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For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a unique co-principality, ruled by the French chief of state and the Spanish bishop of Urgel. In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titular heads of state retained, but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy. Long isolated and impoverished, mountainous Andorra achieved considerable prosperity since World War II through its tourist industry. Many immigrants (legal and illegal) are attracted to the thriving economy with its lack of income taxes.
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Country
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Surface Area: 468 sq km
Population: 68,403 (July 2002 est.)
Located in: Southwestern Europe, between France and Spain
Capital City: Andorra la Vella
Head of State: Jacques CHIRAC, represented by Philippe MASSONI and Joan Enric VIVES i SICILIA represented by Nemesi MARQUES i OSTE
Prime Minister: Marc FORNE MOLNE
Independent since: 1278 (was formed under the joint suzerainty of France and Spain)
Currency: Euro
Flag (image): 
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