Kingdom of Spain
The Kingdom of Spain is a sovereign state located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. Spain's territory also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the African coast, and two autonomous cities, Ceuta and Melilla, on the African mainland.
History
- Prehistoric and Ancient History: Spain has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleolithic era. Ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Carthaginians established colonies on the Iberian Peninsula.
- Roman and Visigothic Spain: The Roman Empire ruled Spain from 218 BC to the 5th century AD, leaving behind a significant cultural and architectural legacy. Following the decline of Rome, the Visigoths established their kingdom.
- Islamic Rule: In 711, Muslim armies crossed the Strait of Gibraltar, beginning nearly eight centuries of Islamic rule in parts of Spain, known as Al-Andalus. This period was marked by significant cultural and scientific advancements.
- Reconquista: The Reconquista, a series of military campaigns by Christian kingdoms to reclaim the peninsula from Muslim rule, culminated with the fall of Granada in 1492.
- Age of Exploration: The unification of Spain under the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, marked the beginning of Spain's golden age. Spain became a global empire, with voyages like that of Christopher Columbus leading to the discovery of the Americas.
- Habsburg and Bourbon Dynasties: After the Habsburgs, the Bourbon Dynasty took control, centralizing power and modernizing the state.
- 20th Century and Beyond: Spain experienced a civil war from 1936 to 1939, leading to the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. After Franco's death in 1975, Spain transitioned to democracy, joining the European Union in 1986.
Geography and Climate
Spain's geography is diverse, with mountainous regions like the Pyrenees in the north and the Sierra Nevada in the south. Its climate ranges from the Mediterranean in the south to temperate in the north, with significant variations due to altitude and proximity to the sea.
Culture
Spanish culture is renowned for its art, literature, music, dance (notably Flamenco), and architecture. Spain has produced world-renowned artists like Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí, and writers like Miguel de Cervantes.
Government and Politics
Spain is a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy. The King of Spain is the head of state, while the Prime Minister heads the government. The country is divided into 17 autonomous communities and two autonomous cities.
Economy
Spain has a mixed economy, the 14th largest in the world by nominal GDP. Key sectors include tourism, agriculture (notably wine and olive oil), manufacturing, and services.
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See Also