 Andorra, is a small landlocked country in western Europe, located in the eastern Pyrenees mountains and bordered by Spain and France. Once isolated, it is currently a prosperous country mainly because of tourism and its status as a tax haven. The people of Andorra are currently listed as having the second highest human life expectancy in the world, at an average of 83 years at birth (2008 est). Andorra is the sixth smallest nation in Europe.
Due to its location in the eastern Pyrenees mountain range, Andorra consists predominantly of rugged mountains of an average height of 1,996 metres (6,549 ft) with the highest being the Coma Pedrosa at 2,946 metres (9,665 ft). These are dissected by three narrow valleys in a Y shape that combine into one as the main stream, the Valira river, leaves the country for Spain (at Andorra's lowest point of 870 m/2,854 ft). Andorra's surface area is 468 square kilometres (181 sq mi)km.
Andorra's climate is similar to that of its neighbours' temperate climates, but its higher altitude means there is, on average, more snow in winter and it is slightly cooler in summer
The wide offer of the Alpine and cross country ski stations, and the wide variety and quality of complementary ski and leisure activities, makes Andorra very popular each winter. The country offers three Alpine ski stations in two ski areas Grandvalira (Pas de la Casa–Grau Roig and Soldeu–El Tarter) and Vallnord (Ordino–Arcalís and Pal–Arinsal Mountain Park) which together amount to 177 slopes, and some 284.5 skiable kilometres, 110 mechanical lifts, 700 contracted monitors and 1385 snow guns which guarantee the practise of white sports throughout the whole season and all of this in an area of no more than 468 km2. This wide off e r, together with Naturlandia-La Rabassa and Parador Canaro, make Andorra a white paradise. If you are looking for other winter sensations, you can also take walks in snowshoes at night or in the day, dog sleigh excursions, igloo building, descents in snow bicycles, telemark, outings in snow bikes and even iceskating in the ice rink of Canillo. Go on a shopping spree and finish the day by enjoying the magnificent thermal baths of Caldea!
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