Spagna

Spain, the largest country in the Iberian Peninsula after France, is separated from Africa by the Strait of Gibraltar. It includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic. Key geographical features include the Meseta plateau, bordered by the Cantabrian Mountains, Pyrenees, and Sierra Morena, and the Baetic Cordillera with Sierra Nevada. Major rivers include the Guadalquivir in the Andalusian plain, Tagus, Douro (flowing into Portugal), and Ebro (flowing into the Mediterranean). The climate is Atlantic in the north and Mediterranean in the southern regions and islands.

Spain has a lower population density compared to other Mediterranean European countries, with inhabitants concentrated in coastal areas and around Madrid. Madrid, founded by Arabs in the 9th century, became the capital in 1561 under Philip II. Barcelona is Spain's second-largest city and main financial hub, with one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. Granada flourished during the Arab period, notably with the Alhambra palace. Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is a historical center of Islamic Spain and the birthplace of traditions like flamenco and bullfighting. Bilbao is a major industrial and cultural center, and a significant Atlantic port. Valencia combines ancient and modern architecture.

Spain's agriculture is highly productive, ranking first globally in olive oil production, third in wine, and sixth in citrus fruits. Sheep, cattle, and pig farming are well-developed, and fishing is an important sector. Key industrial sectors include iron and steel, metallurgy, and mechanical engineering. Ship building, renewable energy, and high-tech industries are also significant. The majority of the workforce is employed in the service sector, with tourism being a fundamental part of the economy.

Roman rule began in 206 BC, leaving behind infrastructure like bridges, aqueducts, amphitheaters, and roads. The architectural legacy of Arab rule is evident in many cities, particularly Seville with its Alcázar. 20th-century architecture is defined by modernism, with Barcelona as its epicenter and Antoni Gaudí as its leading exponent. The Prado Museum houses a rich collection of Spanish painting, with fundamental 20th-century artists like Picasso.