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Andorra: United Nations
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Although the inhabitants of Andorra were not consulted, they were prepared to accept a deal that guaranteed their security and national integrity. With the exception of a brief period during the Napoleonic Wars, Andorra has retained its independence ever since. The present Andorran constitution, introduced in 1993, formally enshrined Andorra as a principality.
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Since the establishment of sovereignty with the ratification of the constitution in 1993, Andorra has moved to become an active member of the international community. In July 1993, Andorra established its first diplomatic mission in the world, to the United Nations. In early 1995, the United States and Andorra established formal diplomatic relations. Andorra has ... expanded relations with other nations.
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Andorra consists of a cluster of mountain valleys whose streams unite to form the Valira River. With only about 2 percent of the land cultivable, the traditional economy centred on the pasturing of sheep and the harvesting of modest quantities of tobacco, rye, wheat, olives, grapes, and potatoes. Industry was limited to processing these products and to handicrafts. From the 1950s tourism became one of Andorra's chief industries, based on the scenic attractions of the mountains and the area's excellent opportunities for winter sports. Owing to the lack of customs duties and low or nonexistent taxes, Andorra in the late 20th century ... became an important international centre of retail trade that attracted millions of shoppers from all over Europe with its duty-free imported consumer goods. There is no national monetary unit, and both French and Spanish currencies are used.
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Because only about 4 percent of Andorra’s land is suitable for cultivation, most food is imported. Nevertheless, farming—especially sheep and cattle grazing and the growing of tobacco—remains a visible feature of Andorran life and culture. Andorra manufactures cigarettes and cigars, and timber harvested from Andorra’s slopes is used to produce furniture. In 2004, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) listed Andorra’s Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley as a World Heritage Site (see World Heritage Committee) for its living tradition of mountain pastoral farming and culture.
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Andorra has a passion for all things tiny. The Ordino Museum of Miniatures and the Engordany Model Museum are two great examples of smaller-than-life exhibits to view in Andorra. The National Car Museum at Encamp with its collection of cars, motor bicycles, and bicycles, the Matrioshka Russian Doll Museum, the San Jordi Iconographic Museum and the Postal Museum in Ordino, are some of the museums in Andorra to explore.
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The tiny mountainous principality of Andorra became the 184th member of the United Nations today after unanimous approval by the General Assembly. Andorra, wedged between France and Spain, with an estimated population of 56,000 of whom at least 40,000 are foreigners, is noted for its alpine tourist resorts, few taxes, duty-free shops, private banks and agriculture. The principality was created in 1278 when Spain and France settled a land dispute by sharing sovereignty over Andorra.
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