Mountains, folk-dancing and (near) immortality. If these are the things for you, then John Hillman’s got just the destination.

Andorra has emerged from its international isolation to become a thriving European tax haven and holiday destination that boasts the second longest life expectancy in the world.

Not that I’m too envious. The value of a long life expectancy is not always what it’s cracked up to be, just ask Hunter S. Thompson.

However, culturally refined types of the sort P&O generally caters for will be interested to hear that this tiny country is also the proud owner of a lengthy and impressive array of traditional folk-music styles.

Andorran folk music shares its roots with its Catalan neighbours, along with its more traditional folk dances such as the contrapás, marratxa and the sardana, all of which can be seen being performed during Andorra’s national holiday, Our Lady of Meritxell Day on the 8th September each year.

But those of you eager to get to Andorra as soon as possible to experience this feast of folk-dance fusion, never fear, different festivals and celebrations are held throughout the year, just check out the Andorran tourist board’s website.

So there we have it, Andorra: The second longest life expectancy in the world and a lengthy array of traditional folk-dance and music styles. Is this a good or a bad thing? Discuss.

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