Andorra, officially Principat d'Andorra (the Principality of Andorra) is a land-locked Parliamentary democracy and Co-principality sited in the Pyrennes between France and Spain. The capital (and largest city) is Andorra la Vella and the official language is Catalan. The original inhabitants of Andorra were Iberians and the country's name is probably Arabic, derived from al-Darra (الدّارة) [The Forest]. Indeed, the country itself was created during the 800s by a charter granted by Charlemagne and was intended to act as a buffer zone between the advancing moors and France. The territory passed to Charlemagne's son, the Cunt of Urgell and through his family it passed to the Bishop of Urgell. However, during the 11th century the bisiop placed himself and his lands under the protectorship of the Lord of Caboet, a Catalan nobleman. Later, the Count of Foix became heir to the Lord of Caboet through marriage, and a dispute arose between the French Count and the Catalan bishop over Andorra. The conflict was resolved in 1278 by a pact that effectively shared Andorra's sovereignty between Count of Foix and the Bishop of La Seu d'Urgell (Catalonia, Spain). Over the years the titles were transferred to the French kings and the rulers of Catalonian and then the Spanish crown though the Catalan co-prince is has remained the Bishop of Urgell. This is why, today the French co-prince is the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell

Given its relative isolation, Andorra has existed outside the mainstream of European history, with few ties to countries other than France and Spain. In recent times, however, its thriving tourist industry along with developments in transportation and communications have removed the country from its isolation. Its political system was thoroughly modernized in 1993, the year in which it became a member of the United Nations and the Council of Europe. Andorra has the world's highest life expectancy, at 83.5 years and enjoys the status of a tax haven. Andorra is not a full member of the European Union, but enjoys a special relationship with it, such as being treated as an EU member for trade in manufactured goods (no tariffs) and as a non-EU member for agricultural products.

Andorran culture (and cuisine) is Catalan in origin and essence. Andorran cooking is therefore, unsurprisingly similar to Catalan cooking, though elements of French and Italian cuisines are incorporated. Pasta, potatoes, meat, fish and vegetables are the primary ingredients in most meals, though cheese is more prevalent in the north of the country (due to a stronger French influence). Andorran local dishes also include sausages, cheese, and a large variety of Pork and Ham dishes and a vast variety of vegetables.

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