Safety in Andorra
Andorra is a country known for having a very low rate of insecurity which is close to 0%. Myth or reality, future expatriates wonder about the veracity of this information. What is the real context in Andorra in terms of security? What are the measures taken by its government to keep the country among the safest in the world? Why is the Principality of Andorra a safe country?
Safety situation in Andorra
Whether it is for a trip to Andorra or for an expatriation project, this country is often described as a peaceful place. This is not only due to its natural beauty, but also to its safety in terms of crime.
Crime statistics in Andorra
Andorra is a country free of crime and delinquency. Is this a utopia or is it reality? The crime rate in Andorra is very low and the statistics show this. In the last three years, based on the data, the crime index remains very low, whether we are talking about theft and vandalism, burglaries, assaults and insults, drug trafficking, armed robbery or corruption. This low crime rate in Andorra is accredited by various international organizations (UN, OSCE, World Bank...).
The most frequent types of crime in the Principality of Andorra
Some of the most common types of crime in the Principality of Andorra are driving under the influence of alcohol, drug possession and fighting. Being a very touristy country, tourists are often involved.
To give you an idea of the troublemaker stories that occur in Andorra, in 2021, a man (a tourist) who farted in the locker room of the Caldea spa caused a brawl with a total of 12 people involved. To stop the fight, the private security of the establishment had to call the police. This story made the headlines in the Principality but also internationally.
Reasons for low crime in this country
What are the reasons for the low crime rate in Andorra? This is primarily due to the efficiency of its government, which has put in place regulations adapted to the structure of its country. In the Principality of Andorra, the number of police officers counted from 2021 to 2022 is 255 for nearly 79,535 inhabitants. With an area of 468 km² of the country, the police officers have an easier time to carry out prosecutions or controls in case of delinquency. The country is also located in the heart of the Pyrenees and is bordered by only two borders, one with France and the other with Spain. On the other hand, there is the political and economic stability, a tradition of infallible neutrality of the country and the quality of the civic education of its citizens.
The different measures taken to ensure safety in Andorra
What are the security measures applied in Andorra to take advantage of this almost zero delinquency rate? A small paradox: this is neither thanks to the police, nor to any law, nor to a more severe penal code. The number of police officers in the Principality of Andorra is not greater than in other countries. Moreover, it does not have an army or even a Ministry of Defense. It is therefore not surprising to be intrigued by the reasons that make it a very safe country.
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Government initiatives to guarantee security in Andorra
The Andorran government has proposed various bills to ensure the safety of its population. All citizens and police forces must abide by various rules of conduct stipulated in the constitution and current legislation.
Along with good citizenship education, the Andorran state also has very strict immigration laws. These laws are aimed at establishing law and order and the government does not hesitate to expel from the country any person who could be a threat to national security. The expatriation files as well as the criminal records of future expatriates will therefore be screened before being validated.
Due to the large number of expatriate residents in the country, the government is working hard to establish security in the country. But its initiatives do not stop there. They cover other areas, such as the preservation of its cultural heritage, the promotion of its official language, the protection of the environment, etc.
Collaboration with the authorities of neighboring countries to strengthen security
Andorra has cooperation agreements with other countries, notably France and Spain, as well as the collaboration of Andorran police officers with border security services. We can also mention certain European conventions such as the one aimed at combating human trafficking.
Security measures in public places and tourist areas
The country is particularly equipped with surveillance cameras to ensure the safety of citizens in public spaces. Andorra has no risk of kidnapping or assault, whether in the streets, near schools, in parks or in shopping centers. Residents can walk around without fear of being robbed or assaulted.
In large cities such as Andorra la Vella, the population benefits from a permanent presence of police officers who patrol the streets. This guarantees the safety of residents and tourists who come to Andorra. Moreover, the Andorran police officers are very respectful and helpful. Moreover, in the exercise of their duties, they are required to maintain political neutrality, refrain from discrimination and obey absolute impartiality.
Operation Cage and civic cooperation
In Andorra, the population benefits from what is called ” The Cage Operation “. In the event of crimes, robberies or hold-ups, the government can close the borders to search for the culprits, and if necessary search the vehicles one by one. The police are already patrolling and carrying out various control operations, not to mention the presence of surveillance cameras.
You should know that in Andorra, if you drive under the influence of alcohol, you may be taken into custody and brought before the court the next day. It can be seen that the law remains intransigent in this country. This is also a reason that has undoubtedly built the high quality education of Andorran citizens.
As for citizen cooperation, the Andorran authorities communicate to citizens, often through social networks, in case of crimes and ask residents to inform them if they come across the suspects. This type of operation is often successful and leads to the arrest of suspects on the run.
Reasons why Andorra is a safe country
As mentioned above, there are several reasons why Andorra is one of the safest countries in the world. The small size of its population may be the main reason for its low crime rate. The size of the population and the low crime rate are indeed linked. This makes it easier to control non-compliance with rules and the law. The presence of many police officers and surveillance cameras also has a lot to do with this. Additionally, police officers in Andorra are courteous and take care to direct residents to the best course of action.
Furthermore, Andorran social life is based on respect for tradition and legislation. Social values are preserved and laws are honored. The excellent quality of life in the country leads to a state of well-being and serenity, which does not fail to have a positive impact on the mentality of the people. The social security system managed by the CASS provides residents with healthcare coverage that allows them to stay in shape, both physically and mentally. These are all elements that contribute to the peaceful and safe character of the Principality of Andorra.
