Physical Geography of Spain

Physical Geography of Spain

Land forms

The entire area of Spain is 504,750 sq. km. Spain is about the size of

Arizona and Utah combined. Spain has high plateaus surrounded by low

coastal plains. The most famous mountain range in Spain is located in the

north. It is called the Pyrenees. Other mountain ranges are the Cantabrian, Sierra Moreno and the Sierra Nevada Mountain ranges.

Climate

In the north, the climate is moderate with year-round rainfall. The south

and the east have a mediterranean climate. The southern and eastern part of

spain has long dry summers and mild winters.

Water systems

There are nine major rivers in Spain. These rivers drain into the

Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean. The Mino, the Duero, the Tajo, the

Guadiana, and the Guadalquivir, each flow into the Atlantic. The Segura, the

Jucar, the Turia, and the Ebro all empty into the Mediterranean. The longest

is the Tajo and the Ebro.

Economic Geography

Spain was one of the poorest countries in Western Europe. It

improved after it joined the European Union in 1986. Spain's gross national

product per capita has more than tripled in the last generation. It is now

$15,890. Economic opportunities are now available for the majority of the

population. Unemployment is still a major problem for the economy.

Agriculture

Agriculture is still important, even though it is no longer the basis of Spain's economy. Farmers produce a lot wheat and barley. Spain leads the world in production of olives and olive oil. Many Spaniards raise livestock such as sheep,goats,and cattle. The production of wine is also important. In the north the major products are beef cattle, vegetables, and fruit. In the Mediterranean it is olives, almonds, ci...

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Table of Contents

Physical Geography pg 1

land forms

climate water systems

Economic Geography pg 2-3

agriculture

resources

industry

Urban Geography pg 3-4

ethnic make-up

population

lifestyle

Culture pg 4-5

people

belief systems

communication

Bibliography:

Chicoine, Stephen. (1997). Spain Bridge between Continents. Marshall Cavendish Corporation

"Spain." (1994, July). Culturgram. Monthly Journal

"Spain." (2000, August). Background notes. Monthly Journal

(www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/sp.html)

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