Andorra

Andorra, or Andorre, a small semi-independent state occupying a valley on the south slope of the Pyrenees between Catalonia in Spain and Ariege in France. Its area is about 175 square miles. The principal means of subsistence is shepherding, but a certain amount of iron is extracted from mines. The chief town Andorra is on the Embalire river. The primitive Andorrans helped Charlemagne in a battle against the Moors (790), and received in return the privileges of a free state, certain imperial rights being reserved. These rights were transferred to the Bishop of Urgel. Henry IV., as Comte de Foix, annexed Andorra to France, but in 1790 its modified independence, subject to French protectorate, was fully recognised. The government is conducted by a Syndic, appointed for life, and twenty-four elective consuls. There is a militia 600 strong.