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748 Andorra was rewarded with independence by Charlemagne
for fighting the Moors. Following arguments between
Spain and France over who would reign, an agreement
was reached in 1278 for the country to be governed
by a prince from both countries.
For
more than 700 years, the state has preserved its
identity while remaining neutral and un-involved
in European diplomatic affairs. Andorra is an
independent European state with a democratically
elected parliament. It is now also a member of
the UN.
The
co-princes appoint a Cap de Govern, the equivalent
to President or Prime Minister, on recommendation
from the Consell General de las Valls. This uni-cameral
legislature of 28 members is elected every 4 years,
half directly by the parishes and half through
a national constituency list. The Cap de Govern
then appoints an executive cabinet and directs
government from la Casa de la Vall or Houses of
Parliament. Officials called vergeurs represent
locally the heads of state, and the country is
divided administratively into seven parishes.
Under the 1993 Constitution, the legal system
is based on the French and Spanish civil codes
with an independent judiciary.
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