Andorra's Key Integration Dossier Riddled with Outdated Info

The 'Dossier d’Andorra', a key reference book used by libraries across the Principat to help residents prepare for the strict integration tests required for Andorran nationality, contains outdated information and images that no longer reflect the country's reality.

Available in libraries throughout Andorra, the dossier offers a historical snapshot of the Principat from the 20th century. Its opening pages feature former co-princes Joan Martí Alanis and Jacques Chirac, while the Casa de la Vall is depicted as the central hub of the Consell General. Judicial imagery shows the old "Columnes" building, despite judicial operations having moved to new facilities years ago.

Population figures are equally obsolete. Canillo is listed with 2,518 residents, though it now exceeds 6,000; Ordino appears with 1,931 inhabitants, nearly triple the current total; and Andorra la Vella is shown below its present 24,000-plus population. These discrepancies highlight how dated data can skew perceptions of the country's growth.

Administrative details lag behind as well. The dossier omits current veïnats and communal structures, describing a territorial division that predates recent evolutions.

Despite these shortcomings, the book remains one of the most consulted volumes in the library network. Students and nationality applicants value its concise overview of Andorra's history, politics, and geography. However, relying on it risks forming an incomplete or inaccurate view of the Principat.

Updating the dossier would go beyond fixing numbers or photos. It would turn a popular resource into a dynamic tool, accurately guiding those seeking to integrate into modern Andorra. The contrast between its enduring popularity and clear obsolescence underscores the need for timely revisions.