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30 марта 2018 в 22:14

Free countries. Freedom in the world: Andorra took the 16th place in the list of “free” countries in 2016, according to the rating of the public organization “Freedom House”

Free countries. Freedom in the world: Andorra took the 16th place in the list of “free” countries in 2016, according to the rating of the public organization “Freedom House”. The ratio of the Principality is 96 out of 100, according to the website of the organization.

International human rights organization Freedom House published a report “Freedom in the World 2016”. This public organization prepares reports on the status of freedom in different countries around the world and appropriate ratings on the basis of its own methodology since 1973.

The report “Freedom in the World 2016” includes an analysis of 195 countries, as well as some territories which have no official state status. Participating in the rating of the state are divided on the principle of “free,” “partly free” and “not free”. The status of freedoms in the state associated with all aspects of this concept is evaluated by one‑hundred scale rate where 100 points is a measure of max freedom, and 0 points shows the lowest indicator. The General methodology of analysis is presented in the organization’s website.

The main conclusion contained in the report, is that an indicator of the level of political, civil (and other) freedoms globally is declining for more than 10 consecutive years.

“The world was battered by crises that fueled xenophobic sentiment in democratic countries, undermined the economies of states dependent on the sale of natural resources, and led authoritarian regimes to crack down harder on dissent. These developments contributed to the 10th consecutive year of decline in global freedom.

30 марта 2018 в 22:13

Welcome to multilingual Andorra – the country where speaking 3 languages is normal, says British writer Clare Allcard

When I first came here over 30 years ago, Andorra had three official languages: French — in honour of her 700 year connection to France, her powerful neighbour to the north. Spanish in honour of her 700 year connection to Spain, the powerful neighbour to the south and Catalan because it is the language of the Andorrans, dating back to medieval times and before when their country was a fiefdom of the Kings of Aragon and Catalonia.

As I already spoke French moderately well, I decided, on principle, to learn one of the other languages. At that point I didn’t realise the importance of Catalan to national identity, so I opted for Spanish — our boat was moored in Spain. It took me more than a year to discover that actually Catalan was what I should be learning, if for no other reason than as a polite sign of respect to my host country. For the next 15 years I was totally confused and communicated through ‘Spatalan’, plus enthusiastic hand signals.

I have a comic memory of those early days to understand what multilingualism is. I was religiously going to the Government’s free, weekly Catalan classes but I found, each time I went into a shop to practice by saying ‘Bon dia!’, the shop assistant replied ‘Buenos dias, Señora.’ Was this perhaps some ritual like that in Swahili where a formal greeting between two people has a set script of seven phrases starting with ‘Hujambo’ and ending in ‘Asante’? If someone said ‘Buenos dias’ to me, was I supposed to reply ‘Bon dia.’? But no, it turned out that it was probably a leftover from Franco’s dictatorship. Then Catalan in Catalonia was only spoken freely in the home. When outside the home, on the street and to foreigners, people spoke Spanish, indeed speaking in Spanish to foreigners was considered by many as a courtesy, and this courtesy had lingered on amongst the Spanish shop assistants in Andorra — and only served to increase my ‘Spatalan’ confusion.

30 марта 2018 в 22:11

Os de Civís

Os de Civís — an interesting tourist spot near Andorra

Os de Civís is a village in the central Pyrenees mountains, in the municipality of Les Valls de Valira in Catalonia, Spain, and is located to the west of Andorra, near the villages of Aixàs and Bixessarri.

This is a village you can reach from Andorra without passing the official border. There is any border control between Andorra and Spain at this road at all. It takes about 10 minutes to reach the city from Sant Julia de Loria (by CG6).

The city is situated on the territory of the Spanish National Park L’Alt Pirineu. 5 hikind routes of different complexity through the park are available from this city.

Two hotels are available to stay in Os de Civís for a night (L’Hotel Os de Civís and L’Hostal La Font).

30 марта 2018 в 22:11

Tournedos with black truffle sauce, sweet potato chips and a Bavarian garnish

Portion for 4 people

Ingredients:

4 slices of veal fillet, 300g each

Olive oil, salt and pepper

For the sauce:

2 medium shallots

1 fresh truffle (50 g)

100 grams of foie gras (half‑baked)

30 g of butter

A small glass of cognac for the flambe

A teaspoon of black caviar

200 ml of Madeira or Port wine

0.75 ml of truffle juice

250 g of olive oil (to deep fry)

For the garnish:

2 sweet potatoes

Bavarian vegetables

2 eggs

100 ml of milk

100 mg of sour cream

Salt, pepper and nutmeg

Oil infused with truffle

Sprigs of rosemary, thyme or frozen parsley

How to prepare tournedos with black truffle sauce, sweet potato chips and a Bavarian garnish?

30 марта 2018 в 22:10

Pork carpaccio with autumn fruits

Ingredients:

5oo g of pork ham

Olive oil

Pear, apple, fig, pomegranate and other seasonal fruits

Fresh herbs, spices

White truffle (aestivum)

Salt and pepper

Onions

Small cherry tomatoes

How to prepare pork carpaccio with autumn fruits?

30 марта 2018 в 22:09

Cocktail of cod, vegetable ratatouille and crispy parmesan cheese

Cod, vegetable ratatouille and crispy parmesan cheese cocktail

Ingredients:

500g of salted cod fillet

100g of olive oil

1 clove of garlic

Cayenne pepper

Finely chopped parsley

1 glass of milk

100g of apple puree

For the ratatouille:

1 green pepper

1 red pepper

1 onion

1 clove of garlic

1 zucchini

1 eggplant

2 ripe tomatoes

10g of tomato paste

1 glass of white wine

300g of grated parmesan cheese

1 spring onion

Greaseproof paper

How to prepare cod, vegetable ratatouille and crispy parmesan cheese cocktail?

30 марта 2018 в 22:08

Venison medallions stewed in their own juice with rosemary

Ingredients:

1 boneless venison thigh

Salt and pepper

Rosemary

150g of pork bacon

1 onion

1 carrot

1 stalk of celery

1 clove of garlic

1 ripe tomato

1 glass of red wine

Demi‑glace sauce

Mashed potatoes to garnish

How to prepare venison medallions stewed in their own juice with rosemary?

30 марта 2018 в 22:07

A salad of dandelions (xicoies), which grow at the foot of high mountains in early spring, just after the snow has gone

A salad of dandelions (xicoies), which grow at the foot of high mountains in early spring, just after the snow has gone.

Ingredients:

400 g of dandelion leaves sorted and cleaned

4 cloves of young garlic

1 apple, cut into strips

2 medium tomatoes, peeled

1 zucchini

2 eggs, hard boiled and finely chopped

1 zucchini, cooked on the grill

150 g finely chopped smoked chicken breast

1 onion, cut into rings

Mixture of spring lettuce leaves

Olive oil

Spruce syrup

Apple vinegar

How to prepare a salad of dandelions?

30 марта 2018 в 22:06

Layered monkfish and Andorran veal’s tongue stew

Ingredients:

• 1 veal’s tongue
• 1.2 kg of monkfish
• 1 carrot
• 1 leek
• 1 medium sized onion
• 1 clove of garlic
• finely chopped spring onions
• 1 glass of white wine
• beef broth
• 1 spoonful of tomato paste
• 100g of flour
• 20g cayenne pepper
• a glass of cognac
• olive oil
• salt and black pepper

How to prepare layered monkfish and Andorran veal’s tongue stew?

30 марта 2018 в 22:05

Grilled octopus with potato, chickpeas, vegetables and grasses

Ingredients for 4 people

• 4 cooked octopus tentacles

• 0.1 l olive oil

• Coarse sea salt

• ½ kilo mashed potatoes

• ½ kilo mashed chickpeas

• Finely chopped vegetables (carrots, zucchini/courgette, cauliflower, leeks, onions, garlic)

• 12 spinach leaves, green onions and herbs

• Cayenne pepper and chives for decoration

How to prepare grilled octopus with potato

30 марта 2018 в 22:04

Roast duck breast with sweet and sour sauce, raisins, apples and a puff pastry bread roll

Ingredients:

*Duck breast

*Salt and pepper

*Brown sugar caramelized

*Wine Oporto

*Honey

*Balsamic vinegar

*Brown gravy with beef bouillon (Fond brun lié)

*Grapes

*Potatoes

*Onion

*Olive oil

How to prepare roast duck breast with sweet and sour sauce, raisins, apples and a puff pastry bread roll

30 марта 2018 в 22:03

Cod in vegetable sauce is a traditional way of cooking cod in Andorra and Catalonia

Cod in vegetable sauce (Bacallà amb sanfaina). This dish is a traditional way of cooking cod in Andorra and Catalonia.

Ingredients:

* 1kg of cod fillet

* flour

* olive oil

* onion

* garlic

* red pepper

* green pepper

* aubergine

* zucchini

* ripe tomatoes

* 1/4 of a liter of fish broth

How to prepare cod in vegetable sauce

30 марта 2018 в 22:03

Duty free stores: Andorra. VAT 4.5% + no excise. Why do 8 mln Spaniards and French visit Andorra for shopping every year?

Duty free stores: Andorra. The whole country is duty free

Why do 8 million Spaniards and French visit Andorra to go shopping every year?

Today the capital of Andorra offers a huge variety of shopping facilities to its tourists.

Due to the fact that the Principality has one of the lowest VAT rates (IGI — 4.5%) in Europe, shopping in Andorra is the best inside the borders of the EU. Average prices for some food products, clothing, sporting goods, equipment, and alcohol are lower than in neighboring Spain or France by 15–20%.

Spain VAT rates start from 4% to 21% on basic products. For example, basic foodstuffs, medicines, and transport are taxed at 10%. In France there are 4 VAT rates: 18.6% is the standard rate for all goods and services; 33,33% is the marginal rate on luxury items, cars, alcohol, tobacco; and there is a 7% reduced rate on cultural goods and services; finally, 5,5% is applied to the goods and services of first necessity (food, except alcohol and chocolate; medicines, housing, transport).

In addition, in Andorra, there are no taxes on imports.

Because of more competitive prices, the trade market is one of the main economic sectors in Andorra.

In some duty‑free stores during the sales, prices can be significantly lower.

30 марта 2018 в 22:02

Sant Julia de Loria

San Julia de Loria (cat. Sant Julià de Lória) — is the capital of the eponymous parish of Andorra. It is located on the South of the country at a distance of 5 km from the capital Andorra La Vella, 2 km from the border of Andorra with Spain.

Latitude 42,4667 (42°28’0.120″N)

Longitude Of 1.5000 (1°30’0.000″E)

The altitude above sea level 908 m

GMT time in Sant Julia de Loria: + 1 hours

The population of San Julia de Loria, according to the Department of statistics of Andorra on 01/01/2017, — 4. 675.

Sant Julia de Loria is an educational centre of Andorra, since the only University of the Principality is located here. The University of Andorra (Universitat d’ Andorra) is very young, founded in 1997. The University is a member of European University Association. The number of students does not exceed 430 people. The University prepares bachelors in medicine, computer science, business administration and education.

30 марта 2018 в 22:01

Ordino

Ordino (cat. Ordino) — is the capital of the eponymous parish of Andorra. Ordino is the northern parish in the Principality of Andorra. The parish is located in an area of 89,3 sq. km. Ordino is located 6 km from the capital Andorra La Vella.

Latitude 42,5500 (42°32’60.000″N)

Longtitude 1,5333 (1°31’59.988″E)

The altitude above sea level 1298 m

GMT time in Ordino: + 1 hour

Population of Ordino, according to the Department of statistics of Andorra on 01/01/2017, — 4. 675.

Ordino parish consists of 5 villages: La Cortinada, Ansalonga, Llorts, Sornas and Ordino.

In addition to a huge number of architectural sights in Ordino there are also many natural, such as, for example, the natural Park Sorteny (Sorteny). Parish of Ordino is located at the foot of the two highest peaks: Estanio (2915 m) and Casamanya (2740 m).

The capital of Ordino doesn’t have its own ski slopes. The nearest ski lifts in the area of Ordino are located in the area of Arcalís (Vallnord ski resort). The resort area is more than 400 hectares. Ultra‑modern equipment of the resort, including about 50 snow cannons, allow to maintain ski tracks in perfect condition all season from December to April.

30 марта 2018 в 22:00

La Massana

La Massana (cat. La Massana) is the capital of parish La Massana. The County is situated between the confluent rivers Valira and Arinsal in the East of the country. The capital La Massana is located at a distance of 6 km from the capital of Andorra Andorra La Vella. The parish includes several smaller cities, Pal, Arinsal, Xixerella, Erts.

Latitude 42,5500 (42°32’60.000″N)

Longtitude 1,5167 (1°31’0.012″E)

The altitude above sea level is 1230 m

GMT time in La Massana: + 1 hours

The population of La Massana, according to the Department of statistics of Andorra on 01/10/2017, — 10.076.

The proximity to the capital and the ski infrastructure has contributed to rapid development of the city from a tourist point of view. There no ski slopes in the capital of La Massana, but the lift enables access to infrastructure of Vallnord ski resort (the second largest ski resort of Andorra) for 5 minutes.

30 марта 2018 в 22:00

Canillo

Canillo (cat. Canillo) — the capital of the eponymous parish of Andorra. The parish is located in the northeastern part of the country, it is the largest by area in Andorra. The distance to the capital Andorra La Vella is 10 km. The parish of Canillo consist of 14 villages.

Latitude 42, 5667 (42° 34’0.120″N)

Longtitude 1,6000 (1°36’0.000″E)

The altitude above sea level 1526 m

GMT time in Canillo: + 1 hours

The population of Canillo, according to the Department of statistics of Andorra on 01/10/2017, — 4.270.

The proximity to the largest ski resort of Andorra Grandvalira has determined the pace of development of the County from a tourist point of view. Today Canillo has all the advanced and ultra‑modern ski facilities for tourists. The lifts leading to the main stations of Grandvalira, located in Canillo, Soldeu and Tarter (Canillo district).

30 марта 2018 в 21:59

Encamp

The city of Encamp (Encamp) is located 7 km North from the capital Andorra La Vella.

Latitude 42,5333 (42°31’59.880″N)

Longtitude 1,5833 (1°34’59.988″E)

Altitude above sea level 1250 m

GMT time in Encamp: + 1 hours

The population of Encamp, according to the Department of statistics of Andorra on 01/10/2017, — 12.041. It is the third largest city of Andorra.

The city of Encamp is the capital of the eponymous district of Andorra. Encamp district includes the village of Les Bons, Vila, El Tremat, La Mosquera and ski station of Pas de La Casa. The city is located in the valley of Сortals.

The city began to develop rapidly due to the construction of the cable car (Funicamp) which later connected the city with the ski stations Grau Rouge and Pas de La Casa. The length of the ropeway is 6 km away. Encamp today — is the best place for skiing due to its proximity to the capital’s infrastructure of Andorra la Vella and major ski stations of the largest ski resort of Andorra Grandvalira.

30 марта 2018 в 21:58

Escaldes – Engordany

Escaldes — Engordany

Escaldes Engordany — is the seventh parish of Andorra (became a district in 1978, and was previously part of the capital Andorra La Vella). Currently the border between Andorra La Vella and Escaldes — Engordany is conditional (a street divides 2 cities)

Latitude 42,5000 (42°30’0.000″N)

Longtitude 1,5333 (1°31’59.988″E)

Altitude above sea level 1050 m

GMT time in Escaldes — Engordany: + 1 hours

The population of Escaldes — Engordany, according to the Department of statistics of Andorra on 01/10/2017, — 14.002. It is the second largest city after the Andorran capital Andorra La Vella.

The status of an independent district of Escaldes — Engordany, received due to its thermal springs, which made it very attractive for tourists. Hot springs, spouting out of the ground, are the main attraction of the district. The outlet temperature of the ground water reaches 70C, making them one of the hottest on earth. The name of the city received also due to the sources. The word comes from the ancient Roman “calidae” — “warm water”. Look here for more details about Caldea INUU thermal springs

The history of the district dates back to the era of ancient Rome, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds. Basically, it’s a huge number of rarities and ancient Roman Iberian coins. According to various reports, the first settlements appeared in the area of Escaldes — Engordany in the I‑II centuries B. C. Later, they became the pastoral communities. Processing wool was cheap because of the proximity to the hot mineral springs. Subsequently, this has led to a rapid development of the wool industry.

30 марта 2018 в 21:58

Best country in the world: Andorra

ANDORRA, officially the Principality, country in Western Europe. The area is 468 sq km. The country is located on the southern slope of the Eastern Pyrenees between France and Spain in the basin of Valira river. Altitudes — from 800 to 2000 m above sea level. From the West, North and East Andorra is surrounded by 65 high mountains, most of the time covered with snow caps. The highest point of the country — the peak of Comapedrosa (2946 m), the lowest — Rio‑Runer (840 m).

The economy is based on skiing, private banking and duty‑free trade.

Most of the settlements in the country located along major roads, as a rule, these villages with houses in the rustic style. Settlements distant from main roads, still retain their originality.

Being the best country in the world Andoraa is famous for it mild climate. Pyrenean mountain climate provides the country with fresh and dry air all year round. Andorra is the sunniest ski resort in Europe (over 300 Sunny days a year). Local mountain thermal springs in Escaldes rich in sulfur and famous all over the world. SPA resort Caldea is Europe’s largest thermal SPA center.

30 марта 2018 в 21:56

Where to ski? Soldeu – El Tarter. Best ski tracks: Andorran Àliga SG Àliga SL

Where to ski? Soldeu — El Tarter: best ski tracks. Àliga SG Àliga SL

The history of the legendary area of Soldeu — El Tarter started in 1964, the year the resort opened with the inauguration of a two‑seater chairlift, a ski lift for beginners in Pla dels Espiolets and 10 skiable kilometres spread over 3 slopes: a red one, a blue one and a green one. Thanks to the investment of the Baró, Salvans and Torrellardona families and of Crèdit Andorrà, constituted in the ENSISA society in 1963, the resort expanded progressively during the 60s and 70s with the construction of the Soldeu bridge, which allowed for a more direct access to the resort, a new ski lift to get to the top part and to the upland of Tosa dels Espiolets, the creation of a ski school and the purchase of Andorra’s first snow‑grooming machine.

In the 1980s, more specifically in the 81–82 season, the resort expanded with the area of El Tarter with the inauguration of the Riba Escorxada sector, which had access to the town of El Tarter. Two new chairlifts were added, one from the foot of El Tarter to Riba Escorxada and another to connect the two plains, known as the Trans‑Siberian. Thanks to the entry of the Canillo parish as a shareholder in ENSISA with a 33% stake, the first snowmakers were set up to add snow to the Espiolets area, with two main centres created at the base of each resort to add snow to the slopes and to the lowest levels. In the 1990s, the Canillo parish and Crèdit Andorrà became majority shareholders of ENSISA. The entity capitalised its debt with the resort with shares and Canillo added the equivalent amount in shares with the objective of modernising the resort. Among other improvements, the winter of 96–97 saw the inauguration of the first eight‑seater ski lift in Soldeu, the first of its kind in the Pyrenees, which linked Soldeu with Pla d’Espiolets, achieving a new important step in connecting the town with the resort.

After a few political difficulties, the new sector of Forn was opened in the 2000–01 season, financed by the Canillo parish with the idea of creating a more exclusive type of product. The project included the installation of a ski lift, two chairlifts, two slopes, a beginner’s area and service area with a restaurant and a building for a ski school. So the largest spot where to ski appeared in Andorra. This is how the fusion of Soldeu — El Tarter and the new sector of Canillo was established

30 марта 2018 в 21:54

Cigarettes and tobacco: prices

Cigarettes and tobacco: prices in Andorra

30 марта 2018 в 21:54

Alcohol: cheap and expensive. Andorra: 4.5% VAT with no excises

Why do more than 5 million Spaniards and French come to Andorra every year? One of the main reasons — to buy alcohol, as it’s the cheapest on the market in Western Europe.

Andorra is not part of the European Union, therefore, the country’s trade policy is not affected by the strict European regulations of the alcohol market. In addition, Andorra today has the lowest VAT rate in Europe, which is fixed for all types of goods (including alcohol) at 4.5%. Andorra has also no excise on alcohol trade, which is actively practiced by the pan‑European taxation on alcohol policy.

Shops in Andorra sell all kinds of alcohol, including exquisite “museum” types of cognac and wines at low prices (interesting for collectors), as well as cheap alcohol for every day consumption.

30 марта 2018 в 21:53

Cheap accommodation: Andorra technology without mediator

Accommodation Andorra without intermediaries

How can you book the best hotel for cheaper acomodation

and not be overcharged by travel agencies and online booking systems?

The majority of Andorra’s hotels (about 60%) are connected to the electronic reservation system booking.com or hotels.com. However, these systems work with hotels on the principle that they receive a 5 to 15% commission. Meaning, by booking a hotel in Andorra through these systems, you’re paying 5 — 15% more for a room.

In addition, all hotels in the world when working with tour operators (and tour operators use electronic reservation systems) sell 5–10% more rooms than the hotel actually has in reality. This is a typical worldwide practice that has developed historically for the convenience of the client who books fast, with the drawback that overpayments are made. The main reason why hotels continue to do this is because there is a 60–70% customer refusal rate. The actual price at which the hotel wants to sell the room is significantly lower. Accomodation process in the ski season (or the summer season, when Andorra is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists to see, for example, the stages of the Tour de France), in Andorra the occupancy of hotels can be unpredictable. Therefore, it is optimal to book a room directly through the hotel site to pay the lowest price and save yourself from an unpleasant surprise at the last moment when the tour operator has to put you in another hotel.

30 марта 2018 в 21:52

Best place to live. 21 “PROS” for Andorra

Best place to live. 21 “PROS” for high living standards in Andorra:

Direct taxes 10% — minimum in Europe. VAT remains at the level of 4.5%.

In accordance to International living index, Andorra takes the 12th position in the world for its living standards. The GDP per capita index is higher than in the USA, Japan, Germany, France and Spain. It takes the 5th position in the world, outscored only by Monaco, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg and San‑Marino. The banks of Andorra are included in the top‑20 of the most reliable banks in the world. The clients have an opportunity to open digital accounts. VIP banking is presented for the sums, starting from 3 mln euro. The tax burden on businesses in Andorra is one of the lowest in Europe. Companies’ profits are taxed at 10% with an opportunity to reduce to 2% (if the relevant requirements are met). Andorra is listed among the 25 best countries in the world for business, according to the International Living Index. The opportunity of legalizing a family and obtaining active residence with labor permit on the “ turnkey” basis, investing no more than 15 000 euro. There is a guarantee of getting a residence permit in Andorra with the full package of documents in contrast with similar applications for a residence permit in other countries of Europe, USA and Canada.

30 марта 2018 в 21:51

A place in the sun: Andorra. Why rich people do relocate to Andorra?

A place in the sun: Andorra

Andorra is the country with the highest life expectancy, according to the rating of the American Institute for Health Research and Assessment.

Andorra is the best medicine in the world. According to the HAQ index of the leading medical journal The Lancet, Andorra has the “best healthcare system in the world”, the second — is Iceland, the third — is Switzerland.

Andorra is one of the safest countries in the world. According to the World Bank’s report, Andorra ranks fifth in the world in terms of “political stability” and “no criminal situation” (index 1.32). For example, neighboring Spain is on the 31st place (index 0.01).

Andorra, being a place ion the sun, is STILL has the best private banking system. Despite the accession of Andorra to the Treaty on the automatic exchange of tax information, the service of opening a “numbered” bank account is maintained in the Principality.

5. Andorra is in the TOP 5 richest countries. Andorra’s GDP is lower only in Monaco, Liechtenstein, San Marino, Luxembourg. Standard of living: according to the International Living Index, Andorra ranks 12th in the world in terms of level and quality of life.

30 марта 2018 в 21:50

Best places to retire. Retirement in Andorra

Best places to retire. Retirement in Andorra: 14 “PROS”

Andorra is an increasingly popular destination for tax residence purposes, especially in the case of people with “high added value”, such as ex‑directors of large companies right after their retirement.

Why is this so?

Andorra is an attractive destination to reside, both due to its proximity to Spain and France, as well as for its standard of living, its natural environment and security, and recently, for its fiscal framework.

Article 18 of the OECD Model CDI (the Double Taxation Avoidance), which corresponds to Article 17 of those subscribed by Andorra, as could be the case of France and Spain, grant exclusive taxation powers to the State of residence to tax retirement pensions. This implies that if a new resident in Andorra receives a pension from the Spanish Social Security, they will only be taxed according to the Personal Income Tax (IRPF) of Andorra, without withholding taxes.

30 марта 2018 в 21:49

Highest paying jobs: salary comparison in Andorra

Salary in Andorra. Indicators after taxation

The most highly paid employees in Andorra (highest paying jobs) are representatives of the financial sector — the average salary of such a specialist is 5,083 euros per month.

Second place is occupied by employees of industries (3,361 euros per month), third place is occupied by the employees in the sphere of production and distribution of energy (monthly salary is 2,948 euros), and fourth by administrative and social service employees (monthly salary is 2,364 euros).

The average salary of a medical worker is 2,158 euros per month, teachers — 2,047 euros per month.

The minimum wage in the principality in 2017 is 991 euros.

The salary of the head of the government of Andorra, Antoni Marti, is 5,942 euros per month (before taxation). Meanwhile, the previous prime minister had 6,603 euros per month (before taxation). This information is contained in the response to the official request of the Secretary‑General of the party “Liberals of Andorra” Ferran Costa.

The salary of the Cabinet of Ministers, which is more than 10 ministers, 7 state secretaries, about 30 directors of departments (55 political positions) — in total 246.000 euros per month (before taxation). Thus, the average salary of government officials is about 4,500 euros per month (before taxes). The average salary of ministers is 5,103 euros per month.

30 марта 2018 в 21:49

A painting named “Mata Mua” by Paul Gauguin is one of the gems of Baroness Thyssen’s collection today, it’s one of the most expensive paintings in the world

A painting named “Mata Mua” by Paul Gauguin is one of the gems of Baroness Thyssen’s collection today, it’s one of the most expensive paintings in the world, 400 mln US dollars, thinks Guillermo Cervera, Art director of the new Thyssen museum in Andorra. On 16th March a new museum of arts by Baroness Thyssen opens in Andorra, Escaldes. All‑Andorra.com is talking to the Art Director of the museum, Guillermo Cervera about the first exhibition’s content and his vision of the modern art market today

30 марта 2018 в 21:47

Travel websites: Andorra

The Principality of Andorra is a small country that could be attributed to the group of European diminutive states together with Liechtenstein, Monaco and San‑Marino. Alongside with that, Andorra is the biggest out of this group. The area of Andorra makes up 468 km2.

Annualy more than 8 mln tourists visit Andorra.

How to get to Andorra and save on the purchase of tour packages? What are the best andorran travel websites?

1. Visa. If you are not a citizen of US, UK and EU, you can get visa to Andorra issued in the consulates of Spain and France (Schengen) in your country.

2. Air tickets: The optimal way to reach Andorra — through Spanish border. The nearest international airport from Andorra — airport “Prat” in Barcelona. The cheapest air company that operates in Prat — is VUELING. In July 2015, the airport in La seu D’ Urgell was put in service (Spain, 10 km from the border with Andorra), which started accepting commercial flights.

3. Hotels: You can book any hotel in Andorra here through direct web links to all hotels without intermediaries.

4. Spain — Andorra. Closest to Andorra major cities in Spain — Barcelona and Lleida (Lleida), about 200 and 150 km, respectively.

30 марта 2018 в 21:46

Cheap ski vacations. 14 “PROS” for winter vacations in Andorra

Andorra cheap ski vacation

1. Ski resorts of Andorra have more than 320 km of slopes with a high level of training. In Andorra regularly sports (including the final steps) events at the highest level take place: World and European Championships in Alpine skiing, World Cup Alpine skiing, World Cup “Flying kilometer”, the Freeride World Tour (FWT), Total Fight Masters of Freestyle, and many others.

2. Ski resorts in Andorra is the maximum percentage of concentration of ski lift systems per sq. m in the world with a capacity of 160 thousand people per hour. Grandvalira and Vallnord are included in the TOP 20 best resorts in the world according the World Ski Awards.

3. Andorra is the sunniest ski resort of Europe. Winter vacation in Andorra — it is more than 300 sunny days a year. Deeply below zero the temperature drops at night, the daytime average temperature in December–March ranges from -5 to +5 degrees.

4. Ski vacations in Andorra gives you the daily opportunity to combine during a day skiing with an evening visit to the thermal baths of Caldea INUU (the largest in Sothern Europe).

5. Ski vacations in Andorra in cheap hotels. Andorra closes the list of TOP 10 cheapest hotels of European cities made by the world’s largest hotel search systems in 2016. Luxury ski vacations are also available in Andorra at the 5 stars hotels in El Tarter and Soldeu just right near the slopes.

30 марта 2018 в 21:45

Best wine. European wine: winery of Andorra

Celler Mas Berenguer is a small family winery located in Sant Julia de Loria. The history of this family goes back to the past. It is known that the production of wines of this family was suspended in the 18th century. However, in 2011 wine tradition was resumed since then the Andorran wine makers producing wine from high altitude vineyards Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc.

Casa Beal — winery of family Visa — Tor resumed its activity in 1988, after more than a century of interruption. After years of experiments and research, in 2004, were replanted with new vines. In 2006, the winery introduced its first wine of the 21st century. The grape variety Gewürztraminer is ideally suited for loamy soils Andorra, which are formed due to decomposition of the shale. One of the secrets of Casa Beal is in the approach to the cultivation of grapes — it clearly corresponds to the phases of the moon. Location also plays an important role — the vineyard is located at an altitude between 1050 and 1100 metres above sea level. Winery Casa Beal focused on the production of white wines.

29 марта 2018 в 20:09

How to get married in Europe? Marriage. Registration in Andorra

Official registration of marriage in Andorra is possible only between citizens or residents of the principality or if at least one of the future spouses has the citizenship or residence of Andorra. In order to become husband and wife, you must apply to the Registre Civil (Civil Registry Office), and then, about a month after the application is submitted, you need to return to the office and pick up the official marriage certificate. As well as this, according to the law of marriage (Llei qualificada del matrimoni), within six months (after the expiry of this period the permit becomes invalid) it is necessary to go to the official registration in one of the seven administrations (Andorra la Vella, Escaldes- Engordany, Encamp, Sant Julia de Loria, Canillo, La Massana, Ordino) — in Andorra they are called Comús. Those who marry can choose any of the seven administrations.

Registration is conducted by the mayor of the parish in the administration building, after which a certificate confirming the registration of the marriage will be issued. The whole ceremony takes no more than 20 minutes. Marriage in Andorra is called matrimoni.

The documents necessary for marriage for Andorrans and foreigners are more or less the same: you need a passport, a certificate of birth, a certificate of civil status, a certificate of residency (for foreigners — a residence permit issued by the Immigration service of Andorra) — Autorització de residència del Servei d’Immigració.

29 марта 2018 в 20:09

Spain taxes

IPRF.Calculated in accordance to the 6-level progressive tax percentage rate from 21% to 52%. A greater part of it goes to the federal budget, a smaller part—to the autonomous budget. That is why the rate varies from one province to another. From 1999 a declaration can be filed only by the person that has got only one source of income, and less than 22 000 euro of income. The declaration should be filed no later than June, 20 of the year that follows the tax year. The amount of tax is determined by different factors: family membership, the amount of dependents, mortgage loan payments, educational expenses, etc.

From September 1, 2012 the rates of this tax in Spain make up 21%, 10%, 4% and 0%. 10%– major alimentary products, medicines, transport, the majority of hotel services and the building of new objects. 4% is for essential foodstuff (vegetables, bread, milk, and fruit). 21 % rate exists for the goods and services that do not come under any other tax rates. VAT is paid while doing shopping or getting services on the territory of Spain.

IDS. This tax in Spain is periodical, proportional, direct and personal. This tax is imposed on the incomes of corporations and other legal persons. This tax is imposed all over the country except Basque Provinces and Navarra. The rate makes up 25 % (preferential rates can be 20% and 15%), in Basque Provinces—28%, in Navarra—30%. All types of institutions, regardless of form and name have a status of legal persons, except civil society.

29 марта 2018 в 20:07

France taxes

IR tax is imposed on the comprehensive incomes, obtained by a natural person from the sources both in France and abroad. Tax payer fiscal item is a family (spouses and dependents under 18, unmarried children under 21 and children‑students under 25). Lonely people make a fiscal item themselves. Income tax is levied in accordance to 6-grade progressive scale. At that different coefficients are taken into consideration in calculations. Family size coefficient for unmarried citizens without children is 1, for spouses without children –2, for spouses with 1 child—2,5, with 2 children—3, for widows with under‑age children—3, for one divorced parent (not living in civil marriage) with 2 under‑age children—2,5 etc. The tax calculated in the following way: the total sum of income is divided by corresponding coefficient; then the tax is deducted in accordance to the rate, presupposed for certain type of incomes and then the obtained sum is multiplied by the same coefficient. Retired and disabled people as well as the categories of citizens that get meal allowances have the right for tax remissions. The rates: under 5900 euro per year—0%; from 5900 to 11900 euro—5,5%; from 11900 to 26400 euro—14%, from 26400 to 70800 –30%, from 70800 to 150000 euro—41$, over 150000—45%

TVA. It is one of the most important budget revenues of French taxation. From 2014 the basic rate makes up 20% (previously 19.6%); intermediate rate –10% (previously –7%) is valid in reference to restaurants, transport, repairs, technical servicing and firewoods. The reduced rate remains at the same level of 5.5% (alimentary, soft drinks, gas and electricity, equipment and services for disabled people, books; cinema, museum and concert ticketsas well as new energy saving technologies in building (used to be 7%). 2,1% rate is valid for medical prescriptions, TV and other media license. VAT tax is not imposed on education, medical services, exports within euro‑zone, waste recovery and recycling as well as sea fishing.

29 марта 2018 в 20:06

Financial planning. How to pay less taxes? Andorra: 2% profit tax, 4.5% VAT, 10% income tax

Principles of the Andorran tax haven and its advantages for private and corporative financial planning

The Principality of Andorra is a small country, which, along with Liechtenstein, Monaco and San Marino, are referred to as the “small states” of Europe. Andorra is the largest out of this group with an area of 468 square meters. km.

Andorra: how to pay less taxes or not to pay taxes at all

1. The taxation of individuals and residents — currently at 10% — is the lowest in Europe. If you have an income per household of no more than 24,000 euros per year, you do NOT pay income tax. Indirect taxes such as VAT are fixed at 4.5%.

2. While Andorra is a tax haven, the country ranks 12th in the world in terms of quality of life, according to the International Living index

3. The level of Andorran’s gross domestic product per capita is higher than in the most developed world countries and Europe, including Germany, France, Spain, as well as the United States and Japan. Andorra has been 5th in the world, according to the World Bank, for the last few years. Andorra follows after Monaco, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and San Marino.

29 марта 2018 в 20:05

Font-Romeu, France

Font‑Romeu is located in the Languedoc‑Roussillon region of the Eastern Pyrenees (Pyrénées‑Orientales) on the Cerdagne plateau, 40 km from Andorra, 87 km from Perpignan (France) and 170 km from Barcelona (Spain, Catalonia). The city is “the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees” with panoramic views, clean air, and bright light. It is located at an altitude of 1800 m above sea level.

Font Romeu is known as “the land of champions”. The city is famous for the fact that outstanding athletes lived and trained here: Martin Fourcade, a French biathlete who won four Olympic medals (two gold and two silver), 10 world champion titles, 10 crystal globes and 63 individual victories; Kilian Jornet, who is known as a “heaven rider”, a professional mountaineer and athlete, a long distance runner who made history thanks to the fastest ascent and descent of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Denali, and Everest; the famous French swimmer Camille Lacourt, French athlete Colette Besson.

In 1920–1930, Font‑Romeu was called the “Winter Sports Palace”, where the world elite loved to come, as it was here that one of the first and most prestigious ski resorts in France appeared. At present, it has 103 km of cross‑country skiing tracks (22 runs: 7 “green”, 10 “blue” and 5 “red”), 41 downhill ski slopes (15 “green”, 10 “blue “, 7” red “and 9” black “). It is about 50 km in total. The slopes are maintained by 500 snow cannons, and the resort has one snow park and four ski schools. The resort also has three separate slopes for slalom skiers and a stadium for biathlon. The resort also provides the opportunity to go night skiing — both for amateurs and for competitors with the participation of, as a rule, the Northern European countries.

29 марта 2018 в 20:04

Ski deals. Best skiing in Andorra without buying ski packages

You can reach Andorra simply and quickly, without buying ski packages:

Ski deals: air tickets: the cheapest air tickets from many cities of Europe and Africa to Barcelona PRAT airport are available via VUELING airlines: vueling.com.

Barcelona — Andorra la Vella, Toulouse — Andorra la Vella, Madrid -Andorra la Vella: You can buy bus tickets from Barcelona, Madrid and Toulouse to Andorra without needing to book in advance (the approximate cost is 34 euros from Barcelona and Toulouse).

Ski deals: hotels: you can book any hotel at a cheap price directly through Andorra’s official hotel sites here

Lift tickets. You can purchase a ski pass at the Grandvalira and Vallnord cashiers without booking in advance at a great price.

29 марта 2018 в 20:03

Europe best ski: Andorra

Andorra is one of the safest countries in the world for tourism and living. Andorra ski infrastructure is included in the top 15 rating in the world. Andorra’s ski system has the maximum percentage of ski lift systems per square meter in the world, with a capacity of about 160 thousand people per hour.

Andorra’s ski map contains 182 ski slopes (340 km) in total, as well as several other areas for winter sports and extreme activities. Thus, the area offers ski for both beginners and for the more experienced.

Annually, on the slopes of Andorra, the most important international sporting ski events take place : the stages of the World and European Championships in alpine skiing and snowboarding, the World and European Cups in Alpine skiing, Total Fight Masters of Freestyle, the Freeride World Tour, the Cup “Flying kilometer”. According to experts, the Andorran slopes are one of the best in the world for such events.

Being the cheapest in Europe, Andorra is one of the most popular too. This is not because of low quality services, but because it has the the lowest VAT in Europe (4.5%). That’s why prices for accommodation, ski equipment, restaurants, services and entertainment in Andorra are 15–20% lower than similar offers in the Alpine resorts. The low rate of VAT makes Andorra a European shopping centre.

29 марта 2018 в 20:02

At the weekend. Why DO more than 5 mln Spaniards and French go to Andorra to have a best weekend?

Weekend. Why more than 5 mln Spaniards and French go to Andorra for a weekend?

How to spend a weekend? All Andorra for 2 days

In 2017 Andorra, according to the World Bank, has become the most visited country in the world. Why? Because, the Spaniards and the French think that Andorra is the BEST place where you can spend a weekend.

Passenger traffic from France and Spain to Andorra is approximately 5 million people per year

How to spend a weekend? Andorra: the cheapest alcohol for a weekend in Western Europe

1. Andorra, along with Liechtenstein, Monaco and San Marino, is referred to “small states” of Europe.

Andorra today — is the most visited country in the world, according to the World Bank. The area of Andorra is 468 sq.km. It is possible to see all Andorra within 2 days.

2. The capital of Andorra is Andorra la Vella — the highest capital of Europe (about 1030 m above sea level).

3. Andorra has almost a “zero” level of crime.

4. Andorra is the center of European shopping. This is the lowest VAT in Western Europe (4.5%) and the absence of excise taxes and charges on imports of many goods. Prices for luxury goods, some food stuff, alcohol, tobacco, sports equipment are lower than in other European countries by 10–30%.

29 марта 2018 в 20:01

Flights to Andorra

Andorra has no airport but the roads to Spain and France allow getting to the airports of Barcelona and Toulouse within approximately 3 hours.

In winter the major roads are quickly cleared of snow and are completely passable; however, the road from Andorra to France (RN‑20–22) is sometimes closed because of risk of avalanche. When there is a prediction of high snowfall, it is preferable to enter or leave Andorra via Spanish border.

The optimal way to reach Andorra is through Spain from international airport of Barcelona ¨El Prat¨. Spanish low cost air company VUELING offers the cheapest flights to Barcelona from main European cities and Africa.

The airport of La Seu d’Urgell (Spain, 10km from the border with Andorra) was opened for commercial flights in the beginning of 2015. Howewer, the airport is still in the process of getting all permits to operate international flights.

The company El Teu Soci Aeri (TSA) also offered air taxi service from the airport. TSA has a Cessna Citation II, with a capacity up for to 8 people with 3 members crew. Its operating radius is about 3,000 km away. The service now can reach Canary Islands or Northern Europe. The company has received about 15 requests to fly to destinations including Italy, England, North Africa and Spain. Prices are around € 300 to fly to Madrid and € 150 to fly to Barcelona. The TSA company considers the cost of renting of the aircraft not to be expensive and to be perfectly competitive with the prices of regular flights (or taxi services).

29 марта 2018 в 20:00

Abandoned places of the world: The Torre Blanca fortifications of Castellciutat in La Seu D’Urgell

The Torre Blanca, or White Tower, was one of the advanced fortifications for the Castle of Castellciutat. This fortification protected the defensive complex from the southern flank.

Originally its defenses seem to have been limited to an artillery tower surrounded by polygonal fortifications for the infantry. In 1720, the greatest of the Bourbon military engineers, Alexander de Retz, was in charge, of reconstructing the defenses. The tower was completely rebuilt and a powerful horn work was built in front, as well as complementary facilities that made the area almost as strong as the Castle. The White Tower, along with the whole fortified complex, suffered the ravages of the war and the sieges of 1822 and 1875.

In the 1950s, the Spanish army chose this site to build large modern barracks that housed the Regiment de Caçadors de Muntanya Arapiles 62 (the 62d Mountain Light Infantry Regiment “Apariles”). Serving the garrison had a negative impact on the daily life of the people of La Seu D’Urgell and its economy.

In 1993, the military installations (being not finished) were given over to the municipality of La Seu D’Urgell.

The fortification complex is now abandoned and closed for visitors.

29 марта 2018 в 20:00

Around the world in 80 days: why visiting Andorra is a must?

The population of the Principality of Andorra is just over 70 thousand people, but more than 8 million tourists visit Andorra annually, which made it, according to the World Bank, “the most visited country in the world in terms of the number of tourists per inhabitants in 2016”.

The Principality of Andorra is a country, along with Liechtenstein, Monaco and San Marino, which is referred to as one of the “midget states” of Europe, and is in fact the largest out of this group. The area of the Principality of Andorra is only 468 sq. km. Andorra is located in the southwest of the Eurasian continent, between Spain and France, in the eastern part of the Pyrenees Mountains. The country has no access to the sea as the majority of the country is in a mountainous area, at an altitude exceeding 900 meters above sea level. The capital of Andorra is Andorra la Vella — the highest capital in Europe, situated at an altitude of about 1100 metres.

The beauty and uniqueness of the country’s landscapes and resorts, around the world and mountain skiing, thermal springs, trade, low tax system and no trade excise, the absence of crime, excellent ecology, and the low cost of living in comparison with neighboring France and Spain all contribute to attracting about 8 million tourists a year.

29 марта 2018 в 19:59

Places to visit: Andorra

Places to visit: 9 “PROS” to visit Andorra

The Principality of Andorra is a small country that can be viewed in a similar way to the group of European diminutive states like Liechtenstein, Monaco and San‑Marino. A minor difference being that Andorra is the biggest out of this group. The area of Andorra makes up 468 km2.

More than 8 million people visit Andorra every year. Andorra — is the most visited country in the world for tourists per capita, according to World Bank.

Andorra is one the safest countries in the world for living and tourism.

Visiting Andorra ski resorts have the maximum percentage of ski lift systems per square meter in the world, with a capacity of about 160 thousand people per hour. According to the World Ski Awards, Andorran ski resorts are in the top 15 best ski resorts in the world.

Water is one of Andorra’s natural resources. Besides lakes and rivers, there are sulfur rich thermal springs in Escaldes‑Engordany. With a surface of 30,000 m2 at the height of 1,100 m CALDEA INUU SPA centre presents a real oasis in Andorra; a thermal resort, where the interconnection of ancient civilizations with water is evidently visible. Caldea is the biggest center of mountain thermal waters in Europe.

The nature of Andorra — rolling peaks, steep cliffs, canyons, and tumultuous mountain rivers dodging through the valley’s mountains. The geographical landscape of this part of the Pyrenees goes back to Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras. As for the different lakes, they have glacial origin. More than 30% of Andorra’s territory is a natural park under UNESCO protection.

29 марта 2018 в 19:57

Best holiday destinations: Andorra

Best holiday destinations

Minimum VAT rate in Europe (4.5%) makes Andorra the most visited country in the world (tourists per capita), according to World Bank

Travel destinations in Andorra

The Principality of Andorra is a small country that is attributed to the group of European diminutive states (Liechtenstein, Monaco and San‑Marino). Andorra is the biggest out of this group. The area of Andorra makes up 468 km2.

The inseparable beauty of landscapes and resorts, skiing, thermal spa springs, duty and excise free trade, low level of criminal activity, excellent ecological conditions, a relatively low cost of living and tourism services in comparison with France and Spain make Andorra the best holiday destination!

Roman arquitecture is visible everywhere and could be found in most small churches and medieval bridges. The majority of festivals and popular traditional holidays correspond to the religious events and natural cycles of the Earth.

It’s easier now to get to Andorra even for a weekend — Andorran company El Teu Soci Aeri (TSA) offered air taxi service from the Spanish airport La Seu D’Urgell (10 km from the border between Andorra and Spain) to many cities in Europe.

29 марта 2018 в 19:56

5 amazing facts: Andorra

Fact 1. The Principality of Andorra is a small country that could be attributed to the group of European diminutive states together with Liechtenstein, Monaco and San‑Marino. Alongside with that, Andorra is the biggest out of this group. The area of Andorra makes up 468 km2.

Fact 2. Andorra — is 14th oldest country in the world. The first settlements in the territory of what would later become Andorra began in the Ice Age, but there were no large groups inhabiting this territory until after the retreat of glaciers. Archeological excavations demonstrate that from 3500–2000 BC small groups of people lived in valleys near the Rio Valira and in caves in what would later become known as Andorra.

Fact 3. Historically, Co‑princes of Andorra as well as the Head of the State possess general and inseparable power and can represent the Principality at the highest level. In accordance to different versions of “Pariatge” decree the title of co‑Princes of the State is personal and inseparable and belongs to Urgell bishop and to the President of France. In accordance to the same decree Urgell bishop and the President of France guarantee the stability of political system of Andorra. Co‑Princes are also in a position to solve controversial issues of the Principality and participate in the process of taking decisions by the governmental and constitutive power.

Fact 4. The capital of Andorra — Andorra la Vella — is the highest capital in Europe. Altitude above sea level: 1013 m.

Fact 5. Andorra — is the only country in the world where 3 systems of preschool and school education function officially: French, Spanish and Andorran. All amazing facts on Andorra

29 марта 2018 в 19:55

Taxes in Europe

A tax (from the Latin taxo) is a mandatory financial charge or some other type of levy imposed upon a taxpayer (an individual or other legal entity) by a governmental organization in order to fund various public expenditures.[1] A failure to pay, or evasion of or resistance to taxation, is punishable by law. Taxes consist of direct or indirect taxes and may be paid in money or as its labour equivalent. Most countries have a tax system in place to pay for public/common/agreed national needs and government functions: some levy a flat percentage rate of taxation on personal annual income, some on a scale based on annual income amounts, and some countries impose almost no taxation at all, or a very low tax rate for a certain area of taxation. Some countries charge a tax both on corporate income and dividends; this is often referred to as double taxation as the individual shareholder(s) receiving this payment from the company will also be levied some tax on that personal income.

Taxes in Europe. Comparative characteristics of tax systems of EU countries, Andorra, San Marino, Monaco and Liechtenstein (corporate taxation)

29 марта 2018 в 19:53

Where to buy cheap clothes? Cheap fashion in Andorra

Of course, the best place to buy clothes is a place with a lot of choice and low prices. Better still, where you can not only buy it but also combine the shopping with doing some sport too.

An ideal place for shopping and recreation — both in winter and in summer, is Andorra. The main advantage of this country in comparison with other European countries is the low taxation rate. The Principality has one of the lowest VAT rates in Europe (4.5%) and the absence of import taxes makes shopping in this country the most profitable within the borders of Western European countries.

Therefore, every year almost 5 million Spaniards and French go to Andorra to buy cheap clothes, including the clothes made in Spain and France. Cheap clothes produced in France and Spain are cheaper in Andorra, encouraging people from many European countries to go shopping in Andorra

28 марта 2018 в 18:04

Excursions from Toulouse

A visit to Andorra is one of the most interesting routes for tourists in Toulouse.

A trip duration — 1 day. It take 7 hours to get from Toulouse to Andorra and back by bus. The price of tour starts from €70 for 1 person (group tour). There are also individual excursions. You can book this excursion at any tourist office in Toulouse or at the front desk of your hotel. Pre‑booking for group tours is not required. There are aldo no discounts for advanced booking.

If you want to spend more than 1 day in Andorra, here are the direct web links to 153 hotels in Andorra for cheapest booking without intermediaries.

28 марта 2018 в 18:03

France immigration

Income tax in Andorra is fixed at 10% (0% if the income does not exceed 24000 euros per year). In France the progressive income tax rate varies from 5.5% (income €5 964 — 11 896), 14% (income €11 897 — 26 420), 30% (income €26 421 — 70 830), 41% ( income €70 830 — 150 000), 45% (income €150 001 — 1 000 000), to 49% (income more than €1 mln)

Indirect taxes (VAT) in Andorra are at 4.5%. There are 4 VAT rates in France: 20% — all products and services; 10% — is the average rate that applies to work related to the transformation, improvement and preservation of real estate, as well as repair of residential buildings older than two years. A similar rate applies to the following goods and services: aid services, transportation allowances, agricultural products, certain types of medicines; 5,5% — food, drugs, transport; 2,1% — main medicines.

The tax burden on businesses in Andorra is one of the lowest in Europe. Companies’ profits are taxed at 10% with an opportunity to reduce to 2% (if the relevant requirements are met). Andorra is listed among the 25 best countries in the world for business, according to the International Living Index. French residence means the highest level of corporate profit tax (33.33%) for businesses with a taxable income of more than 75,000 €. Enterprises that have a profit below this amount are taxed at a rate of 28%. In addition, there is a reduced rate of 15% for some companies whose profits are below 38120 euros. And, on the contrary, companies that have superprofits are taxed additional 3.3% of profits

28 марта 2018 в 18:01

How to start a business?

Starting a business in Andorra

The following organizational and legal forms of private companies and firms are currently available for registration in Andorra:

1. Societat Limitada (S.L.)
This is a private company with limited liability (LTD). This legal form of the enterprise is ideal for small businesses. Possible spheres — trade, services, small business. For registration S.L. you need a registered capital of 3000 €. The state single registration fee is 1104.77 € and 5.36 € (registration tax for the name of the enterprise in the Catalan language). State taxes and duties are annually around 850 €.
2. Societat Anònima (S.A.)
This is an approximate analogue of JSC (Open Joint Stock Company under the version of the legislation of the Russian Federation). This legal form of the enterprise is ideal for medium and large businesses, including large enterprises with a large number of shareholders. The authorized capital is 60,000 €. State single registration fee — 803 €

28 марта 2018 в 18:00

What is being smart?

Andorra is the only country in the world “where 3 education systems are simultaneously present”.

The literacy rate in Andorra is 100% and how to become smarter?

In 2016, Irina Bokova (UNESCO Director) visited Andorra and she said that “Andorra is the only country in the world where the presence of three primary educational systems — French, Spanish and Andorran — make it possible to use this experience for the development of the Global Education First Initiative (GEFI). There are no countries who share this trait in the world — Andorra is unique in this respect. ”

State investment in education in Andorra amounts to 4.8% of GDP (as of 01.01.2017)

28 марта 2018 в 17:59

Fast food

Fast food is a mass‑produced food that is prepared and served very quickly. The food is typically less nutritionally valuable compared to other foods and dishes. While any meal with low preparation time can be considered fast food, typically the term refers to food sold in a restaurant or store with frozen, preheated or precooked ingredients, and served to the customer in a packaged form for take‑out/take‑away.

McDonalds fast food restaurants are traditionally distinguished by their ability to serve food via a drive‑through. Outlets may be stands or kiosks, which may provide no shelter or seating,[1] or fast food restaurants (also known as quick service restaurants). Franchise operations that are part of restaurant chains have standardized foodstuffs shipped to each restaurant from central locations.[2]

Fast food began with the first fish and chip shops in Britain in the 1860s. Drive‑through restaurants were first popularized in the 1950s in the United States. The term «fast food» was recognized in a dictionary by Merriam–Webster in 1951

28 марта 2018 в 17:58

Minimum monthly wage in Europe

Minimal monthly wages is best associated with employee compensation based on the number of hours worked multiplied by an hourly rate of pay. For example, an employee working in an assembly plant might work 40 hours during the work week. If the person's hourly rate of pay is $15, the employee will receive a paycheck showing gross wages of $600 (40 x $15). If the employee had worked only 30 hours during that week, her or his paycheck will show gross wages of $450 (30 x $15). Because the paycheck needs to be computed based on the actual hours worked, the employee earning wages will likely receive her or his paycheck five days after the work period

28 марта 2018 в 17:56

Traditional dresses

A folk costume (also regional costume, national costume, or traditional garment) expresses an identity through costume, which is usually associated with a geographic area or a period of time in history. It can also indicate social, marital or religious status. If the costume is used to represent the culture or identity of a specific ethnic group, it is usually known as ethnic costume (also ethnic dress, ethnic wear, ethnic clothing, traditional ethnic wear or traditional ethnic garment). Such costumes often come in two forms: one for everyday occasions, the other for traditional festivals and formal wear.

Following the outbreak of romantic nationalism, the peasantry of Europe came to serve as models for all that appeared genuine and desirable. Their folk dress crystallised into so‑called «typical» forms, and enthusiasts adopted that attire as part of their symbolism.

28 марта 2018 в 17:54

Safest countries in the world

According to the World Bank’s report, Andorra ranks fifth in the world in terms of “political stability” and “no criminality” (index 1.32). To put this into context, neighboring Spain is in 31st place (index 0.01).

The crime rate in Andorra, including street crimes (pickpocketing, car theft, and disorderly conduct) are at almost zero. Andorra is on the list of the TOP 5 safest countries in the world.

Iceland, according to world criminal ratings, is on the top of the list of countries with the best security and total lack of criminal behaviour. At the same time, in 2016, Iceland was among the “top 10 non‑visited countries in Europe”. According to 2016 statistics, the number of tourists visiting Iceland was just over a million. This rating was published by one of the largest online avia tickets sales platforms “Orbitz”. On the contrary, according to the World Bank, Andorra is the most visited country in the world for the number of tourists per capita. In 2016 the number of tourists in Andorra exceeded 8 million.

28 марта 2018 в 17:53

Richest countries in the world

Andorra, according to the World Bank, is among top 15 countries with the highest GDP per capita. This figure in 2016 amounted to €35.785 mln (Department of statistics of Andorra).

According to International living index, Andorra is a 12-th position in the world in terms of level and quality of life.

The minimum wage in Andorra is 975 euros, while the average salary is about 2081 euros. At the same time the prices on food, electronics, luxury goods in Andorra are one of the lowest in Europe: VAT rate in Andorra (4.5%).

Index “Big Mac”: Andorra — $3.02. The most expensive big Mac is in Switzerland $6.82, followed by Norway at $5,65, Sweden — $5,13, Denmark — $5,08.

The MINIMUM taxation of citizens and residents. Income tax rate in the rich countries such as Andorra is one of the lowest in Europe and the world (10%). You don’t pay income tax AT ALL, if your annual profit (for the family) is less than 24000 euro.

28 марта 2018 в 17:52

Smartphones & cell phones

A smartphone is a handheld personal computer with a mobile operating system and an integrated mobile broadband cellular network connection for voice, SMS, and Internet data communication; most if not all smartphones also support Wi‑Fi. Smartphones are typically pocket‑sized, as opposed to tablets, which are much larger. They are able to run a variety of software components, known as “apps”. Most basic apps (e.g. event calendar, camera, web browser) come pre‑installed with the system, while others are available for download from official sources like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Apps can receive bug fixes and gain additional functionality through software updates; similarly, operating systems are able to update. Modern smartphones have a touchscreen color display with a graphical user interface that covers the front surface and enables the user to use a virtual keyboard to type and press onscreen icons to activate «app» features. Mobile payment is now a common theme amongst most smartphones.

28 марта 2018 в 17:51

Electricity prices: the highest price for 1 kWh in Europe was fixed in Germany, the lowest – in Andorra

Electricity prices: the average price for 1 kWh of electricity in EU was 91% higher than in Andorra. The cost of 1 kWh of electricity in Andorra amounted to $ 0.1075 €, in 28 countries of EU combined figure was 0.2052 €.

The highest price for 1 kWh was fixed in Germany (177% higher than in Andorra), Ireland (136% higher than in Andorra), and Spain (120% higher than in Andorra). In neighbouring France price for 1 kWh was fixed at 0.1620 € per 1 kWh (51% higher than in Andorra).

In terms of price for 1 kWh of electricity for industrial consumers (20–500 MW) the difference is not so high. For example, in France and in Spain this figure is higher than in Andorra for 12% and 46% respectively. Indicators of Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom have higher rates of 110%, 105% and 66%, respectively.

28 марта 2018 в 17:50

Segre Olympic rafting Park in La Seu D’Urgell

Segre Olympic rafting Park. La Seu D’Urgell

The Rafting Parc, is located 200 metres from the old city of La Seu d’Urgell, provides active tourism lovers with the chance to enjoy sporting activities. The rafting, canoeing, open‑kayak and hydrospeed activities take place in an unparalleled setting and can be enjoyed with full safety guarantees. All services are available all year round.

In 1982, heavy rains led to disastrous flooding in La Seu D’Urgell, which demonstrated the need to intervene in the bed of the river Segre and to reconstruct the river close to the city. This fact coincided with the decision taken by the International Olympic Committee in 1988 to make La Seu D’Urgell the place for the white water canoeing event as part of the Olympic Games in Barcelona. The design of the Segre Olympic park, centered around a new canal which is fed from Segre river, was inaugurated in October 1990. In 1992 it hosted the white water slalom trials of the XXV Olympic Games. The work was extremely useful as it allowed for the sympathetic development of a area close to the city and established a major sports facility in a region.

28 марта 2018 в 17:49

Highest capital city in Europe – Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella is located in the south‑west of Andorra, at the confluence of two rivers — Valira del Nord and Valira de l’Orient.

Andorra la Vella has an oceanic climate with mid — mild summers, no snowy winters. The average annual precipitation is 780 mm (34 in).

The parish of Andorra la Vella (parriquia Andorra la vella) is divided into: Andorra la Vella, La Comella, La Margineda and Santa Coloma.

Andorra la Vella — is a political centre of the Principality. The buildings of government and parliament are located in a historic part of the city. Andorra la Vella is part of the Union of Ibero‑American Capital Cities since 1982.

Andorra la Vella is a business centre of the principality. 76% of the GDP (01.01.2017) is derived from the 8 million tourists who visit the country every year. Andorra la Vella — is also a banking capital of Andorra. There are 5 bank offices (5 Andorra banks). The assets under the management of five Andorran banks: 35.390 mln euro

28 марта 2018 в 17:48

Best european cities: Andorra. Beautiful city in the world

Andorra is divided into 7 “parroquias” (parishes): the capital is Andorra La Vella (city of Andorra la Vella), Canillo (city of Canillo), Encamp (city of Encamp), La Massana (city of La Massana), Ordino (city of Ordino) and San Julia de Loria (city of Sant Julia de Loria), Escaldes‑Engordany (city of Escaldes‑Engordany). Seventh, Escaldes‑Engordany was founded in 1978.

Capital of Andorra: city of Andorra la Vella
Population: 20,430 (01.01.2017)
Timezone: GMT +1 Europe/Andorra
latitude: 42.50779 x longtitude: 1.52109

28 марта 2018 в 17:47

Land Art: Andorra

Land art, variously known as Earth art, environmental art, and Earthworks, is an art movement that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, largely associated with Great Britain and the United States, but which included examples from many countries. As a trend «Land art» expanded boundaries of art by the materials used and the siting of the works. The materials used were often the materials of the Earth including for instance the soil and rocks and vegetation and water found on‑site, and the siting of the works were often distant from population centers. Though sometimes fairly inaccessible, photo documentation was commonly brought back to the urban art gallery.

Concerns of the art movement centered around rejection of the commercialization of land art‑making and enthusiasm with an emergent ecological movement. The art movement coincided with the popularity of the rejection of urban living and its counterpart, an enthusiasm for that which is rural. Included in these inclinations were spiritual yearnings concerning the planet Earth as home to mankind.

28 марта 2018 в 17:46

How to learn a foreign language? Andorra: whole country as a language learner

To learn a foreign language fluently is really only possible when you are in a country where you can communicate with native speakers every day.

All other methods are just to understand and learn grammar. To speak the language fluently is quite another thing.

And you don’t need to be limited to just one language — there are countries in the world whose residents speak two or sometimes three languages. One of these countries is Andorra: Andorrans speak Catalan (the official language of the country), Spanish (because of the southern neighborhood of Spain) and French (because of the northern neighborhood of France).

All these three languages are completely different. However, many foreigners often confuse words in Spanish and Catalan, so this language mix has its own name — Spatalan (something between Spanish and Catalan). Some people also say that Catalan is more like French in terms of the structure of the words, but not in the pronunciation!

26 марта 2018 в 14:43

How to make money? Money making ideas

If you asked such a question and asked it on the internet, most likely, you are interested in earning legitimately. It is always more difficult to earn money legally, as it is a longer process and you’re less likely to earn millions at a time.

First of all, you need to understand where you want to make money. Are you satisfied with everything in the country in which you’re living? Will this country allow you to earn as much money as you want, and how will you see yourself, having earned, in that country.

Obviously, many countries in terms of “making money” are not all that good, otherwise business immigration from these countries would not constitute such a large percentage of the total population.

In which countries is it easier and faster to make money without being afraid of the future consequences of tax and banking costs?

26 марта 2018 в 14:42

Knights and the peasantry: Middle Ages

A knight is a person granted an honorary title of knighthood by a monarch or other political leader for service to the monarch or country, especially in a military capacity. Historically, in Europe, knighthood was conferred upon mounted warriors. During the High Middle Ages, knighthood was considered a class of lower nobility. By the Late Middle Ages, the rank had become associated with the ideals of chivalry, a code of conduct for the perfect courtly Christian warrior. Often, a knight was a vassal who served as a fighter for a lord, with payment in the form of land holdings. The lords trusted the knights, who were skilled in battle on horseback.

Knighthood in the Middle Ages was closely linked with horsemanship (and especially the joust) from its origins in the 12th century until its final flowering as a fashion among the high nobility in the Duchy of Burgundy in the 15th century. This linkage is reflected in the etymology of chivalry, cavalier and related terms (see Etymology section below). The special prestige accorded to mounted warriors finds a parallel in the furusiyya in the Muslim world, and the Greek hippeus (ἱππεύς) and Roman eques of classical antiquity

26 марта 2018 в 14:41

Graffiti

Graffiti (plural of graffito: «a graffito», but "these graffiti") are writing or drawings that have been scribbled, scratched, or painted illicitly on a wall or other surface, often within public view. Graffiti range from simple written words to elaborate wall paintings, and they have existed since ancient times, with examples dating back to Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and the Roman Empire.

In modern times, paint (particularly spray paint) and marker pens have become the most commonly used graffiti materials. In most countries, marking or painting property without the property owner's permission is considered defacement and vandalism, which is a punishable crime.

Graffiti may also express underlying social and political messages and a whole genre of artistic expression is based upon spray paint graffiti styles. Within hip hop culture, graffiti have evolved alongside hip hop music, b‑boying, and other elements. Unrelated to hip‑hop graffiti, gangs use their own form of graffiti to mark territory or to serve as an indicator of gang‑related activities

26 марта 2018 в 14:40

How to be successful in life. What Andorra can offer to get success?

How to be successful in life? What can Andorra offer you in order to reach success?

Everyone wants to be successful. This is an absolutely normal aspiration, explained by human nature. At any conscious age, we experience spiritual hunger and need love, respect, encouragement, recognition or even admiration. But is it enough to be rich to regularly experience these feelings? And is it possible to fully enjoy love, friendship, fame without money, and show proper care for relatives and friends? The answer is obvious: true success in life is the harmony of the material and spiritual components, the ability to enjoy every day lived and rejoice at the attainment of the goals set.

It is also important where the person lives, alongside who and what surrounds them. Achieving success is easier when you live in harmony with the place that surrounds you.

Andorra is very favorable in economic terms. Over the past three years, foreign investments have come to Andorra in the amount of about 200 million euros from countries such as Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, and the countries of Central Europe. It has increased the welfare of Andorrans and opened even more possibilities for it’s residents to become successful.

26 марта 2018 в 14:39

How to look younger? How to look good? Beauty tips for face and body: Andorran offer

This question interests both women and men of any age, but it becomes especially relevant when the first signs of aging appear on the face, and the body begins to lose its former elasticity. But youth and attractiveness is not only the absence of wrinkles and a slender figure. It is a whole set of components. Among them: internal harmony, being in a good mood, having excellent self‑esteem, a healthy lifestyle, the absence of bad habits and a calm long sleep. And only all this — in combination with regular care of the face and body and age appropriate clothing and accessories can keep you looking and feeling young.

Tell me where you live, and I’ll tell you what you look like

First of all, it is much more difficult to combat the signs of aging in a metropolis than in a place that is favourable from an ecological point of view.

The ideal country for living is Andorra, located in the heart of the Pyrenees. Andorra la Vella — the highest European capital, is located 1050 m above sea level.

According to the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), in Andorra in 2013, the highest life expectancy (83.9 years) was recorded.

26 марта 2018 в 14:38

The most visited country in the world – Andorra, reports World bank

The most visited country in the world — Andorra, reports Priceonomics company (one of the leading US marketing companies) on the tourism market in 2015 on the basis of the World Bank data. In this country, there are 32.4 tourists per 1 inhabitant.

The population of Andorra in 2016 is about 75 000 people, and the tourist flow — more than 2 million tourists a year. The total number of tourists (including visiting the country for no more than 1 day) is around 8 million tourists a year. Tourism revenues make up about 80% of GDP of the Principality.

After Andorra the most visited countries of the world are: Aruba, Monaco, Bahrain and Palau. Among the non‑tourist countries of the world: Bangladesh, Guinea, Moldova, India and Sierra Leone.

26 марта 2018 в 14:38

Most beautiful lakes in the world: mountain lakes of Andorra

On the one hand, the examination of Andorran natural landscapes is an incomparable pleasure. On the other hand, it is a unique opportunity to play with imagination, to mull over the past in order to understand the present and real wealth of our nature and its vulnerability. As well as to memorize this incredible beauty that is opened to us from mountain peaks. Philosophical meditations in the mountains are natural and customarily.

Juclar Lake—is the widest lake in Andorra. Its area is 21.3 hectares. Its deep, calm, blue waters—is an outstanding superlative of the walk in the mountains. The route starts from Baladosa Bridge (Vall d’Incles, Canillo). The average time of ascension is 3 hours 10 minutes from Baladosa Bridge (Incles bus stop); the time of descent is 2 hour 40 minutes. The altitude difference is 465 meters. The altitude: about 2300 m. The grade of complexity is medium. Here you can find a shelter for overnight stay (classifier 2**). The possibility of accommodation in rooms for 6 and 9 people (cost of a bed and dinner for one person starts from 39 euros).

26 марта 2018 в 14:37

Best jobs: journalism as top job forever for a head and soul

Best jobs. Journalism as a top job forever for the head and soul
The best profession: journalism

When choosing a profession, we choose a business that we want to do well in, which we like and, as a rule, that can feed us. The best profession does not necessarily fulfill only one of these factors. Professions can be several — depending on how much our interests, preferences, and motivations change over the years. Working only for the sake of money does not bring pleasure. According to statistics, people are more often ill and unhappy in their personal lives due to the fact that they are not satisfied in a professional sense, do not have a particular interest in what they are doing or, when doing the work mechanically, do not feel they are needed. Life becomes a routine with all the ensuing consequences.

Doing business just because we like it is much more useful for health (above all, it concerns creative people or those who are inclined to self‑sacrifice). But the lack of proper money rewards can also become a stimulus for depression.

26 марта 2018 в 14:36

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

On 16th March a new museum of arts by Baroness Thyssen opened in Andorra, Escaldes- Engordany.

In total, the collection contains 26 paintings. The exhibition opens with paintings by French Impressionist Claude Monet, Paul Gauguin, Paul Signac, Henry le Sidaner; as well as by American Impressionists John Henry Twachtman, Theodore Robinson and Maurice Prendergast.

The exhibition by Baroness Thyssen continues with a fine selection of paintings by Catalan modernists — Hermenegildo Anglada Camarasa, Ramon Casas, Eliseu Meifrèn and Joaquin Mir Trinxet.

Other paintings include: works of art by the expressionists Karl Schmidt‑Rottluff and Max Pechstein. Walt Kuhn presents an American realism piece, the Russian artist Varvara Stepanova presents some work from the cubism era, Henri Matisse some fauvism concepts, and Joaquín Torres García will include an abstract constructivism.

26 марта 2018 в 14:36

Ski holidays in Andorra

Cheap ski holidays. 14 “PROS” for winter holidays in Andorra

Andorra cheap ski holidays

1. The ski resorts in Andorra include more than 320 km of slopes, all impeccably well‑kept. In Andorra, regular sports events (including the final stages) take place. For example the World and European Championships in Alpine skiing, World Cup Alpine skiing, World Cup “Flying kilometer”, the FreerideWorld Tour (FWT), Total Fight Masters of Freestyle and many others.

2. Andorra’s ski resorts have the maximum percentage of ski lift systems per square meter in the world, with a capacity of about 160 thousand people per hour. Grandvalira and Vallnord are included in the TOP 20 best resorts in the world according the World Ski Awards.

3. Andorra is the sunniest ski resort in Europe. Winter holidays in Andorra — the country has more than 300 sunny days a year. The temperature drops below zero at night and the daytime average temperature in December–March ranges from -5 to +5 degrees.

4. Ski holidays in Andorra gives you the daily opportunity to combine a day skiing with an evening visit to the thermal baths of Caldea INUU (the largest thermal baths in Southern Europe).

5. Ski holidays in Andorra can provide cheap hotels. Andorra falls on the list of the TOP 10 cheapest European city hotels (data collected by the world’s largest hotel search systems in 2016). Luxury ski holidays are also available in Andorra at the 5 stars hotels in El Tarter and Soldeu, just facing the slopes.

26 марта 2018 в 14:35

Euro money collecting

The euro (sign: €; code: EUR) is the official currency of the European Union. Currently 19 of 28 member states use the euro (eurozone). It is the second most traded currency in the foreign exchange market after the United States dollar. The euro is subdivided into 100 cents.

The currency is also officially used by the institutions of the European Union and four other European countries, as well as unilaterally by two others, and is consequently used daily by some 337 million Europeans as of 2015. Outside Europe, a number of overseas territories of EU members also use the euro as their currency. Additionally, 210 million people worldwide as of 2013 use currencies pegged to the euro.

The euro is the second largest reserve currency as well as the second most traded currency in the world after the United States dollar. As of January 2017, with more than €1.1 trillion in circulation, the euro has one of the highest combined values of banknotes and coins in circulation in the world, having surpassed the U.S. dollar.

26 марта 2018 в 14:33

How to get fit? How to eat healthily? Examples to follow from real Andorrans

“How can I get in shape?”, — men and women of all ages regularly ask themselves. After all, a slender figure doesn’t only bring self‑satisfaction and a great mood, it’s also a sign of good health.

Where can I find products that have zero calories? How can I eat healthily? What products are best? What sports should I do? What should I do in order to “live” as long as possible?

The answers to these questions are not so important in comparison with where we live. It is the daily life and what surrounds us every day that shapes our habits — our lifestyle, nutrition, behaviour, and preferences. The answer is obvious: only life in the right beautiful place and where the fresh air and the sun shines (both in winter and in summer) can it be possible to find and keep the ideal shape. Under the condition of proper nutrition, of course. But more on that later.

Let’s start with sports in the winter. The European country with one of the largest numbers of sunny days in winter is Andorra. The number of sunny days per year is rarely less than 300. It is for this reason that Andorra is one of the most popular ski resorts. The Grandvalira ski resort alone occupies 1,926 hectares and has 112 descents, being one of the largest ski resorts in the world.

26 марта 2018 в 14:32

Spain immigration

Spanish citizenship. 14 “PROS” for Andorra

1. Income tax in Andorra is fixed at 10% (0% if the income does not exceed 24000 euros per year). In Spain the progressive income tax rate varies from 19% up to 45%.

2. Indirect taxes (VAT) in Andorra are at 4.5%. Spain VAT rates vary from 4% to 21% on basic products. Basic foodstuffs, medicines and transport are taxed 10%.

3. The tax burden on businesses in Andorra is one of the lowest in Europe. Companies’ profits are taxed at 10% with an opportunity to reduce to 2% (if the relevant requirements are met). Andorra is listed among the 25 best countries in the world for business, according to the International Living Index. In Spain, the tax on company profits is 25% with the opportunity to reduce to 15%.

4. Residence permit in Spain by investments. Business immigration to Spain and Andorra. This is where there is the possibility of the legalization of the family and the acquisition of active residency in Andorra, with the right to work (Compte Propi) when investing in a business for less than 10,000 Euro “turnkey” for a family of four people. In Spain the rate of “entry” into this category starts at 2 million euros.

26 марта 2018 в 14:31

Car rental Andorra

The best way to get from Barcelona to Andorra and for traveling around Andorra is to rent a car. That will assure a necessary level of mobility and will allow avoiding the problems related to waiting for a taxi. One may rent a car either in Spain or France (at the airport or at a rental agency) or in Andorra.

In Andorra car rental companies offer a wide range of vehicles and prices. Some companies ask for a 100 euro deposit from a debit card of the client, which is returned when the car is returned. A credit card payment assures a non‑deposit form of payment. At the airports of Barcelona and Toulouse parking for rental cars can be found at all terminals, including international ones. Thus, a car may be rented for the entire period of a stay in Andorra and then returned near the check‑in desk of your flight.

26 марта 2018 в 14:30

Automatic tax exchange agreement. Full list of the countries

Automatic exchange of information. Automatic tax exchange agreement

SIGNATORIES OF THE MULTILATERAL COMPETENT AUTHORITY AGREEMENT AND
INTENDED FIRST INFORMATION EXCHANGE DATE

1. ALBANIA September 2018
2. ANDORRA September 2018
3. ANGUILLA September 2017
4. ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA September 2018
5. ARGENTINA September 2017
6. ARUBA September 2018
7. AUSTRALIA September 2018
8. AUSTRIA September 2018
9. BARBADOS September 2017

26 марта 2018 в 14:28

Ski & Snowboard gear. Prices in Andorra. What to look for when buying skis?

When choosing alpine skis, attention should be paid to the following things: the length, width and width of the waist (the narrowest point in the middle) of the skis, the material from which the skis are made and their weight, rigidity, strength, and also the so‑called “arc radius” (Sidecut and Turn Radius).

The width of mountain skis is measured in millimeters. The width of the “waist” is one of the key characteristics. Skis with “waist” from 73 to 90 mm are ideal for skiing on the pistes. The narrower the “waist”, the more maneuverable the skis, meaning the faster they move from turn to turn. Accordingly, the wider the “waist”, the better they are to ride on deep snow. Such skis are ideal for freeriding.

26 марта 2018 в 14:28

Taxi in Andorra. Stations, tariffs, telefons

Taxi stations in Andorra are located near shopping centers, the Central bus station and Hospital. The rate of payment at night is higher. If a taxi is called by mobile, the payment will include a minimal fixed rate depending on the distance of the destination point from a centre of Andorra la Vella.

Taxi rates (tariffs) in Andorra. Rate 1: 1.09 euro /km (working days from 6.00 to 22.00), Rate 2: 1.30 euro/km (weekend, holidays, from 22.00 to 06.00). Boarding: 2.50 euro. 1 hour of waiting: 18.45 euro.

26 марта 2018 в 14:25

Andorra ski lift tickes and passes

REMARKS:

1. JUNIOR (12–17 YRS): born between 2000 and 2005. Official proof of age required.
2. CHILD (6–11 YRS): born between 2006 and 2011. Official proof of age required.
3. SENIOR (65–69 YRS): born between 1948 and 1952. Official proof of age required.
4. SENIOR GOLD: Grandvalira understands “Senior Gold” the adults born in 1947 or before. Official proof of age required.
5. BABY: Grandvalira understands “Baby” the children born in 2012 and after. Official proof of age required.
6. BEGINNER (1 DAY): available for the following sectors: Encamp, Canillo, El Tarter, Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa.
7. PEDESTRIAN: the pedestrian ski pass cannot be used for skiing. Includes two ascent and two descent trip in the same day.
8. INSURANCE (1 DAY): Has to be purchased upon arrival at the station, before first day of skiing.

26 марта 2018 в 14:22

Ski deals. Best skiing in Andorra without buying ski packages

You can reach Andorra simply and quickly, without buying ski packages:

1. Ski deals: air tickets: the cheapest air tickets from many cities of Europe and Africa to Barcelona PRAT airport are available via VUELING airlines: vueling.com.

2. Ski deals: transfer: Barcelona — Andorra la Vella, Toulouse — Andorra la Vella, Madrid -Andorra la Vella: You can buy bus tickets from Barcelona, Madrid and Toulouse to Andorra without needing to book in advance (the approximate cost is 34 euros from Barcelona and Toulouse).

3. Hotels: you can book any hotel at a cheap price directly through Andorra’s official hotel sites here

4. Ski deals: lift tickets. You can purchase a ski pass at the Grandvalira and Vallnord cashiers without booking in advance at a great price.

26 марта 2018 в 14:21

Andorra web cameras

A webcam is a video camera that feeds or streams its image in real time to or through a computer to a computer network. When «captured» by the computer, the video stream may be saved, viewed or sent on to other networks via systems such as the internet, and emailed as an attachment. When sent to a remote location, the video stream may be saved, viewed or on sent there. Unlike an IP camera (which connects using Ethernet or Wi‑Fi), a webcam is generally connected by a USB cable, or similar cable, or built into computer hardware, such as laptops.

Grandvalira webcams by sectors (Encamp‑Cortals, El Tarter — Pi de Migdia, Pas de la Casa, Soldeu — Espiolets, Grau Roig — Pic de Cubil, Canillo — El Forn).

26 марта 2018 в 14:20

Backpacks and hiking in Andorra. 250 km of mountains routes

Long distance tracks

Walking is the best way to get acquainted with the landscapes of the country. During such journeys, a traveler discovers new and new secrets of nature step by step, without any hurry. Andorra offers several long‑distance walking routes: far and wide of this amazing country.

LDP (Long Distance track)—is 120 km of way. The route is divided into 7 parts from 12 to 20 km each; depending on the location of specially equipped night lodgings (totally there are 29 of such places). If the tourists wish, it is possible to make overnight accommodation in the open air. Andorra GRP guide and a special map (Mapa de refugis I camins de gran recorregut d’Andorra) will help to find bearings – this is all you need to get to the furthest corners of the Pyrenees.

26 марта 2018 в 14:19

Aerography

Aerography is a surrealist method in which a stencil used in spraypainting is replaced by a three‑dimensional object, sometimes in extreme cases male artists have used their genitals as stencils. The aerography technique is most recognizable as a blended and photorealistic style. The method has been used to decorate tiles from the Victorian era and in the works of Man Ray.

Aerography is commonly used on vehicles. It adds an appealing and attracting effect, by presenting an image on the hood, on the side, or all around.

26 марта 2018 в 14:18

Jamon Iberico & Jamon Serrano: Spanish ham. Prices in Andorra

Jamon Iberico & Jamon serrano: Spanish ham. Prices in Andorra (updated: 01.10.2017)

Jamon is the most famous national dish of Spain, made from a pig’s leg. The true Spanish jamon, in accordance with tradition, is prepared and aged for up to 1 year. Preservatives in production are not used, therefore, hamon is considered a rather expensive delicacy.

Traditionally, the most common on sale jamon is divided into 2 types:

– Jamon Serrano — a semi‑blooded pig breed without Iberian blood or with a small presence of Iberian blood. A distinctive feature of Hamon Serrano is the hoof of a pig of whiter light (white) color.

– Jamon Iberico — a pure Iberian breed of pigs is used. A distinctive feature of Hamon Iberico — the pig’s hoof must be black (pata negra) .

26 марта 2018 в 14:17

Food cost: Andorra. Food prices

“Food costing” is understanding the ratio between the cost of raw materials that make up a dish and the revenue generated by that dish. By calculating how much was spent, you’ll be able to understand the amount of actual profit you make on your sales. If your food cost is too high, you will struggle to make a profit and keep your business afloat, if it’s too low you may be turning off customers with high prices. While other costs may be less flexible (like labor costs and fixed costs — rent, utilities, etc.), food costing needs to be compatible with your actual sales.

Water, milk, meat, poultry, fish, cereals, cheese, bread, vegetables, fruits cost

26 марта 2018 в 14:15

Art of conversation

Probably, each of us at least once in our lives has heard or said the phrase: “It’s not easy to start an interesting conversation.” What does it mean? Are interlocutors are not interesting to each other? There are no common topics for conversation? Are the views diametrically opposed? Someone’s ideas escape the other? Or we simply cannot understand how to build a dialogue?

So, what is an interesting conversation? It is, first of all, something useful. It does not matter whether you are doing business or having a “heart to heart” talk, the outcome of an interesting conversation is always the same — you learned new useful information, got good advice, made sure, or, on the contrary, you doubted your rightness by listening to arguments (or counter arguments).

26 марта 2018 в 14:15

Best places to retire. Retirement

Andorra is an attractive destination to reside, both due to its proximity to Spain and France, as well as for its standard of living, its natural environment and security, and recently, for its fiscal framework.

Article 18 of the OECD Model CDI (the Double Taxation Avoidance), which corresponds to Article 17 of those subscribed by Andorra, as could be the case of France and Spain, grant exclusive taxation powers to the State of residence to tax retirement pensions. This implies that if a new resident in Andorra receives a pension from the Spanish Social Security, they will only be taxed according to the Personal Income Tax (IRPF) of Andorra, without withholding taxes.

26 марта 2018 в 14:14

There are 3 golf clubs in Andorra. Private and group classes, equipment rent and the ground for training are all at your disposal. But what is the most important is that, for example, Soldeu Golf Club is the highest ground in Europe (2250m above the sea level). One may get to the golf club by 8-seat cable railway during Andorra summer.

The noise of engines, heard from far away, will unmistakably lead you to the newly‑opened Marc Gene karting with 500 meter long track. This is a unique opportunity to compete with friends. The karting was designed and constructed with the direct involvement of such famous racers and acknowledged experts of the sphere as Jordi and Marc Gene.

The Family Park in Canillo is paradise for children in the summertime. Here one may find a huge park for children, where they can slide on rolls over specially equipped tracks all year round. There is a big playground with inflatable castles and springboards and dry swimming pools filled with balls. For older visitors there are horse ridings over most picturesque places, archery, carting by non‑engine vehicles, mushing, canoeing etc.

26 марта 2018 в 14:12

Excursions in Andorra

Those who visit Andorra can make a closer acquaintance with the natural beauty of its valleys and historical heritage by means of manifold touristic routes that encompass the whole country. They allow travelling back to the past of the country, to the times when bishops, feudals and peasants used to live in harmony.

One of the most interesting routes is Iron Route. The first reference goes back the XVI century. This was the time when iron stone extraction became one of the most popular types of industrial activity. The route around the granite made architectural monuments at Escaldes‑Engordany and Sant Julia de Loria provinces is no less interesting.

The tours around Encamp and La Massana provinces allow discovering the traditions and spiritual life of Andorra, that count more than 700-year old history. In Ordino province visitors have a chance to walk around the places, where the poet Verdaguer used to live.

The bus excursions around the most interesting sights of Andorra, its past and present, are available in summer time.

23 марта 2018 в 16:40

Andorra ski

Andorra ski infrastructure is included in the top 15 rating in the world.

Andorra’s ski map contains 182 ski slopes (340 km) in total, as well as several other areas for winter sports and extreme activities. Thus, the area offers ski for both beginners and for the more experienced.

Annually, on the slopes of Andorra, the most important international sporting ski events take place : the stages of the World and European Championships in alpine skiing and snowboarding, the World and European Cups in Alpine skiing, Total Fight Masters of Freestyle, the Freeride World Tour, the Cup “Flying kilometer”. According to experts, the Andorran slopes are one of the best in the world for such events.

According to the 2016 International Report on Snow & Mountain Tourism, Grandvalira (Andorra’s largest resort) now takes 15th place among the world’s best resorts. 2 years ago the resort occupied 20th place among 2500 ranked ski countries. It’s also noted in the report that there were only 47 resorts in the world which get more than 1 million skiers per season. Last year Grandvalira had nearly 1.7 million tourists.

Andorra ski has the maximum percentage of ski lift systems per square meter in the world, with a capacity of about 160 thousand people per hour.

23 марта 2018 в 16:37

European cuisine

Cuisine of Andorra.

Andorran cuisine is a mix of cookery traditions of the neighboring countries — Spain and France, also Catalonia, however according to the expert’s opinion, traditional dishes are cooked in Andorra more simply and the domestic way of its preparation is brightly represented in it. Restaurants in Andorra are located as in cities so along the highways, and their quantity is more than 400. The schedule of the most restaurants in Andorra is: 12:00 — 16:00, 18:00 — 24:00.

Andorran cuisine as a part of european cuisine is an example of preservation of the traditional, adapted to high mountains cuisine, which uses high‑quality products, granted by this land.

The best restaurants of Andorra are keeping to the principles of the local Pyrenean cuisine as the highest value. At the same time, an offer of more than 400 restaurants, located throughout the country is very broad and includes dishes from all the world, which reflects a cosmopolitan character of Andorran restaurants, which can satisfy every taste. Particularly one ought to mark the restaurants for gourmets: many of them are located not far from expensive hotels. They offer a constantly renewed menu of delicious dishes for every taste made from freshest local products.

23 марта 2018 в 16:36

Roman, Baroque, Gothic and Modern architecture of Europe. Sightseeing in Andorra

Churches and monuments

Being a part of the Pyrenees, Andorra was obviously swayed by the cultures of foreign countries. Alongside with that, in spite of its relatively small territory, this country has got a lot of authentic staff, which is evident in its architecture. Pre‑Roman and Romanesque periods lasted here much longer than in other European countries, where the succession of art styles was much more dynamic. Romanesque architecture of Andorra tells us the story of 7 parroquies (provinces), keeping a part of its charming story secret. The oldest churches of Andorra, dated by the XI‑XII centuries, are famous for their small sizes and simplicity. Its only decoration is a perfect harmony with nature. You will see that yourself, getting acquainted with the landscapes of Andorra and discovering its architectural monuments.

23 марта 2018 в 16:36

Сheap shopping in Europe: Andorra

The capital of Andorra—Andorra la Vella, that is located in a cozy chine of the Pyrenees, from recent time can offer maximum opportunities from the point of view of European shopping.

First of all, it concerns prices for all the goods in Andorra. Due to the fact that the VAT rate in Andorra is one of the lowest (IGI) 4.5%, shopping in Andorra is one of the most advantageous within the bounds of EU. The prices for clothes, electronics, alcohol and some foodstuff are 15–20% lower than in neighbor Spain or France. In different stores of Andorra la Vella the price difference can be even more tangible in the period of seasonal discounts.

Secondly, shopping in Andorra la Vella presupposes maximum concentration of boutiques, stores and shopping centers per square meters. There are more than 2000 stores in Andorra. For instance, being in Avenue Carlemany you are within walking distance from monobrand boutiques with clothes or jewelries, sporting malls and supermarkets that sell alimentary products and alcohol.

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