Security in Andorra: A crime-free environment

Andorra is a destination of opportunities, not only to invest but also to lead a quiet life. That is why the Principality is becoming the preferred country for those who want to live a retirement or retirement in harmony. One of the key factors for settling in the country is the low crime rate. In this article, we tell you how is security in Andorra.

Security in Andorra: a country with low crime rates

Traditionally, the Principality has been considered a peaceful and neutral destination regarding war conflicts, including the two World Wars and the Franco regime. Andorra’s pacifism has been maintained in the worst events of humanity around it. Politics and the low crime rate in Andorra give the country an air of security that can be breathed at any time of the day or night.

High degree of security in Andorra is remarkable, considering it attracts more than eight million tourists annually. Moreover, this country is home to Andorrans and nationals from different countries and cultures, predominantly Spanish and French. As we have already mentioned, the country is a favorite of investors who settle here because of the great tax benefits; it is also home to many pensioners and retirees who want to live their retirement in total harmony. How is the index of security in Andorra?

Crime and homicide rate

Andorra is one of the few countries with a low per capita crime rate, according to various institutions such as the ODIHR, the OSCE, and the UNECE. The latest data collected in 2015 determined that there were only three homicides in the country (2004, 2008, and 2011). This has brought the rate to between zero and 1.2 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Are there robberies and attacks in Andorra?

Tourists visiting Andorra from all over the world report that Andorra has a peaceful atmosphere at all hours of the day and night. The number of robberies to establishments averages 130 per year, while personal robberies have an annual average of less than 10. As for attacks per year (including assaults and rapes), the average is less than three.

Security in Andorra: World Bank indicators

The World Bank is an international organization in charge of conducting crime studies in different countries. These are called “Country Data Report” and refer to crime, delinquency, and institutional quality indicators. To interpret these data, we must tell you that it is structured on indexes of 100, being 100 a better-positioned country and zero, the worst of all.

The latest data published by the World Bank give Andorra a percentile of between 90 and 100. To give you an idea, Spain has a percentage of 70 to 80. In the section referring to “political stability and absence of violence/terrorism,” Andorra reaches between 95 and 100%, while Spain does not reach 50%.

Why is Andorra such a safe country?

Security in Andorra is high, but it is the result of several factors that the Andorran government has been able to manage. The three points that make the country safe are:

• War neutrality.
• Political stability and quality institutions.
• Low crime and delinquency rates.

How is it that Andorra can keep these three pillars in perfect balance, providing security for citizens and tourists? You may be surprised to learn that Andorra does not have a large special forces corps, but, in addition, it lacks a navy and an army. The Principality is demilitarized and relies on the support of its neighbors, Spain and France, through numerous agreements and, if necessary. But on the other hand, there are not too many policemen. There are only about 300 agents between police and special forces.

The Principality’s police

In the past, security in Andorra was provided by the somatén. This Catalan parapolice institution provided civil protection and protection against crime. But the somatén was only summoned in case of need. The police, as we know it today, was born in 1931 and, at that time, consisted of six agents. Over the years, and due to the growth of the population (more than 79,000 inhabitants), the police also had to grow. Today it is said that there is approximately one policeman for every 264 inhabitants.

The Penal Code: key to high security in Andorra

Another factor in determining safety is related to the Penal Code. Although it does not have many differences from other countries, it stands out that the Andorran one is more severe and punitive regarding consumption, possession, and trafficking of drugs and psychoactive substances. You will be surprised to know that the Principality only has a prison population of 50 inmates, five of whom are women.

In addition, the Principality’s rigorous immigration legislation also contributes to security in Andorra. These laws, with a preventive objective, establish the administrative expulsion of persons who pose a risk to the security in Andorra, as well as to people and public order. In other words, people who want to reside in Andorra must undergo a thorough and strict process to obtain the corresponding permit. Do not panic; although the requirements are strict, from MCA Assessors, we provide the necessary advice to establish yourself successfully in the Principality.