Andorra Admits National Exam Dossier is Outdated

The Andorran government has acknowledged that its widely used "Dossier d'Andorra"—a key study aid for the national assimilation exam—is outdated, having been compiled before widespread internet access. Officials maintain, however, that it remains a valuable supplementary resource alongside more current materials.

Prepared in an era when information was harder to access online, the dossier compiles essential knowledge on Andorra's history, culture, geography, and institutions into a single, concise volume. This made it a practical tool at the time. Despite its age, it tops borrowing lists at the country's library network, thanks to limited copies, steady exam demand, and its user-friendly summary format.

Government spokespeople emphasise that candidates are not reliant on it alone. They have access to updated bibliography, including specialised works on Andorra's ties to Europe. For time-sensitive data like demographics, official sources such as the Statistics website provide national and parish-level figures. The Relat Històric d’Andorra site offers revised historical content, particularly on contemporary events.

The dossier's historical sections, which do not change, are particularly strong, officials note, while links to fresh resources cover other areas. Looking ahead, the Culture and Interior ministries are exploring updates, potentially including an executive summary of available literature to better reflect modern Andorra.

The ongoing popularity of this analogue-era document highlights tensions in how the country prepares aspiring citizens for its rigorous integration requirements.