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Country Background

Andorra is located in Southwestern Europe, and has a rugged, mountainous terrain dissected by narrow valleys throughout. The landlocked Principality of Andorra is one of the smallest states in Europe, nestled high in the Pyrenees between the French and Spanish borders. The capital of Andorra is Andorra la Velle. The official language is Catalan, and it is the only country where Catalan is the sole official language. The country’s population in 2016 was approximately 85,660 and is rather unevenly distributed, with almost 90% of the population living in the seven urban areas in the country. Andorra is a predominantly Roman Catholic country. 

Constitution & Legal Structure

The political system of Andorra is referred to as a parliamentary co-principality with the President of France and the Catholic Bishop of Urgell serving as the princes. However, their positions are largely honorary and the politics of Andorra take place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democracy, whereby the Head of Government (or Prime Minister) is the chief executive. Created under a charter in 988, the present principality was formed in 1278. Andorra became a part of the United Nations and the Council of Europe after its constitution was modernized in 1993 through a referendum. Although not a member of the European Union, the euro is the official currency of Andorra. 

Constitutional Status of Islamic Law

Islamic law has no constitutional status in Andorra.

Jurisdiction(s) of Islamic Law

Islamic law has no official jurisdiction of operation in Andorra.

Dominant School of Islamic Law

Andorra has no official school of Islamic law. 

Sources of Law for Legal Research

Official Publications

• Legislative
  • Unicameral parliament consists of the Consell General [General Council]
  • Butilletí Oficial (official gazette)
• Executive
  • Government Portal
• Judicial
  • Higher Council of Justice
  • Constitutional Tribunal

Unofficial Databases

• FAOLEX: Andorra (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) database of national laws and regulations on food, agriculture, and renewable natural resources.
• NATLEX: Andorra (International Labour Organization) database of national laws on labor, social security, and related human rights.
• RefWorld Legal Information: Andorra (UNHCR)
• WIPO Lex: Andorra (World Intellectual Property Organization)

References:

For an extended list of legal resources for this country, see the Library of Congress’s Research Guide, and for a narrative review, see the GlobaLex Foreign Law Research Guide (most updated version, where available). The Constitution is available in the LOC Guide in its original language and at Constitute in English translation. For full versions of past constitutions, amendments, and related legislation, see HeinOnline World Constitutions Illustrated or Oxford Constitutions of the World [subscription required for each].