Introduction

Andorra (a Wikipedia link) is a landlocked country in southern Europe with a population of about 90,000 people. It is bordered by France to the North and Spain to the south. Its capital and largest city is Andorra la Vella.

It is ruled as a unique co-principality by the bishop of Urgell in Catalonia (Spain) and the president of France, although since 1993 they are mostly symbolic.

History

Early history and legends

• Ancient times: Prehistoric humans settled the region during the Neolithic period, followed by Iberian tribes known as the Andosins.
• Charlemagne legend: Emperor Charlemagne is credited with freeing the region from Moorish rule in the late 8th century.
• First mention: Documents first reference Andorra in the mid-9th century as a fief given to the Counts of Urgell and later transferred to the Diocese of Urgell.

The Middle Ages and co-principality

• The Pareatges (1278): Territorial disputes between the Bishop of Urgell and the Count of Foix ended with a treaty establishing joint sovereignty and creating the co-principality.
• Transfer of power: French rights over Andorra eventually passed from the Counts of Foix to the King of France and eventually to the President of France.
• Early parliament: The Consell de la Terra (General Council) was founded in 1419 CE, making it one of the oldest continuing parliaments in the world.

The modern era and democracy

• Isolation and neutrality: Andorra remained largely isolated and neutral through centuries of European conflicts.
• Economic shift: During the 20th century, the nation transformed into a tourism and skiing hub. It also developed a finance and banking sector.
• Constitution of 1993: Andorra ratified its first constitution, turning into a parliamentary democracy while retaining the French President and Spanish Bishop as ceremonial co-princes.
• International integration: The country joined the United Nations in 1993 and the Council of Europe in 1994. It adopted the euro as its currency in 2002.

Current day

Religion in Andorra (a Wikipedia link) is as follows (as of 2025):

• Christianity: 90.8%
  • Catholicism: 85.5%
  • Other: 5.3%
• No religion: 6.9%
• Other religion: 2.3%

The constitution of Andorra (a Wikipedia link) provides for freedom of religion, despite a Catholic bishop being a joint head of state. It also provides for freedom of speech, of conscience, of assembly, and of the press.

Instruction in the tenets of the Catholic faith is available in public schools on an optional basis. In 2022, parliament banned the use of conspicuous religious symbols in public schools and approved a decree providing an online schooling option for students who choose not to attend in person due to this ban.

Issues

The Catholic church receives privileges that are not available to other religious groups. Non-Catholic faiths do not have a legal status as religious groups.

State and national ceremonies routinely feature Catholic masses and rituals.

Andorra is sold as a tourist and skiing destination, however for non-religious residents, it is pretty much a lost cause. While there is tolerance for the non-religious, the Catholic church (due to its entrenchment in all levels and areas of government) will always win out.

The country basically buys compliance by being a tax haven. Residents pay a maximum of 10% tax, so why should they complain? However there is no way of getting around the fact that non-religious tax-payers fund the religion of others.

The government pays the salaries of Catholic religion teachers in public schools.

Abortion remains completely prohibited under all circumstances, and is heavily influenced by the traditional and religious structure of the state. Prostitution is illegal.

From an article about human rights in Andorra:

Violence against women was a problem. According to the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Family, violence against women increased during the year; the number of reports of physical abuse rose to approximately 110 cases. There is no specific law prohibiting domestic violence, although other laws may be applied in such cases. Victims of domestic violence could request help from the AIWA and the AWA, but rarely filed a complaint with the police for fear of reprisal.

There were no members of minorities in either the General Council or the cabinet.

The country is an interesting case of the faulty foundations of religion becoming entrenched and accepted by society. If those controlling the government are only moderates, then things can work (as they currently seem to do in Andorra), however the real issue is that the entire framework of control is in place should religious fundamentalists or zealots ever gain influence or control.

There is also the issue that just one religion (Catholicism) is a protected species in Andorra. The Catholic church has been wrong on just about all issues throughout history, so the natural question arises as to whether the church (with its inherent influence on society in Andorra) faces the scrutiny it should?

Even if it does face that scrutiny, is it an automatic process, or is it a result of a long fight by citizens and special-interest groups?

There is a push to have other religions officially and legally recognized, but here’s a radical thought for Andorrans: how about a push to remove Catholicism from all areas of government and institutions in the country? It’s inevitable that will happen, but why wait hundreds of years?

Secular and atheist groups

There are no prominent secular or atheist groups in Andorra.

Forum

Regarding this forum, remember:

• this is a place to help others, so please be polite,
• that we’re trying to reduce the affects of religion in this society,
• that participants may have been badly affected by religion,
• to respect the privacy of everyone (including yourself),
• the law.

If your motives or actions are otherwise, you will need to find another venue.