Spain, officially known as the Kingdom of Spain, is a country located in southwestern Europe with parts of its territory in the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and Africa. Its mainland is bordered by Portugal to the west, France and Andorra to the north, and the Bay of Biscay to the northwest. Spain also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic off the African coast, and two autonomous cities in North Africa, Ceuta and Melilla.
History
- Prehistoric Times: The territory of modern Spain was inhabited by Iberian Peninsula's indigenous tribes, including the Iberians, Celts, and Basques.
- Roman Era: From 218 BC, Spain became part of the Roman Empire, known as Hispania. Roman culture and language left a lasting impact.
- Visigothic Kingdom: After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Visigoths established a kingdom in Spain.
- Islamic Rule: In 711 AD, Muslim forces invaded from North Africa, beginning nearly eight centuries of Islamic rule in parts of Spain, known as Al-Andalus.
- Reconquista: This period marks the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula from the Moors, culminating in 1492 with the fall of Granada.
- The Spanish Empire: Following the marriage of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, Spain emerged as a unified kingdom. The Age of Discovery began with Christopher Columbus's voyage in 1492, leading to Spain becoming one of the most powerful empires in the world.
- Decline: The 17th and 18th centuries saw a decline in Spain's power due to various wars, economic issues, and the loss of many colonies.
- Modern Era: The 19th and 20th centuries were marked by political instability, including the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and the subsequent Francisco Franco's dictatorship until his death in 1975. Spain transitioned to democracy in the late 20th century.
Geography
Spain's landscape is diverse, featuring mountains like the Pyrenees, the Sierra Nevada, and the Central System, as well as extensive plains like the Meseta Central. It has a Mediterranean climate in the south and east, with cooler, more temperate conditions in the north and the central highlands.
Culture
Spain has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its history. Spanish culture is known for:
Politics and Government
Spain is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy with King Felipe VI as the head of state. The government is divided into executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It is also divided into 17 autonomous communities and two autonomous cities, which have varying degrees of autonomy.
Economy
Spain has a mixed capitalist economy, with sectors like tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and services playing significant roles. It is the fourth-largest economy in the European Union after Germany, United Kingdom, and France.
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