Introduction to Spain's Geography
Source: Bernat, OLS Community Manager
HOLA, HOLA :-)
In this article, we will delve into the geography of Spain ⛰, examining its location, borders, terrain, seas, rivers, and climate. Studying the geography of the country is essential to gaining a more comprehensive understanding of Spain as a whole. ¡Empecemos!
Location & borders
1) Spain is a country located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, with a population of around 50 million people.
2) With a geographical area of 506,030 square kilometres, Spain ranks as the fourth-largest country in Europe, following Russia, Ukraine, and France.
3) Spain encompasses 84% of the Iberian Peninsula, the second-largest European peninsula after the Scandinavian Peninsula.
4) Spain's territory includes mainland Spain on the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, and the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla on the northern coast of Africa.
5) In addition to its main territories, Spain has a small exclave called Llivia situated in France as well as four overseas minor possessions on and off the coast of Africa: Islas Chafarinas, Peñón de Alhucemas, Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera and Islote de Perejil.
6) Spain shares borders with Portugal to the west, France and Andorra to the north, and Gibraltar to the south (a British overseas territory). Furthermore, through the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, Spain is also bordered by Morocco.
Elevation: Meseta Central & mountains
7) Spain is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe, with an average elevation of 660 metres above sea level, surpassed only by Andorra, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein.
8) Spain's elevated average altitude is not primarily attributed to large mountain ranges but rather to a vast plateau situated at the centre of the country known as the Meseta Central. This plateau has an average elevation of around 600 to 700 metres and spans across the regions of Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha, Comunidad de Madrid, and Extremadura.
9) Madrid, positioned in the heart of this expansive Meseta, is the highest capital in the European Union, standing at 657 metres above sea level.
10) The Meseta Central is divided into two smaller plateaus by the Sistema Central mountain range. This mountain range runs roughly east-west across the middle of the Meseta, creating two distinct regions: the Northern Meseta (Meseta Norte) and the Southern Meseta (Meseta Sur).
11) Surrounding and protecting the Meseta Central are four mountain groups: the Montes de León to the northwest, the Cordillera Cantábrica to the north, the Sistema Ibérico to the east, and the Sierra Morena to the south.
12) Beyond the Meseta Central, Spain is home to various mountain chains that enhance its scenic and varied landscape. These include the Macizo Galaico in Galicia, Montes Vascos located between the Basque Country and Navarra, the Pyrenees forming the border with France, the Sistema Mediterrani Català in the northwest, and the Sistemas Béticos in the southwest.
13) Mount Teide, a vulcano on the island of Tenerife, is Spain's highest mountain, reaching an elevation of 3,718 metres. The peak of Mulhacén, in the province of Granada, is the highest summit on the Iberian Peninsula, standing at 3,478 metres.
Water
14) The Iberian Peninsula is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Cantabrian Sea. The Mediterranean Sea extends from the Pyrenees to the Strait of Gibraltar in the east, while the Atlantic Ocean borders the west, spanning between Galicia and Andalusia. The Cantabrian Sea washes the northern regions.
15) Spain's vast coastline extends over 8,000 kilometres, offering a diverse range of beach experiences, from sandy Mediterranean shores to rugged Atlantic cliffs. With more than 3,500 beaches to choose from, it's a paradise for beach goers.
16) Spain proudly holds the record for having the highest number of Blue Flag beaches worldwide, a prestigious recognition that celebrates the beaches' exceptional water quality, environmental management, safety and services.
17) Spain has a network of 528 watercourses when considering all rivers, tributaries, and sub-affluents. However, when focusing on individual rivers, the count narrows down to 83.
18) Due to limited rainfall, Spain's rivers have an irregular fluvial regime, making them less navigable compared to countries like Germany or the Netherlands. Instead, they primarily serve the purposes of irrigation and energy generation, supporting agriculture and providing hydroelectric power.
19) The Tagus River, stretching 1,007 kilometres, is the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula. Within Spain, it spans 816 kilometres and forms a 46-kilometre border with Portugal. The Ebro River, with a length of 930 kilometres, holds the title of being Spain's longest and widest river. It flows through seven autonomous communities, enriching the surrounding regions with its presence.
20) Most inland bodies of water in Spain are reservoirs formed by dams on rivers, fulfilling a multitude of functions, such as providing water resources, generating hydroelectric power, and supporting irrigation. The largest freshwater lake in Spain is Lake Sanabria, situated in Castilla y León.
Source: Pixabay
Depressions
21) Spain is home to two significant valley depressions: the Ebro Depression in the northeast and the Guadalquivir Depression in the southwest. These depressions are notable for their flat and low-lying landscapes, surrounded by higher elevations and intersected by rivers.
22) The Ebro Depression, named after the Ebro River, is renowned for its fertile soil and agricultural productivity. The Ebro River culminates in the Ebro Delta, a stunning natural area known for its biodiversity and the production of high-quality rice.
23) Extending for approximately 600 kilometres, the Guadalquivir Depression is located in the southwest of Spain and encompasses the basin of the Guadalquivir River, the only navigable river in Spain. Within this depression lies the fertile Guadalquivir plain, which plays a crucial role as an agricultural and commercial hub. Notably, the Guadalquivir Depression is renowned for housing the prestigious natural park of Doñana, an ecologically significant and protected area known for its rich biodiversity and environmental value.
Climate
24) In Spain, there are four main climate zones that are influenced by the country's location and geography: Oceanic climate, Mountain climate, Subtropical climate and Mediterranean climate.
25) The Oceanic climate is predominant in the northern part of Spain. It is characterised by mild temperatures throughout the year, with cool summers and mild winters. Abundant and regular precipitation occurs year-round, supporting lush vegetation such as meadows, oak forests, chestnut trees, and beech trees.
26) The mountainous areas of Spain, particularly at elevations above 1500 metres, experience a Mountain climate. Winters in these regions are cold, often dropping below freezing temperatures, while summers remain cool with average temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius. Abundant precipitation in the form of snow during winter contributes to the growth of sparse vegetation, including pine, oak, and fir forests.
27) The Canary Islands, located near the Tropic of Cancer, have a Subtropical climate. These islands enjoy mild temperatures throughout the year, with an average annual temperature around 22 degrees. However, precipitation is generally low in this region. The vegetation in the Canary Islands is diverse and includes endemic species such as laurel forests, Canary pine, tabaibas, and cardones.
28) In Spain, there are three distinct types of Mediterranean climate:
29) The Coastal Mediterranean climate is found in areas near the sea, featuring mild winters, hot summers, and irregular precipitation. Droughts are common during the summer months, while autumn brings torrential rains. Vegetation in these regions is diverse but sparse, with shrubs like rockrose and thyme, as well as forests of holm oak, cork oak, and pine.
30) Moving inland, the Interior or Continental Mediterranean climate dominates. This climate is characterised by extreme temperatures, including hot summers and cold winters. Precipitation is generally low, and vegetation has adapted to the limited rainfall.
31) In arid regions such as Almería, Murcia, and the southern part of Alicante, the Dry Mediterranean climate prevails. Along the coast, temperatures remain mild, while interior areas experience extreme temperatures. Precipitation is very low, particularly during the summer. Vegetation in these locations is sparse due to the scarcity of water.
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That's all, folks. I hope you enjoyed this article on Spanish geography. ¡Hasta la próxima!
Bernat, OLS Community Manager – Spanish
Source: Bernat, OLS Community Manager