Andorra

Andorra Environment Overview

Nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees, Andorra is a small yet captivating country known for its unique environmental landscape. With a temperate climate characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, arid summers, Andorra offers a diverse natural setting. The principality's land use is notably distinctive, with forested areas covering 38.7% and agricultural land comprising 39.9%, predominantly permanent pasture. Despite its small size, Andorra faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil degradation due to overgrazing, and air pollution. The urban population makes up 87.8% of the total, growing at a modest rate of 0.11% annually. In terms of waste management, the nation generates approximately 43,000 tons of municipal solid waste annually. However, Andorra is committed to international environmental agreements like the Paris Agreement and conventions on biodiversity, indicating its dedication to sustainable practices and environmental protection. These efforts underscore Andorra's proactive approach to managing its environmental footprint while maintaining its natural beauty.

Climate

temperate; cold, snowy winters and warm, arid summers

Land use

other

21.4% (2023 est.)

forest

38.7% (2023 est.)

agricultural land

39.9% (2023 est.)

agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 1.6% (2023 est.)

agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)

agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 38.3% (2023 est.)

Urbanization

urban population

87.8% of total population (2023)

rate of urbanization

0.11% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Waste and recycling

municipal solid waste generated annually

43,000 tons (2024 est.)

Environmental issues

deforestation; soil degradation due to overgrazing; air pollution; treatment of wastewater and disposal of solid waste

Particulate matter emissions

8.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)

Total renewable water resources

315.6 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

International environmental agreements

party to

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Paris Agreement on Climate Change, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, Desertification, Hazardous Waste Management, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements