Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella (1990 est. pop. 20,437) is the capital of the Principality of Andorra, and is located high in the east Pyrenees between France and Spain.

The population consists mainly of Andorrans of Catalan (about 25%), Spanish (over 50%), and French (6%) descent, the remaining being mostly Portuguese and recent immigrants from other countries. Catalan is the official language, although Spanish and French are also spoken. Most of the population are Roman Catholics. The principal industry is tourism, although the country earns foreign income from being a tax-haven. Furniture and brandies are produced.

History
The site of Andorra la Vella (literally, "Andorra the Old") has been settled since prior to the Christian era, and it has acted as the principal city of Andorra since 1278 when the French and the Catalan coprinces agreed to joint suzerainty. In 1993, the country's first constitution established a parliamentary democracy with executive, legislative, and judicial branches located in Andorra la Vella.