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andorra:
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Andorra is the last independent survivor of the March states, a number of buffer states
created by Charlemagne to keep the Muslim Moors from advancing into Christian France. Tradition holds
that Charlemagne granted a charter to the Andorran people in return for their fighting the Moors. In
the 800s, Charlemagnes grandson, Charles the Bald, made Count of Urgell overlord of Andorra. A descendant
of the count later gave the lands to the diocese of Urgell, headed by Bishop of Seu dUrgell.
In the 11th century, fearing military action by neighboring lords, the bishop placed himself under the
protection of the Lord of Caboet, a Spanish nobleman. Later, the Count of Foix, a French noble, became
heir to Lord Caboet through marriage, and a dispute arose between the French Count and the Spanish
bishop over Andorra.
In 1278, the conflict was resolved by the signing of a pareage, which provided that Andorras
sovereignty be shared between the Count of Foix and the Bishop of Seu dUrgell of Spain. The pareage,
a feudal institution recognizing the principle of equality of rights shared by two rulers, gave the
small state its territory and political form.
Over the years, the title was passed between French and Spanish rule until, in the reign of the French
King Henry IV, an edict in 1607 established the head of the French state and the Bishop of Urgell as
co-princes of Andorra.
Given its relative isolation, Andorra has existed outside the mainstream of European history, with
few ties to countries other than France and
Spain. In recent times, however, its thriving tourist industry along
with developments in transportation and communications have removed the country from its isolation.
If you know of a great destination we're missing,
review it for us!!
If you're gonna travel abroad, make sure you are prepared... take it from us, travel insurance is an absolute must!
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