Andorra Unitary state

Structures and competences

Andorra’s territory is divided into seven administrative divisions, known as parishes (equivalent to municipalities).

Despite its diminutive size, Andorra’s local government landscape is divided into seven administrative divisions (or parishes).

Each parish has its own elected mayor (consul) and seat of local government (comú).

The government of the Principality of Andorra is responsible for Andorra’s domestic and foreign policy and for administration of the state. The government comprises the head of government and ministers. Each year, the government draws up the budget, which is then voted on in the General Council (Parliament).

Andorra’s General Council: the General Council is Andorra’s parliament and legislative body. It is a 28-member unicameral parliament with mixed, joint representation of the national population and the seven parishes.

Half of its members are elected by a national vote, and the other half by the parishes (two members per parish). General elections are held every four years.

Political and administrative power rests with the seven parishes of Andorra and the local government.

Each parish is led by a mayor and a deputy mayor, and has an authority with other administrative positions. The local government building is known as the “Comú” (town hall). The Comú governs the parish and represents its interests, approves and implements its budget, and manages and administers its property.

Local elections are held every four years, but not at the same time as the general election.

Andorra la Vella is the most populous parish and its seat of government, the city of Andorra la Vella, which borders the neighbouring Spanish province of Lleida. The parish measures 12 km² and has a population of 22,256.