Andorra · The country in the Pyrenees

Andorra is located in the eastern Pyrenees between France and Spain. The territory consists predominantly of mountainous terrain and is divided by several valleys whose waters join to form the Valira River. Its location shaped transport routes, settlements and economic relations with the neighbouring regions over the centuries. The official language is Catalan; Andorra is the only state in which this language is the sole official language.

The political origins of the present-day principality date back to the Middle Ages. Agreements from the 13th century regulated the joint rule of the Bishop of Urgell and the Count of Foix over the territory. This arrangement developed into the co-principality that still exists today. The heads of state are jointly the Bishop of Urgell and the President of the French Republic, to whom the ruling rights formerly associated with the French side passed. Since the Constitution of 1993, Andorra has been a sovereign parliamentary state. Government affairs are conducted by an elected head of government; legislative power lies with the General Council.

Andorra belongs neither to the European Union nor to the euro area. Before the introduction of the euro, the French franc and the Spanish peseta were used there primarily. A monetary agreement with the European Union allows the principality to officially use the euro and issue its own euro coins in limited quantities. Andorran euro coins first entered circulation in 2014.

The coin’s theme does not refer to a single historical event or anniversary. Rather, it places Andorra’s geographical and state identity at the centre. The designation as a land of the Pyrenees refers to its location, which geographically and politically distinguishes the small state from its neighbours. At the same time, the issue adopts the government’s uniform visual identity. As a circulating coin, it also makes this state identity visible outside Andorra.