The Principality of Andorra Trivia Quiz

Answer: Pyrenees

Because of this location, Andorra's physical geography is mostly mountainous. The country's highest point is the mountain of Coma Pedrosa at 2,942 m (9,665 ft), the nearest town to which is Arinsal. The capital city, Andorra la Vella, is the highest elevated European capital, at a height of 1,023 m (3,356 ft)!

Answer: Coat of arms

The Andorran flag consists of three vertical bars; they are blue, yellow, and red. The middle yellow stripe is actually slightly wider than the others. The country's coat of arms is in the center of the flag and contains the Latin phrase "Virtus Unita Fortior", which means "United virtue is stronger".

Answer: True

Perhaps surprisingly, this is true! In 1914, Andorra officially declared war on Imperial Germany, despite having a military of only ten part-time soldiers who had a budget to buy only blank cartridges for ceremonial reasons! For this reason, Andorra didn't actually send any troops to the frontline, so therefore never literally fought in the war.

However, perhaps due to the country's non-involvement and/or size, it was omitted in the Treaty of Versailles. Andorra and Germany finally signed a treaty on September 25, 1939, officially ending World War I.

Answer: Catalan

Catalonia (where the Catalan language comes from) is the only Autonomous Community of Spain that Andorra borders. It is the language used most in everyday life, and by the government, media, etc. The Andorran government wants to keep Catalan alive in their country so much, that there are free Catalan classes in every parish of Andorra for immigrants, as most immigrants arrive speaking Castillian Spanish.

Answer: Roman Catholicism

As much as 90% of the Andorran population is Roman Catholic, although the country has no official religion. The patron saint of Andorra is Our Lady of Meritxell - a statue depicting the Virgin Mary was built by villagers in Meritxell in the 12th century, but was destroyed in a fire in 1972. A replica has been made.

Answer: Sant Julia de Loria

The University of Andorra has only two schools due to its small number of students: one for computer science, and one for nursing. It is available to do virtual studies through a Spanish or French university.

Sant Julia de Loria is the furthest south of seven parishes, bordering Spain. The main town, also called Sant Julia de Loria, is the lowest settlement in the country at 908 m (2,797 ft).

Answer: True

Andorra is a co-principality, which means it is ruled by two princes; one is the President of France, and the other is the Bishop of Urgell (in Catalonia, Spain). Historically, the French co-title was given to the King, as he would have been Head of State.

As Charles de Gaulle was the President of France (1959-1969), he was indeed a Co-Prince of Andorra.

Answer: Andorra the Old

Although the word "vella" meaning "town" was used in naming Andorra la Vella, the homophone "vella" is also a word in Catalan meaning "old", so the Spanish name ("Andorra la Vieja") and the French name ("Andorre-la-vieille") both mean "Andorra the Old". The modern Catalan word used for "town" is "vila". It can get a bit confusing! (Thanks to user Dunkeroo for bringing this to my attention as I was completely unaware!)

Andorra la Vella is a popular ski resort, due to its elevation in the Pyrenees - it is Europe's highest capital city. Here, the two tributaries of Andorra's biggest river Gran Valira meet to form the river itself. The city was entered by Andorra to be a potential candidate city for the 2010 Winter Olympics, but sadly it wasn't chosen. Andorra la Vella is quite remote for a capital city - it is three hours' drive away from the nearest airport, and doesn't have a train station!"

Answer: El Gran Carlemany

"El Gran Carlemany" means "The Great Charlemagne", and was written by Enric Marfany. The lyrics are in Catalan.

When the Moors invaded Andorra, Charlemagne drove them out and presented a charter, "Carta de Fundacio d'Andorra", to the country, giving them independence.

"Els Segadors", one of the incorrect answers, is actually the anthem of Catalonia, Spain, and means "The Reapers".

Answer: Anonymous

The 2007 Eurovision Song Contest was held in Helsinki, Finland. Andorra's entry, Anonymous, unfortunately did not pass the semi-final stage, and came in 12th with 80 points - but this was the best position the country had ever attained in the contest. Only three of the members were actually allowed to perform as one was underage.

Anonymous have mainly had success in Andorra and Catalonia, Spain.