Time Zone |
Africa/Sao_Tome |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+0 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Time Zone |
Europe/Andorra |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+1 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+2 |
São Tomé and Príncipe is an island country in west-central Africa, consisting of the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe and the surrounding islets, with the capital, São Tomé, located in the northeastern part of São Tomé. Located on the Gulf of Guinea, about 200 kilometers from the African continent, the country was colonized by Portugal in the 15th century and became independent in 1975, with Portuguese as the official language and an economy based on agriculture (cocoa, palm oil) and tourism. It should be noted that "Java" is not a city or region of the country; Java is the main island of Indonesia, with cities such as Jakarta and Surabaya, and has nothing to do with São Tomé and Príncipe, possibly due to a confusion of names.
Meritxell is a parish in the Principality of Andorra, located in the eastern part of the Pyrénées Mountains, about 6 kilometers from the capital city of Andorra. It is known for the famous shrine of Our Lady of Meritxell, a religious and cultural symbol of Andorra.
Located in a valley at an altitude of about 1,200 meters, Méritxell is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, with cold and snowy winters and cool summers. Its unique alpine climate makes it a popular destination for skiers and hikers.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Meritxell was built in the 17th century and rebuilt by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill after it was destroyed by fire in 1972. The new shrine is a blend of Romanesque and modern design. The Feast of Our Lady of Meritxell, celebrated on September 8 every year, is one of the most important traditional celebrations in Andorra.
The economy of the region is dominated by tourism, and the proximity of the Grande Valira ski resort provides excellent facilities for winter sports. The area retains its traditional stone house architecture and has a handicraft market which attracts visitors to experience Andorra's mountain culture.