuguese and Arab residents and migrants.
Minorities
None listed.
Resources
None listed.
