| Name | Greater Andorra |
| Type | Federation of independent principalities, republics, and autonomous regions |
| Economy | Center of trade, finance, and education for surrounding regions |
| Location | Pyrenees mountains, southwestern Europe |
| Languages | Diverse, dominated by Catalan |
| Significance | Important but often overlooked force in the development of southern Europe |
| Ethnic groups | Diverse |
| Dominant culture | |
| Political status | Politically neutral territory |
Greater Andorra is a federation of independent principalities, republics, and autonomous regions located in the Pyrenees mountains of southwestern Europe. Centered on the traditional Principality of Andorra, the Greater Andorran state encompasses a diverse array of ethnic groups and languages while being dominated by Catalan culture. A politically neutral territory, Greater Andorra has flourished as an economic and intellectual hub, serving as a center of trade, finance, and education for the surrounding regions.
The origins of Greater Andorra date back to the 9th century, when the region was divided into a patchwork of small feudal states and ecclesiastical principalities. Over the centuries, these territories coalesced into a federated structure, with the Principality of Andorra at its core.
In the 16th century, the principality underwent a period of reform that transformed it into a democratic republic, while other surrounding regions became independent principalities or republics as well. This pluralistic political and cultural landscape persisted through the upheavals of the Napoleonic Wars and the 19th century, as Greater Andorra maintained its neutrality and autonomy.
During the tumultuous 20th century, Greater Andorra served as a refuge and meeting place for intellectuals, artists, and political exiles fleeing conflicts in Spain, France, and Italy. This influx of diverse influences further enriched the region's already vibrant culture. Greater Andorra emerged from the World Wars as a prosperous, stable, and influential federation, its economy and reputation as a center of education and the arts growing steadily.
Nestled in the central Pyrenees, Greater Andorra encompasses an area of over 5,000 square kilometers, making it significantly larger than the Andorra of our timeline. The landscape is dominated by high mountain peaks, deep valleys, and swift-flowing rivers. The climate is alpine, with long, snowy winters and cool, wet summers.
The population of Greater Andorra is estimated at around 400,000 as of 2020. The majority, around 65%, are ethnic Catalans, with sizable minorities of Basques, Occitans, and Romance language speakers from neighboring regions. Greater Andorra is officially multilingual, with Catalan, Basque, Occitan, and French all recognized as national languages.
Greater Andorra is a federated constitutional republic composed of several autonomous principalities, republics, and regions. The central government, located in the city of Andorra la Vella, coordinates foreign policy, defense, and economic integration, while local authorities maintain a high degree of self-governance.
The head of state is an elected President who serves a five-year term. Legislative power is vested in a bicameral parliament consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives. Greater Andorra has a multi-party democratic system, with center-left, center-right, and regional nationalist parties typically represented.
The federation maintains strict political neutrality, avoiding entanglement in the conflicts that have periodically wracked the Iberian Peninsula and Southern Europe. This neutrality, along with its robust democratic institutions, has helped establish Greater Andorra as a respected and stable presence in the region.
Greater Andorra's economy is centered on finance, education, tourism, and high-tech industries. The federation serves as a hub of banking, insurance, and investment management, taking advantage of its political neutrality and favorable tax policies. Additionally, its renowned universities and research institutes attract students and scholars from across Europe and beyond.
Tourism is a major component of the Andorran economy, with visitors drawn to the region's stunning alpine landscapes, medieval architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The federation is particularly renowned for its skiing, hiking, and rock climbing opportunities.
Culturally, Greater Andorra is a melting pot of Catalan, Basque, Occitan, and other southern European traditions. The arts flourish, with celebrated painters, sculptors, musicians, and writers hailing from the federation. Greater Andorra's universities are also acclaimed for their contributions to fields like linguistics, history, philosophy, and mathematics.
While often overshadowed by the larger powers surrounding it, Greater Andorra has played an outsized role in shaping the cultural, intellectual, and political landscape of southern Europe. Its neutral stance, democratic institutions, and diverse society have provided a model for regional cooperation and stability.
The federation's economic prosperity and reputation as a center of education have also allowed it to exert significant soft power, with Andorran thinkers, artists, and entrepreneurs influencing developments across the Pyrenees. Greater Andorra's legacy as a refuge for progressive ideals and a crucible of intellectual exchange continues to resonate to this day.
