Spain: From Moorish Palaces to Mediterranean Shores

Iruni Kalupahana, JadeTimes Staff

I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Europe

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Image Source: Pajor Pawel

Geography and Climate

Spain occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula and stretches over a total area of approximately 505,990 square kilometers, which makes it the fourth largest nation in Europe. It stretches from the Pyrenees Mountains in the north, which constitute a natural border with France, to the Strait of Gibraltar in the south, separating Europe from Africa by a mere 13 kilometers. Spain features diverse landscapes ranging from enormous plains to rugged mountains and over 8,000 kilometers of coastline. Its interior consists of a dry, elevated plateau called the Meseta Central, which is flanked by mountain ranges such as the Sierra Nevada and the Cantabrian Mountains. It possesses a diversified climate: Mediterranean along the seacoasts, oceanic in the north, and desertic in the southeast. Its northwestern region, Green Spain, is blessed with heavy rain that creates dense forests, while in southern Spain, particularly Andalusia, summer is one of the hottest in Europe, and sometimes 45°C is breached.

People and Culture

Spain is occupied by approximately 48 million residents, and its largest city and capital is Madrid. Other major cities include Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and Bilbao. Spain abounds in its cultural heritage derived from the Iberians, Celts, Romans, Visigoths, and Moors. The Basque people, who are mostly located in the northern part of Spain, have their own language, Euskara, which does not connect to any other European language. Spanish, or Castilian, is the official language, but widely spoken regional languages are Catalan, Galician, and Basque. Spain is world-famous for its vibrant traditions such as flamenco dancing, bullfighting, and celebrating La Tomatina, where tomatoes are thrown at one another. Spanish cuisine is plentiful and diverse, with popular dishes being paella, gazpacho, and jamón ibérico. Wine is also a fundamental part of Spanish life, with regions like La Rioja and Ribera del Duero producing some of the greatest wines in the world.

Natural Environment and Wildlife

Spain has 16 national parks and over 1,800 protected zones, covering approximately 12% of the country. From the Mediterranean forests to the alpine environments of the Pyrenees, the diverse landscapes of the country sustain some of Europe's highest biodiversity. With over 50,000 plant and animal species, Spain is one of the most biodiverse countries in Europe. The Iberian lynx, once almost wiped out, is now recovering due to conservation efforts.

 Iberian lynx, Image Source: Naturetrek

Spain also has Europe's largest colony of griffon vultures. The wetlands of Donana National Park host thousands of visiting birds, including flamingos and herons. The country's marine biodiversity is also outstanding, with the waters surrounding the Canary Islands serving as a breeding ground for whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Despite conservation efforts, Spain faces environmental challenges, including deforestation, desertification, and water shortages, particularly in the south.

Economy and Government

Spain has the fifth largest economy in the European Union, with a GDP of over $1.5 trillion. Tourism is a major contributor, with over 80 million visitors annually, making Spain the second-most visited country on earth, after France. Spain is famous for its landmarks like the Alhambra, the Sagrada Familia, and the Prado Museum. Apart from tourism, Spain has strong industries in agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy. It is also one of the world's largest producers of olive oil and wine. It is a parliamentary monarchy, and King Felipe VI serves as head of state, with a prime minister heading the government. It is divided into 17 autonomous communities, which have significant political and economic power. Catalonia and the Basque Country have been seeking greater autonomy, which has created the political tensions. Spain is also part of other major international organizations such as the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations.

A Glimpse into History

Spain's past traces back to prehistoric times, with traces of early man settlements such as the Altamira Cave paintings tracing more than 36,000 years. The Iberians and Celts were the first inhabitants before the Greeks and Phoenicians established trade colonies. Spain was ruled by the Romans for over 600 years, introducing Latin, roads, and aqueducts. As the Roman Empire weakened, Visigoths became rulers until Moors invaded in 711 bringing their contributions of architecture, science, and horticulture. Islam dominated such cities as Granada and Córdoba. Christian Reconquista lasted approximately 800 years until King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella conquered the last Muslim monarchy at Granada in 1492. Spain financed Christopher Columbus' voyage to America that year, starting the Spanish Empire that spanned America, the Philippines, and part of Europe. Spain lost its principal colonies in the 19th century, with political unrest then following. The Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) resulted in Francisco Franco's dictatorship, which lasted up to his death in 1975. Following the transition towards democracy, Spain modernized and became one of Europe's major countries.