International Column 3/26: Algeria and Andorra

 This week in the International Column we will be traveling to 2 different places!

First we go to Algeria, located in North Africa along the Mediterranian coastline and Sahran desert interior. While the majority of Algerians are Arabs, the country has a significant french influence within their language and culture. Listed below are the top 9 facts and some pictures about Algeria's rich culture and interesting people.

1. Algeria is the tenth largest country in the world!

2. The Fennec Fox is Algeria's national animal!

   

3. Algeria is only 12% of landmass, as 90% of the country is the Sahara Desert.

   

4. Surprisingly, most Algerian women contribute more to household incomes than their male counterpartst. 

   

5. While, in other countries, eating all of what’s on your plate is a sign that you enjoyed your  meal. In Algeria, it's tradition to leave a little of food on the plate at the end to signify to your host that they were able to amply feed you. 

6. Travelers to Algeria are traditionally greeted with a gift consisting of dates and milk.

7. Algerian people tend to be formal and courteous and do not appreciate when people are direct and frank when speaking.

8. Algeria has the highest cost of living compared to all other African countries. 

   

9. The Algerian flag’s colors are representative of the Islam faith (Green), Purity (White) and Spilt blood to gain independence (red)

The second country being introduced to the International column is Andorra! Andorra is a very tiny located country situated between France and Spain alongside the Pyrenees mountains. Andorra is famous for its ski resorts and it’s tax haven status. It’s capital, La Vella, features plentiful boutiques and jewelers within several luxurious shopping centers. Listed below are the top 7 cool and interesting facts of Andorra! 

1.  Andorra is the world’s only co-principality, meaning two princes co jointly run the country.

2. Andorra is the only country with Catalan existing as its official language.

   

3.  Andorra is a pacifist country, they haven't been in a war in almost 1,000 years. 

   

4. Andorra currently does not have a national bank nor their own currency.

5. Alondra holds the 8th highest life expectancy title in the world.

6. Alondra has the highest amount of tourists per capita in the world. 

   

7. Andora is known to be one of the safest countries in the world!