Andorra La Vella, the capital of Andorra, holds the title of Europe's highest capital city at 1,023 metres (3,356 feet) above sea level. Despite its elevation, the city lacks an airport, train station, and even a military, making it a unique destination in the Pyrenees mountains.
With around 22,000 residents in the city and over 40,000 in the wider urban area, Andorra La Vella is a bustling hub for tourism. The country welcomes approximately 8 million visitors annually, drawn by its ski resorts, hiking trails, and tax-free shopping.
To reach Andorra, tourists must fly into airports in neighbouring France or Spain and complete the journey by road. The nearest train station is 15 miles away in L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre, France. Despite these challenges, the capital offers cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and cultural sites such as the Casa de la Vall and the 11th-century Església de Sant Esteve.
Andorra's history dates back to Charlemagne, and its government is a co-principality established in 1278, with the President of France and the Spanish Bishop of Urgell as heads of state. The country has no standing army, relying on France and Spain for defence, though it maintains a small ceremonial force and a counter-terrorism police unit.
