II.

Land and Resources

Andorra is a region of narrow valleys and steep mountain peaks; the highest point is Coma Pedrosa (2,946 m/9,665 ft). The many streams meet to form the River Valira, which flows south into Spain. Water, used to generate hydroelectricity, is one of Andorra’s few significant natural resources. There are small iron and lead deposits and marble quarries, but the principality depends heavily on imported raw materials. Most food is also imported as only 4 per cent of the land can be cultivated. The rest is given over to pine and birch forests, and, in low-lying areas, pastureland where sheep are grazed. Deforestation is an issue in Andorra, and overgrazing is causing soil erosion in the mountain meadows. In 2004 the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on account of its living tradition of mountain pastoral farming and culture.