Spain Portugal Andorra (World Division Map)

Author: Zhou Min, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Area of 504,750 square kilometers. Population of 39.04 million (1991). The main ethnic group is the Castilians (i.e., Spaniards), with minority groups including Catalans (approximately 6 million), Basques, and Galicians. Castilian (i.e., Spanish) is the official language and the national spoken language. In the three minority regions of Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Galicia, their respective ethnic languages are also official languages. 94% of the population is Catholic. The capital is Madrid.
Overview Located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It borders Portugal to the west, France and Andorra to the northeast, the Bay of Biscay to the north, and Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar to the south. It faces the Mediterranean Sea to the east and southeast. The coastline is approximately 3,904 kilometers long (excluding the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands). The central plateau has a continental climate, while the northern and northwestern coastal areas have a maritime climate. The average temperature in Madrid is 4.9°C in January and 22.5°C in August. After the victory of the "Reconquista" in 1492, a unified Spanish feudal monarchy was established. That same year, Christopher Columbus arrived in the Caribbean. Spain gradually became a maritime power with colonies in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. In 1588, the "Invincible Armada" was defeated by England, marking the beginning of its decline. In 1873, a republic was established. In 1931, the Second Republic was established. In 1947, Franco declared Spain a monarchy and appointed himself. In November 1975, Franco died, and Juan Carlos I ascended the throne. In July 1976, King Juan Carlos appointed Adolfo Suárez as Prime Minister, marking the beginning of the transition to Western parliamentary democracy. In October 1982, the Workers' Socialist Party won the election and formed the government. Afterward, the party won the elections in 1986, 1989, and 1993, maintaining its rule.
Natural Geography Located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, also known as the Pyrenees Peninsula, covering 4/5 of the peninsula. It lies between 36°N and 44°N latitude and 9°18′W to 3°19′E longitude. The north-south distance is 840 kilometers, and the east-west distance is approximately 1,000 kilometers. The territory includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands in the northwest of Africa, making it the largest country in southwestern Europe and the second-largest in Western Europe, covering 1/20 of Europe's total area. The Meseta in central Spain is a closed surrounded by mountains, covering about 60% of the country and averaging 600–800 meters in elevation. Spain has many mountains, with the Pyrenees and Cantabrian ranges stretching east-west in the north, and the Andalusian range running along the border in the south. Its highest peak, Mulhacén, stands at 3,478 meters and is Spain's highest point. The Canary Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions, consisting of 13 volcanic islands with a total area of 7,273 square kilometers. Spain suffers from extreme water scarcity, with most of the country characterized by mild, rainy, and windy weather. The climate in the Meseta is continental, with winter temperatures dropping to -25°C and summer temperatures exceeding 40°C. The average annual rainfall in the plateau region is around 500 millimeters. The northern and northwestern coastal areas have a maritime temperate climate with little temperature difference between winter and summer, with average temperatures of 9°C in January and 19°C in July. Annual rainfall here exceeds 1,000 millimeters. The southern and southeastern regions have a Mediterranean subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild, rainy winters. Spain has approximately 30% forest cover, with most forests concentrated along the northern coast. The total forest area is 11.79 million hectares, and Spain's cork production ranks second in the world, making it an important export commodity. Spain has abundant fishing resources, with the Mediterranean home to 450 fish species, the most valuable of which is tuna. The Atlantic and Bay of Biscay are rich in sardines and cod, both renowned worldwide.
Population and Ethnicity Spain's population ranks fifth in Europe after Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and France. The population distribution is highly uneven, with only one-third of the population living in the inland areas, which cover about two-thirds of the country. Spain has a high population mobility, with approximately 1.5 million people migrating to other countries after World War II. Over 3.36 million Spanish people live abroad, with 2.207 million in the Americas and 1.073 million in Europe. Internal migration is also significant, with about 300,000 to 500,000 people moving annually, primarily from rural to urban areas or from remote regions to economically developed areas or tourist destinations.
Spain is a multi-ethnic country, with the Castilians (i.e., Spaniards) as the majority ethnic group, accounting for 70% of the population. Other ethnic groups include Catalans (18.8% of the population, approximately 6.9 million), Galicians (8.2% of the population, approximately 3 million), Basques (2.3% of the population, approximately 850,000), and others such as Gypsies (40,000), Portuguese (30,000), Americans (30,000), and Cubans (20,000).
Language and Religion Spanish originated from ancient Latin and has a history of over 1,000 years. It is the official language of Spain. In minority regions, their respective ethnic languages are also official languages. Spanish is the lingua franca in some Latin American countries, Equatorial Guinea in Africa, several North African countries, and parts of the Philippines. Currently, 230 million people worldwide speak Spanish, making it one of the official languages of the United Nations. 94% of the Spanish population is Catholic, and Catholicism has a significant influence on people's lives. Additionally, there are 30,000 Protestants and a small number of members of baptismal sects.
Customs and Traditions "Large Pot Stew" In 1987, Spain twice broke the "Guinness" world record for the largest meat and vegetable rice dish (similar to Chinese eight-treasure rice). The previous record was a pot large enough to feed 15,000 people. In that year, two records were set for pots large enough to feed 30,000 and 60,000 people. The meat and vegetable rice is a dish commonly eaten in the Valencia region and throughout Spain and is popular among foreign tourists. "Honeymoon Island" The largest island in the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, Majorca, is renowned for its beautiful scenery and pleasant climate. In the mid-1950s, 100 French couples got married collectively. They were deeply impressed by the island's charm and decided to celebrate their honeymoon together. Afterward, many newlyweds in Europe considered Majorca the best place for a honeymoon. Over time, the island became known as "Honeymoon Island."
Bullfighting Bullfighting is considered Spain's "national art" and is often referred to as the "kingdom of bullfighting." Spanish bullfighting has always attracted worldwide attention and admiration.
"Women's Day of Martyrdom" According to legend, in 1227, the Moors captured the Segovia fortress of Zamora. When the people were helpless, women like Saint Agatha bravely stepped forward, leading men and other women in a special battle to drive away the enemy and recapture the fortress. Many women sacrificed their lives. To commemorate the women who died in this battle for their homeland, the Spanish decided to dedicate two days in February as "Women's Day of Martyrdom," during which women take over the reins of power and organize various commemorative activities, also known as "Women's Day." During these two days, all power traditionally held by men—both in public affairs and at home—is handed over to women. Women "elect" two mayors to exercise mayoral powers. On this day, women, under the command of the "female mayor," carry the giant statue of Saint Agatha, a defender of the Segovia fortress, and march toward the church guarded by men. This symbolizes the recapture of the Segovia fortress.
Tourism In the first nine months of 1992, 44.99 million foreign tourists visited Spain, a 4.1% increase over the previous year, generating 14.553 billion euros in tourism revenue, an 8.6% increase over the previous year. Spain has excellent tourism resources, with most of its territory featuring mild climates, beautiful mountains and rivers, sunny weather, and picturesque landscapes. Along its winding 3,000-kilometer coastline, there are numerous natural beaches, including three famous coastal tourism areas. The 100-kilometer-long "Golden Coast" in southern Spain is a paradise for sunbathers from around the world. The Canary Islands, known as the "Island of Happiness," attract countless visitors with its magnificent volcanic landscapes and tropical scenery, with sunshine year-round. The Balearic Islands, renowned as the "Mediterranean Swimming Pools," offer breathtaking scenery with mountains meeting the sea.
Spain has many palaces, churches, and castles. Among them, more than 10 historical sites are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For example, the Saint Martin Pinaio Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela (also known as Santiago de Compostela). The Escurial Monastery near Madrid, the ancient walls of Avila, the ancient Aqueduct of Segovia, the Great Mosque of Córdoba, the Alhambra in Granada, the Park Güell and the home of artist Joan Miró in Barcelona—all represent the legacy of Spain's ancient civilization.
Spain also has many ancient, unique cultural traditions and distinctive ethnic cultural activities, including the world-famous Spanish bullfighting, passionate Spanish dance, and various customs and national festivals (such as the Pigeon Festival in Madrid, the Major Festival in Catalonia, the Fallas Festival in Valencia, and the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona), all of which can make visitors from different countries experience Spain's unique charm. When visiting Spain, you can explore the country in five regions: the Balearic Islands Tourism Area, the Southeast Tourism Area, the Northeast Tourism Area, the Central-West Tourism Area, and the Northwest Tourism Area.