ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a brief historical background and a description of major events in Andorra. It also provides basic political, economic, and social data arranged in the following categories: polity, economy, population, purchasing power parities (PPP), life expectancy, ethnic groups, capital, political rights, civil liberties, and status. The chapter discusses the progress and decline of political rights and civil liberties in Andorra. Andorra held its general elections, in which Marc Forne Molne of the Liberal Party of Andorra (PLA) was reelected as the head of government, in March 2001. Andorra has no national currency, but circulates Spanish pesetas and French francs. Andorrans can change their government democratically. The recent elections chose members of the Consell General, which selects the head of government. Popular elections to the 28-member Consell are held every four years, with 14 members chosen by the national constituency and 14 chosen to represent the seven parishes, or administrative divisions.
