EMAIL A FRIEND According to the U.S Census Bureau, the U.S. is up to 77.9 years from 75.8 just 10 years ago. Andorra however has a life expectancy of 83.5 years. Different lifestyles and behaviors may be the reason for the difference in life expectancy of these two countries.
Isolation in Andorra
Located in the Pyrenees Mountains, Andorra has historically been an isolated country without much interaction with any other countries, aside from their neighbouring countries, Spain and France.
Andorra has a population of approximately 81,000. Andorrans are the minority in their own country, however. More than 50% of the population in Andorra is Spanish, French, or Portuguese.
In 1993 Andorra developed and implemented a modern political system. That same year Andorra became part of the United Nations. Andorra has continued to open its doors to other countries and now has a good relationship with the U.S., among other countries. Powered by medical8.com
Today Andorra is dependant on tourism for its high economic status. Around nine million tourists visit Andorra each year, mainly for skiing holidays with companies like . The fact that Andorra is both a ski holiday destination and a tax haven makes it a popular destination for tourists and investors alike. Shopping, low tax rates, imports, and the duty-free status of Andorra are attractive to those living in neighbouring countries.
Andorra is limited in agricultural resources. They depend mainly on sheep and tobacco, making tourism imperative for their livelihood.
Andorra is covered with rugged mountains and narrow valleys. The region is relatively mild as far as the average temperature, but it is not unusual to see the mountain tops dusted with snow in the winter months. These conditions make Andorra a popular ski resort destination.
Why Does Andorra Have High Life Expectancy?
It is not surprising that a country like Andorra, in virtual isolation from the rest of the world, ranks the highest in life expectancy.
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The behaviours people choose are the main factors that cause early deaths. Smoking, doing drugs, drinking, and overeating are some behaviors that have a direct effect on one's life span. Experiencing too much stress makes it easy to reach for one or more of these things for relief. These behaviours are known to cause heart attacks and strokes.
Being isolated from modern society, where addictions and overindulgences are rampant, appears to reduce the risk of common health problems that cause people to die earlier in life.
Andorrans have a different lifestyle than most countries. It is their lifestyle that sets them apart form the rest of the world and increases their life span. Most residents of Andorra are wealthy. There is no crime in Andorra. Residents even receive free health care and pension plans, making it easier for them to take better care of their health.
The Effect of Tourism in Andorra
Only time will tell the true effect that tourism will have on the residents of Andorra. With increased traffic and a wider variety of people in the country, things are likely to change, and as Andorra becomes more and more modernized, they, too, may face the epidemics that countries like the U.S are currently facing.
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Though property in Andorra is affordable now, increased tourism may place a higher demand on properties and drive the prices up. In addition, new residents of Andorra will not be able to get free health care.
Andorra currently has the longest life expectancy rate, though it will be interesting to see how that rate might change over the next 10 or 20 years as the country becomes less isolated and more globalized. The clean mountain air might help Andorra have an edge on industrialised countries though.
