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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST, ANDORRA

AN ETHNOGRAPHIC RESEARCH OF ANDORRA.

DATE: 6TH JUNE 2024

SUBMITTED BY:
DANIEL KWAKYE(PASTOR)

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“By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the
walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by
fire. 14 Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room
for my mount to get through; 15 so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned
back and re-entered through the Valley Gate. 16 The officials did not know where I had gone or what I
was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any
others who would be doing the work.17 Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem
lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and
we will no longer be in disgrace.” 18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and
what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So, they began this good work. –
Neh 2:13-18

INTRODUCTION TO ANDORRA
The landlocked Principality of Andorra is one of the smallest states in Europe and nestled high in
the Pyrenees between the French and Spanish borders is the last independent survivor of the
Hispanic March states created by Frankish King Charlemagne in 795 after he halted the Moorish
invasion of Spain. The March states were a series of buffer states to keep the Muslim Moors from
advancing into Christian France. For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a
unique co-principality, ruled by French and Spanish leaders (from 1607 onward, the French chief
of state and the Bishop of Urgell). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the introduction
of a modern constitution; the co-princes remained as titular heads of state, but the government
transformed into a parliamentary democracy.

Andorra boasts a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and a thriving tourism industry
that attracts travelers from around the world. From its picturesque villages perched atop rugged
peaks to its vibrant capital city of Andorra la Vella, this enchanting land is a place of contrast and
wonder. It is the sixth-smallest nation in Europe and has a population of 80,320 habitants. Andorra
is made up of seven (7) parishes; its capital, Andorra la Vella, is also the name of the parish that
surrounds the area with a population of around 23,000 residents and its main industry is tourism
– it is both a tax haven and a popular destination for skiing. At an elevation of 1,023 meters, it is
also the highest capital city in Europe.

GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE

Andorra's winter sports, summer climate, and duty-free shopping attract approximately 8 million
people each year. Andorra has also become a wealthy international commercial center because
of its mature banking sector and low taxes. As part of the effort to modernize its economy, Andorra
has opened to foreign investment and engaged in other reforms, such as tax initiatives aimed at
supporting broader infrastructure. Although not a member of the EU, Andorra enjoys a special
relationship with the bloc that is governed by various customs and cooperation agreements, and
Andorra uses the euro as its national currency. Andorran has a landlock area of just over 467
square kilometers. Despite its diminutive size, Andorra boasts of its diverse and stunning natural
landscape, dominated by rugged mountain peaks, verdant valleys, and crystal-clear alpine lakes.
The country's average elevation is around 2,000 meters above sea level, with the highest point
being the Pic de Coma Pedrosa at 2,942 meters. Andorra's climate is characterized by long, cold
winters and mild, sunny summers, owing to its high-altitude location and mountainous terrain. The

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country experiences significant snowfall during the winter months, making it a popular destination
for winter sports enthusiasts.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

Andorra has a rich and fascinating history, rooted in its strategic location in the Pyrenees
mountains between France and Spain. The Principality of Andorra was founded in the 9th century
as a co-principality between the French Count of Foix and the Spanish Bishop of Urgell. This
unique political arrangement has endured for centuries, with Andorra maintaining a high degree
of autonomy and self-governance despite its small size and position between larger powers.
Culturally, Andorra is a blend of Catalan, French, and Spanish influences. The Andorran people
have a strong sense of national identity, with traditions and customs that have been passed down
for generations. Andorra's traditional architecture, featuring stone buildings and narrow, winding
streets, reflects its mountain heritage. The country is also known for its vibrant festivals, such as
the Saint John's Day celebrations, which feature music, dancing, and fireworks. Andorra's cultural
institutions, including museums, art galleries, and libraries, showcase the country's rich history
and artistic traditions. The Museu Nacional de l'Automòbil, for example, is a renowned automobile
museum that highlights the evolution of transportation in the region. Overall, Andorra's history and
culture are deeply intertwined, offering visitors a unique and authentic experience in the heart of
the Pyrenees.

ANDORRAN PEOPLE AND TRADITIONS

The people of Andorra, known as Andorrans, are a unique blend of Catalan, Spanish, and French
influences. Fiercely proud of their cultural heritage, Andorrans have preserved many centuries-
old traditions that are deeply woven into the fabric of their society. One of the most distinctive
customs is the Colla Castellera, a traditional human tower-building competition that showcases
the incredible strength, coordination, and acrobatic skills of the participants. These human towers,
which can reach up to nine levels high, are a true testament to the teamwork and community spirit
of the Andorran people. Andorran folklore is also rich and vibrant, with traditional dances such as
the Contrapàs and the Marxa dels Carabiners being performed at local festivals and celebrations.
The distinctive national costume, characterized by a brightly colored skirt, a fitted bodice, and a
traditional hat, is worn with pride by both men and women on special occasions. These cultural
traditions not only connect the Andorran people to their past but also serve as a source of identity
and community in the present day.

ECONOMY AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Andorra's economy is highly dependent on tourism and trade, with a strong focus on luxury goods
and services. Tourism is also a component of income in the country. Attracting shoppers from
France and Spain because of low taxes. It has also developed active summer and winter tourist
resorts with some 270 hotels and 400 restaurants, as well as many shops. Although less than 2%
of the land is arable, agriculture was the mainstay of the Andorran economy prior to the upsurge
in tourism. Sheep raising has been the principal agricultural activity, but tobacco growing is
lucrative. The country is known for its tax-free status, which has made it a popular destination for
shoppers. The country's infrastructure is well-developed, with a modern transportation system that
includes a network of roads, a small international airport, and a system of ski lifts and gondolas

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that transport visitors to the country's world-class ski resorts. Andorra also has a reliable electricity
grid and a robust telecommunications network. One of the unique features of Andorra's economy
is its reliance on a shared currency with its neighbors. This has helped to integrate Andorra's
economy with those of its larger neighbors, Spain and France, and has facilitated trade and
investment. However, the country's small size and limited natural resources mean that it is highly
dependent on imports for many goods and services.

LANGUAGE AND RELIGION

Andorra's history dates to the 9th century, when it was established as a co-principality between
the Bishop of Urgell and the Count of Foix. Andorra is a unique constitutional co-principality, with
the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell serving as co-princes. The Principality of Andorra
is one of the oldest countries in the world with a history that dates to the year 1278 when the
paréage agreement was signed, establishing it as a co-principality under the joint suzerainty of
the Count of Foix and the Bishop of Urgell in Spain. Andorra is 745 years old. Andorra is a
multilingual country, with Catalan serving as the official language. However, French, Spanish, and
Portuguese are also widely spoken, reflecting the country's diverse cultural influences. Catalan,
the national language, holds a special place in Andorran identity, with its distinct dialects and rich
literary traditions. Many Andorrans take great pride in preserving and promoting the Catalan
language, ensuring its continued use in all aspects of Andorran life.

POPULATION OF ANDORRA
The current population of Andorra is 80,320 based on projections of the latest United Nations
data. The UN estimates that the current population would increase to 8,0341 by July 1, 20241.
Andorra is a very small independent principality located in the Pyrenees mountains between
France and Spain. A substantial number of the remaining population live in the areas around
Andorra la Vella. The city and its surrounding area are home to 40,000 of Andorra's residents.
The remaining residents live in the other six parishes of Canillo, Encamp, Escaldes-Engordany, La
Massana, Ordino and Sant Julià de Lòria. Of these, Escaldes-Engordany is the most populous
with around 15,853 residents. La Massana has a population of approximately 7,211 and is the
location of Coma Pedrosa, the highest mountain in Andorra at 2,942 meters. See the table below.
Population of Cities in Andorra, 2024
Nº Name of City 2024 Population of Cities Remarks
1 Andorra la Vella 20, 430 Capital City
2. les Escaldes 15, 853 2nd Capital City
3 Encamp 11, 223
4 Sant Julia de Loria 8, 022
5 la Massana 7, 211
6 Canillo 3,292
7 Ordino 3,066

Total: 80,320, Male: 43,652, Female: 36,668 (2024 est.)

OTHER ETHNIC GROUPS

1 World population review.com/countries/cities/Andorra.

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The largest ethnic groups in Andorra are Andorrans 36,526 (45.5%), Spanish 21,348 (26.6%),
Portuguese 10,352 (12.9% cent) and French 4,200 (5.2%). Minorities in Andorra include British,
Dutch, Germans, Italians, and other Europeans, as well as Argentinians, Chileans, Indians,
Moroccans and Uruguayans2.

Population of other Ethnic Groups in Andorra

Nº Country Population Percentage Rate
1 Spanish 21,348 26.6%
2. Portuguese 10,352 12.9%
3 French 4,200 5.6%
4 Other 18% 2024 est

DEMOGRAPHY OF RELIGIOUS ETHNIC GROUPS

Religiously, Andorra is predominantly Catholic, with most of the population identifying as Roman
Catholic. The Catholic Church plays a significant role in the cultural and social fabric of the
country, with numerous churches and cathedrals dotting the landscape. However, Andorra also
recognizes religious freedom, and minority faiths, such as Protestantism, Islam, and Judaism, are
present in the country, contributing to its diverse religious landscape. The largest religious group
is Roman Catholicism, representing around 90% of the population. The Protestant population,
made up primarily of Evangelicals and Jehovah's Witnesses, accounts for around 3% of
Andorrans. The Muslim community, which includes both Sunni and Shia adherents, comprises
approximately 2% of the total population. Andorra's Jewish community, though small, has a long
history in the country and makes up less than 1% of the overall population 3. See table below for
summary.

Religious Ethnic Groups in Andorra

Nº Religious Ethnicity Population
1 Catholics 85.5%
2 Protestants Christians 5.3%
3 Muslims 2%
4 Jews 1%
5 Other 2.3%
6 None 6.9%

Although the government recognizes religious freedom, faiths other than Catholicism do not have
legal status as religious group. The government register’s religious communities as a cultural
organization under the law of associations4.

GOVERNANCE
Until recently, Andorra's political system had no clear division of power among executive,
legislative, and judicial branches. A constitution ratified and approved in 1993 changed this,
however, the constitution establishes Andorra as a sovereign parliamentary democracy that
retains the two Co-princes as its heads of state. The fundamental impetus for this political

2 World Directory of Minorities & Indigenous Peoples". Minority Rights Group. 19 June 2015.
3 "National / Regional Profiles: Andorra, Southern Europe, World". Association of Religion Data Archives.
2020. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
4 www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on international -religious -freedom/Andorra

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transformation was a recommendation by the Council of Europe in 1990 that, if Andorra wished
to attain full integration into the European Union (EU), it should adopt a modern constitution which
guarantees the rights of those living and working there. Under the 1993 constitution, the Co-
princes continue as heads of state, but the head of government retains executive power. The two
Co-princes serve equally with limited powers that do not include veto over government acts. They
are represented in Andorra by a delegate. Each Co-prince, the President of France and the Bishop
of Seu d'Urgell, maintain supreme authority in approval of all international treaties with France and
Spain, as well as those dealing with internal security, defense, Andorran territory, diplomatic
representation, and judicial or penal cooperation. Andorra's main legislative body is the 28-
member General Council (Parliament). The sindic (president), the subsindic, and the members of
the Council are elected in the general elections held every 4 years. Historically, within the General
Council, four deputies from each of the seven individual parishes have provided representation.
This system allowed the smaller parishes, that have as few as 562 voters, the same number of
representatives as larger parishes which have up to 4,000 voters. A sindic and a subsindic are
chosen by the General Council to implement its decisions. They serve 4-year terms and may be
reappointed once. They receive an annual salary. Sindics have virtually no discretionary powers,
and all policy decisions must be approved by the Council as a whole. Every 4 years, after the
general elections, the General Council elects the head of government who, in turn, chooses the
other members of the Executive Council. The current council has nine ministers. Courts apply the
customary laws of Andorra, supplemented with Roman law and customary Catalan law. Civil cases
are first heard by the batlles court, a group of four judges, two chosen by each Co-prince. Appeals
are heard in the Court of Appeals. The highest body is the five-member Superior Council of
Justice.

SECURITY AND MILITARY

Andorra has no defense forces but only a small internal police force. All able-bodied men who own
firearms must serve, without remuneration, in the small army, which is unique in that all its men
are treated as officers. The army has not fought for more than 700 years, and its main
responsibility is to present the Andorran flag at official ceremonies.

EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
Education in the Principality of Andorra is a mixture of three (3) very different cultures which are,
Andorran, French, and Spanish. The primary education structure follows the Spanish educational
curriculum which is compulsory through to age 16. Primary schooling accounts for 6 years of the
12-year program. The University of Andorra illustrated here and founded in 1997 has a small
enrollment and offers mainly long-distance programs, although it does also have its own graduate
schools of nursing and computer science. Its most popular programs are business administration,
nursing and education science5.

5 https://www.scholaro.com/db/Countries/Andorra/Education-System

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TOURISM AND ATTRACTIONS

Andorra is a top destination for tourists seeking stunning natural beauty, world-class skiing, and a
unique cultural experience. The country's dramatic mountainous landscape, with the Pyrenees as
its stunning backdrop, offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Visitors can explore the
picturesque medieval villages, hike through lush green valleys, and marvel at the crystal-clear
mountain lakes. The capital city of Andorra la Vella is a shopper's paradise, with its charming
cobblestone streets lined with high-end boutiques, luxury stores, and traditional Andorran crafts.
For those seeking winter sports, Andorra is home to world-class ski resorts such as Grandvalira
and Vallnord, offering excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions. With its unique blend of
natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities, Andorra is a truly captivating destination
for travelers from around the world.

CHURCH PLANTING
The nation’s economy and its commercial activities, serves as a point of attention for tourism.
Andorra relatively has a higher record of South American and other Spanish citizens. An
aggressive, strategic and a consistent evangelism back by the manifestations of the Spirit power
and other strategies enshrined in the vision 2028 agenda could set the space or the platform for
planting HUM and City churches basically in the 1st and 2nd capital cities, Andorra la Valle and Les
Escaldes respectively.

CONCLUSION
Jesus replied, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the
gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you
bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” –
Mathew 16:18-19

References:

1. World population review.com/countries/cities/Andorra.

2. World Directory of Minorities & Indigenous Peoples". Minority Rights Group. 19 June 2015.
3. National / Regional Profiles: Andorra, Southern Europe, World". Association of Religion Data
Archives. 2020Retrieved 23 November 2023.
4. www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on international -religious -freedom/Andorra.
5. https://www.scholaro.com/db/Countries/Andorra/Education-System

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