During my last vacation, while I was in Spain, I took the time to visit a small country called ANDORRA.It is an absolutely beautiful country located in Southern Europe, or more precisely in Southwestern Europe. It lies between Spain and France, in the heart of the magnificent and majestic Pyrenees Mountains.
Andorra is neither part of the Schengen Area nor of the European Union. It is an independent state.
Here is how I discovered it.
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The country called Andorra, or Andorra, officially bears the name Principality of Andorra (in catalan, Andorra and Principat d’Andorra).
It is a very old country. In 839, Andorra was already a Catholic parish called — and still called today — Andorra la Vella .The name Andorra can also be found in the neighboring country of Spain, more precisely in the province of Teruel, in Aragon.
(1) I First Visited Reus, Spain
Before going to Andorra, I first visited a city called Reus, in Spain. Reus is a city located in northeastern Spain, in the historic region of Catalonia, in the province of Tarragona.
In the history of European trade, it is known that at the beginning of the 20th century, Reus became an important center of the Catalan economy, thanks to the trade in brandy, known in Latin as aqua vitae. Brandy is a spirit obtained through the alcoholic maceration and distillation of certain fruits, berries or nuts, as well as through the alcoholic fermentation and distillation of cereals, fruits, berries, roots, nuts, vegetables, grape marc or honey.
The cities associated with this trade included Reus, Paris and London.
I had a wonderful time in Reus with my new friends, whom I would like to thank very much, especially Father Valens and Father Erneste, who welcomed me warmly.
They helped me find accommodation, showed me around the area and invited me to share drinks and delicious Spanish meals with them.
Despite the unbearable heat, I hardly felt it because I was so well surrounded.
But let us quickly head to Andorra, because that is where I was truly amazed.
(2) I Visit Andorra
Andorra is a small country which, in my eyes, looks like a true paradise, like the one that Jehovah’s Witnesses sometimes speak about in their teachings.
It is a country without an army, without a Ministry of Defense, without firearms and without violence.
When you arrive in the country, you can use the money you have with you without having to exchange it immediately, and you do not need to leave with another currency. Andorra does not have its own national currency.
Everyone goes to school there because primary and secondary education is free and compulsory. It is practically impossible to meet someone who has never attended school!
There is very little unemployment because almost everyone works. Only about 2.5% of people do not work because they are unable to do so.
The minimum wage in 2026 is €1,568.67, which is more than two million Rwandan francs.
There are no ticket inspectors on public transportation, unlike what you may encounter in stations, buses or trains in other countries.
There are no prisons, and there is no bar association as in many other countries, because there are reportedly few offenses and they are generally not very serious.
Sending messages by phone is free and does not require communication credit. Every household also has access to very fast Internet.
Andorra is said to be the second country in the world, relative to its population, to receive the largest number of tourists, with more than ten million visitors each year.
Life expectancy there is 83 years, which would place it second in the world after Japan. This is partly explained by the quality of the air and the absence of major polluting industries.
The inhabitants benefit from extensive medical coverage and quality healthcare.
Andorra also attaches great importance to environmental protection.
Prices are relatively low in many areas, particularly because imported goods are lightly taxed, allowing residents to purchase them at attractive prices.
The country is also renowned for its banking sector and for the importance of the capital deposited there.
The country has very few police officers, approximately 240 for the entire territory, who are responsible in particular for dealing with the rare problems that may arise.
There are no armed forces, no military patrols and no special groups responsible for security.
Remember that there is no army, and that a resident has practically no reason to hear the sound of a firearm, except in a movie.
We left Spain and entered Andorra. At the border, we did not undergo a normal inspection. We were traveling in our own car. When we arrived, the barriers opened, and we continued on our way.I saw what looked like large computers, as well as some kind of large vehicle weighing scale that we drove over. I assume this is used to check that no dangerous or prohibited goods are being brought into the country, although I did not make any further inquiries about it.
I also saw people who appeared to be police officers sitting in small control booths and monitoring their computer screens.
That is how I entered Andorra, surrounded by the majestic Pyrenees Mountains, which offer exceptionally pure air.
The Museum of Andorra
The radio and television studios of Andorra
I also accompanied my friends, with whom I was visiting Andorra, to have a drink in the heart of the city.
Public transportation is free. You simply get on the bus and travel.
Here are the various photographs from my trip to Andorra.
(3) After Visiting Andorra, I Went to Barcelona, Spain, Where I Took the Plane Back to Paris
Barcelone-El Prat Aeroport.
If you ever travel to France or Spain, remember that between the two countries there is a very small state called Andorra.Take the time to visit it.There, you will breathe fresh and pleasant air. You will meet welcoming, discreet, polite and respectful people.You will be able to enjoy healthy food and drink good-quality water, beer and other beverages.And above all, you will hardly ever feel unsafe during your stay.
It is a little paradise in this difficult world.
Andorra, I loved you!
This world
Mwalimu Hakizimana Maurice is a teacher, a translator-interpreter, and a writer based in Paris, France.
Professor Hakizimana Maurice is the author of the book “UTABA AMATEKA NTABONA ITAKA” (Editions Scribes).
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