Showing posts with label U.S.-ANDORRA RELATIONS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label U.S.-ANDORRA RELATIONS. Show all posts

Sunday, January 6, 2013

U.S.-ANDORRA RELATIONS



Map:  Andorra.  Credit:  CIA World Factbook.

FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT

The United States established diplomatic relations with Andorra in 1995, following Andorra's 1993 adoption of a constitution establishing the country as a sovereign parliamentary democracy. It retains as its heads of state two co-princes -- the Bishop of Urgell (Spain) and the French president.

The United States and Andorra enjoy excellent relations based on common values including the promotion of democracy and human rights.

Since 2000, Andorra has participated in the Fulbright Exchange Program. The two countries have also signed a Bilateral Work Agreement for dependents of members of diplomatic missions and consular posts assigned to official duty in the respective countries and will soon conclude an agreement on the sharing of confiscated proceeds and instrumentalities of crimes.

Andorra supports U.S. foreign policy positions and objectives, such as voting for U.S. candidates to international organizations.

The U.S. Ambassador to Spain is also accredited as Ambassador to Andorra. The U.S. Consul General based in
Barcelona is responsible for the day-to-day management of relations with Andorra. She travels regularly to Andorra to carry out diplomatic demarches, represent U.S. interests, and administer consular services.

U.S. Assistance to Andorra

The United States provides no development assistance to Andorra.

Bilateral Economic Relations

The United States has no significant trade or investment with Andorra. The new investment law approved in mid- 2012 opens the country to foreign investment and this foreign investors will be able for the first time to gain full ownership of a business. The investment climate in the country has changed significantly with this new legislation liberalizing the Andorran economy.

Andorra participates in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for certain business or tourism purposes for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

Andorra's Membership in International Organizations

Andorra and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe; as well as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the World Health Organization (WHO). Andorra also is an observer to the World Trade Organization. A member of the Council of Europe, from November 2012 to May 2013, Andorra will chair its Committee of Ministers.

Since 1991, Andorra has had a special agreement with the European Union



Locator Map:  Andorra.  Credit:  CIA World Factbook.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM CIA WORLD FACTBOOK
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 Spanish bishop of Seu d'Urgell). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titular heads of state retained, but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy. For decades Andorra enjoyed its status as a small refuge of fiscal and banking freedom and benefitted from Spanish and French tourists attracted to the country's duty-free shopping. The situation has changed in recent years as Andorra started to tax foreign investment and other sectors. Tourism accounts for over 80% of Andorra's gross domestic product.

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