--- title: Spain — English Wikipedia · full text with trees · page 3 description: Wikipedia's «Spain», whole, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics, CC BY-SA 4.0. It begins: Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southern and Western Europe with territories in North Africa. --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Spain/page/3/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [wikipedia](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/) / [en](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/) / Spain # Spain · page 3 From Wikipedia, [«Spain»](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain), revision of the 2026-09-01 dump, [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). The trees and pragmatics of these pages, Mova's parse of that text, are CC BY-SA 4.0 too. [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Spain/) [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Spain/page/2/) **3** [4](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Spain/page/4/) [5](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Spain/page/5/) [6](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Spain/page/6/) [7](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Spain/page/7/) ### Restoration of democracy Main article: [Spanish transition to democracy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_transition_to_democracy), [Spanish society after the democratic transition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_society_after_the_democratic_transition) In 1962, a group of politicians involved in the opposition to Franco's regime inside Spain and in exile met in the congress of the [European Movement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Movement) in Munich, where they made a resolution in favour of democracy.[\[77\]](../../page/7/#ref-77 "note 77")[\[78\]](../../page/7/#ref-78 "note 78")[\[79\]](../../page/7/#ref-79 "note 79")[176](../../176/ "tree and pragmatics") With Franco's death in November 1975, [Juan Carlos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Carlos_I_of_Spain) succeeded to the position of [King of Spain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_of_Spain) and [head of state](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_of_state) in accordance with the Francoist law.[177](../../177/ "tree and pragmatics") With the approval of the new [Spanish Constitution of 1978](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Constitution_of_1978) and the [restoration of democracy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_transition_to_democracy), the State [devolved](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devolution) much authority to the regions and created an internal organisation based on [autonomous communities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_communities_of_Spain).[178](../../178/ "tree and pragmatics") The [Spanish 1977 Amnesty Law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_1977_Amnesty_Law) let people of Franco's regime continue inside institutions without consequences, even perpetrators of some crimes during transition to democracy like the [Massacre of 3 March 1976 in Vitoria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massacre_of_3_March_1976_in_Vitoria) or [1977 Massacre of Atocha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1977_Massacre_of_Atocha).[179](../../179/ "tree and pragmatics") In the Basque Country, moderate [Basque nationalism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basque_nationalism) coexisted with a [radical nationalist movement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basque_Conflict) led by the armed organisation [ETA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ETA_%28separatist_group%29) until ETA's dissolution in May 2018.[\[80\]](../../page/7/#ref-80 "note 80")[180](../../180/ "tree and pragmatics") ETA was formed in 1959 during Franco's rule, but continued to wage its violent campaign even after the restoration of democracy and the return of a large measure of regional autonomy.[181](../../181/ "tree and pragmatics") On 23 February 1981, rebel elements among the security forces seized the Cortes in an attempt to impose [a military-backed government](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/23-F).[182](../../182/ "tree and pragmatics") King Juan Carlos took personal command of the military and successfully ordered the coup plotters, via national television, to surrender.[\[81\]](../../page/7/#ref-81 "note 81")[183](../../183/ "tree and pragmatics") In the 1980s the democratic restoration made possible a growing open society.[184](../../184/ "tree and pragmatics") New cultural movements based on freedom appeared, like [La Movida Madrileña](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Movida_Madrileña).[185](../../185/ "tree and pragmatics") In May 1982, Spain joined [NATO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATO), followed by [a 1986 referendum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986_Spanish_NATO_membership_referendum) after a strong social opposition.[186](../../186/ "tree and pragmatics") In 1986, the [Spanish Socialist Workers Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Socialist_Workers_Party) (PSOE) came to power, the first left-wing government in 43 years.[187](../../187/ "tree and pragmatics") In 1986, Spain joined the [European Economic Community](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Economic_Community), which later became the [European Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Union).[188](../../188/ "tree and pragmatics") In 1996, the PSOE was replaced in government by the [Partido Popular](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Party_%28Spain%29) (PP) after scandals around participation of the government of [Felipe González](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felipe_González) in the [Dirty war against ETA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GAL_%28paramilitary_group%29).[189](../../189/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Economic prosperity and crash On 1 January 2002, Spain fully adopted the [euro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euro), and Spain experienced strong economic growth, well above the EU average during the early 2000s.[190](../../190/ "tree and pragmatics") However, well-publicised concerns issued by many economic commentators at the height of the boom warned that extraordinary property prices and a high foreign trade deficit were likely to lead to a painful economic collapse.[\[82\]](../../page/7/#ref-82 "note 82")[191](../../191/ "tree and pragmatics") In 2002, the [Prestige oil spill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prestige_oil_spill) occurred with big ecological consequences along Spain's Atlantic coastline.[192](../../192/ "tree and pragmatics") In 2003 [José María Aznar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/José_María_Aznar) supported US president [George W. Bush](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Bush) in the [Iraq War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_War), and a strong movement against war rose in Spanish society.[193](../../193/ "tree and pragmatics") In March 2004 a local [Islamist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamist) terrorist group inspired by [Al-Qaeda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Qaeda) carried out the largest terrorist attack in Western European history when they killed 191 people and wounded more than 1,800 others by [bombing commuter trains](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Madrid_train_bombings) in Madrid.[\[83\]](../../page/7/#ref-83 "note 83")[194](../../194/ "tree and pragmatics") Though initial suspicions focused on the Basque terrorist group [ETA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ETA_%28separatist_group%29), evidence of Islamist involvement soon emerged.[195](../../195/ "tree and pragmatics") Because of the proximity of the [2004 Spanish general election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Spanish_general_election), the issue of responsibility quickly became a political controversy, with the main competing parties, the [PP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Party_%28Spain%29) (People's Party) and [PSOE](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Socialist_Workers%27_Party) (Spanish Socialist Workers' party) exchanging accusations over the handling of the incident.[\[84\]](../../page/7/#ref-84 "note 84")[196](../../196/ "tree and pragmatics") The PSOE won the election, led by [José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/José_Luis_Rodríguez_Zapatero).[\[85\]](../../page/7/#ref-85 "note 85")[197](../../197/ "tree and pragmatics") In the early 2000s, the proportion of [Spain's foreign born population](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigration_to_Spain#Currently) increased rapidly during its economic boom but then declined due to the [2008 financial crisis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_financial_crisis).[\[86\]](../../page/7/#ref-86 "note 86")[198](../../198/ "tree and pragmatics") In 2005, the Spanish government legalised [same sex marriage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage_in_Spain), becoming the third country worldwide to do so.[\[87\]](../../page/7/#ref-87 "note 87")[199](../../199/ "tree and pragmatics") Decentralisation was supported with much resistance of Constitutional Court and conservative opposition, so did gender politics like quotas or the law against gender violence.[200](../../200/ "tree and pragmatics") Government talks with ETA happened, and the group announced its permanent cease of violence in 2010.[\[88\]](../../page/7/#ref-88 "note 88")[201](../../201/ "tree and pragmatics") The bursting of the [Spanish property bubble](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_property_bubble) in 2008 led to the [2008–2014 Spanish financial crisis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008–2014_Spanish_financial_crisis).[202](../../202/ "tree and pragmatics") High levels of unemployment, cuts in government spending and corruption within the [Royal family](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_family) and the People's Party served as a backdrop to the [2011–12 Spanish protests](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011–12_Spanish_protests).[\[89\]](../../page/7/#ref-89 "note 89")[203](../../203/ "tree and pragmatics") The [Catalan independence movement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalan_independence_movement) also gained traction.[204](../../204/ "tree and pragmatics") In 2011, [Mariano Rajoy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariano_Rajoy)'s conservative People's Party won the election with 44.6% of votes.[\[90\]](../../page/7/#ref-90 "note 90")[205](../../205/ "tree and pragmatics") As prime minister, he implemented austerity measures for the EU bailout, the EU Stability and Growth Pact.[\[91\]](../../page/7/#ref-91 "note 91")[206](../../206/ "tree and pragmatics") On 19 June 2014, the monarch, Juan Carlos, abdicated in favour of his son, who became [Felipe VI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felipe_VI).[\[92\]](../../page/7/#ref-92 "note 92")[207](../../207/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Constitutional issues In October 2017 a [Catalan independence referendum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Catalan_independence_referendum) was held and the [Parliament of Catalonia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliament_of_Catalonia) voted to unilaterally declare [independence from Spain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Catalonia_declaration_of_independence) to form a Catalan Republic[\[93\]](../../page/7/#ref-93 "note 93")[\[94\]](../../page/7/#ref-94 "note 94") on the day the [Spanish Senate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senate_of_Spain) was discussing approving direct rule over Catalonia as called for by the Spanish Prime Minister.[\[95\]](../../page/7/#ref-95 "note 95")[\[96\]](../../page/7/#ref-96 "note 96")[208](../../208/ "tree and pragmatics") On the same day the Senate granted the power to impose direct rule and Mariano Rajoy dissolved the Catalan parliament and called a new election.[\[97\]](../../page/7/#ref-97 "note 97")[209](../../209/ "tree and pragmatics") No country recognised Catalonia as a separate state.[\[98\]](../../page/7/#ref-98 "note 98")[210](../../210/ "tree and pragmatics") In June 2018, the [Congress of Deputies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congress_of_Deputies) passed a [motion of no-confidence against Rajoy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_vote_of_no_confidence_in_the_government_of_Mariano_Rajoy) and replaced him with the PSOE leader [Pedro Sánchez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedro_Sánchez_%28politician%29).[\[99\]](../../page/7/#ref-99 "note 99")[211](../../211/ "tree and pragmatics") In 2019, the first ever coalition government in Spain was formed, between PSOE and [Unidas Podemos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidas_Podemos) (now Sumar).[212](../../212/ "tree and pragmatics") Between 2018 and 2024, Spain faced an [institutional crisis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018–2023_Spanish_institutional_crisis) surrounding the mandate of the [General Council of the Judiciary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Council_of_the_Judiciary) (CGPJ), until the mandate got renovated.[\[100\]](../../page/7/#ref-100 "note 100")[213](../../213/ "tree and pragmatics") In January 2020, the [COVID-19](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19) virus was confirmed to have [spread to Spain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_pandemic_in_Spain), causing life expectancy to drop by more than a year.[\[101\]](../../page/7/#ref-101 "note 101")[214](../../214/ "tree and pragmatics") The European Commission economic recovery package [Next Generation EU](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Next_Generation_EU) was created to support the EU member states to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and will be in use in the period 2021–2026.[215](../../215/ "tree and pragmatics") In March 2021, Spain became the sixth nation in the world to make [active euthanasia legal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legality_of_euthanasia).[\[102\]](../../page/7/#ref-102 "note 102")[216](../../216/ "tree and pragmatics") Following the [general election on 23 July 2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Spanish_general_election), Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez again formed a coalition government, this time with [Sumar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumar_%28electoral_platform%29), the successor of [Unidas Podemos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidas_Podemos).[\[103\]](../../page/7/#ref-103 "note 103")[217](../../217/ "tree and pragmatics") In 2024, the first non-independentist Catalan regional president in over a decade, [Salvador Illa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador_Illa), was elected, normalising the constitutional and institutional relations between the national and the regional administrations.[218](../../218/ "tree and pragmatics") In 2024,[\[104\]](../../page/7/#ref-104 "note 104") only 17.3% of Catalans feel themselves as "only Catalan".[219](../../219/ "tree and pragmatics") 46% of Catalans would answer "as Spanish as Catalan", while 21.8% "more Catalan than Spanish".[\[104\]](../../page/7/#ref-104 "note 104")[220](../../220/ "tree and pragmatics") In 2024 polling, over 50% of Catalans would vote against independence, while less than 40% would vote in favour.[\[105\]](../../page/7/#ref-105 "note 105")[221](../../221/ "tree and pragmatics") ## Geography Main article: [Geography of Spain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Spain) At 505992 km2, Spain is the world's [fiftieth largest country](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_outlying_territories_by_area) and [Europe's fourth largest country](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_and_population_of_European_countries).[222](../../222/ "tree and pragmatics") At 3715 m, Mount [Teide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teide) ([Tenerife](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenerife)) is the highest mountain peak in Spain and is the third largest volcano in the world from its base.[223](../../223/ "tree and pragmatics") Spain is a [transcontinental country](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_transcontinental_countries), having territory in both [Europe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe) and [Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa).[224](../../224/ "tree and pragmatics") Spain lies between latitudes [27°](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/27th_parallel_north) and [44° N](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/44th_parallel_north), and longitudes [19° W](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_meridian_west) and [5° E](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5th_meridian_east).[225](../../225/ "tree and pragmatics") On the west, Spain is bordered by [Portugal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal) [corpus](../../../Portugal/ "in our corpus"); on the south, it is bordered by [Gibraltar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibraltar) and [Morocco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morocco) [corpus](../../../Morocco/ "in our corpus"), through its [exclaves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exclave) in North Africa ([Ceuta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceuta) and [Melilla](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melilla), and the peninsula of [de Vélez de la Gomera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peñón_de_Vélez_de_la_Gomera)).[226](../../226/ "tree and pragmatics") On the northeast, along the [Pyrenees](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrenees) mountain range, it is bordered by [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France) [corpus](../../../France/ "in our corpus") and [Andorra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andorra) [corpus](../../../Andorra/ "in our corpus").[227](../../227/ "tree and pragmatics") Along the Pyrenees in [Girona](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Province_of_Girona), a small exclave town called [Llívia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llívia) is surrounded by France.[228](../../228/ "tree and pragmatics") Extending to 1214 km, the [Portugal–Spain border](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal–Spain_border) is the [longest uninterrupted border](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_territories_by_land_borders) within the [European Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Union).[\[106\]](../../page/7/#ref-106 "note 106")[229](../../229/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Islands Main article: [List of islands of Spain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_islands_of_Spain) Spain also includes the [Balearic Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balearic_Islands) in the [Mediterranean Sea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_Sea), the [Canary Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canary_Islands) in the Atlantic Ocean and a number of uninhabited islands on the Mediterranean side of the [Strait of Gibraltar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strait_of_Gibraltar), known as [plazas de soberanía](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plazas_de_soberanía) ("places of sovereignty", or territories under Spanish sovereignty), such as the [Chafarinas Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chafarinas_Islands) and [Alhucemas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peñón_de_Alhucemas).[230](../../230/ "tree and pragmatics") The peninsula of [de Vélez de la Gomera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peñón_de_Vélez_de_la_Gomera) is also regarded as a plaza de soberanía.[231](../../231/ "tree and pragmatics") The isle of [Alborán](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alboran_Island), located in the Mediterranean between Spain and North Africa, is also administered by Spain, specifically by the municipality of [Almería](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almería), Andalusia.[232](../../232/ "tree and pragmatics") The little [Pheasant Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pheasant_Island) in the River [Bidasoa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bidasoa) is a Spanish-French [condominium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condominium_%28international_law%29).[233](../../233/ "tree and pragmatics") There are eleven major islands in Spain, all of which have their own governing bodies ([Cabildos insulares](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabildo_insular) in the Canaries, [Consells insulars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balearic_Islands#Administration) in Baleares).[234](../../234/ "tree and pragmatics") These islands are specifically mentioned by the Spanish Constitution, when fixing its Senatorial representation (Ibiza and Formentera are grouped, as they together form the [Pityusic islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pityusic_Islands), part of the Balearic archipelago).[235](../../235/ "tree and pragmatics") These islands include [Tenerife](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenerife), [Gran Canaria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gran_Canaria), [Lanzarote](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanzarote), [Fuerteventura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuerteventura), [La Palma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Palma), [La Gomera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Gomera) and [El Hierro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Hierro) in the Canarian archipelago and [Mallorca](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallorca), [Ibiza](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibiza), [Menorca](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menorca) and [Formentera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formentera) in the Balearic archipelago.[236](../../236/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Mountains and rivers Mainland Spain is a rather [mountainous](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountainous) landmass, dominated by high [plateaus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plateau) and mountain chains.[237](../../237/ "tree and pragmatics") After the Pyrenees, the main mountain ranges are the [Cordillera Cantábrica](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantabrian_Mountains) (Cantabrian Range), [Sistema Ibérico](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistema_Ibérico) (Iberian System), [Sistema Central](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistema_Central) (Central System), [Montes de Toledo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montes_de_Toledo), [Sierra Morena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_Morena) and the [Sistema Bético](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistema_Bético) (Baetic System) whose highest peak, the 3478 m [Mulhacén](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulhacén), located in [Sierra Nevada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_Nevada_%28Spain%29), is the highest elevation in the Iberian Peninsula.[238](../../238/ "tree and pragmatics") The highest point in Spain is the [Teide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teide), a 3718 m active [volcano](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcano) in the Canary Islands.[239](../../239/ "tree and pragmatics") The [Meseta Central](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meseta_Central) (often translated as 'Inner Plateau') is a vast plateau in the heart of peninsular Spain split in two by the Sistema Central.[240](../../240/ "tree and pragmatics") There are several major [rivers in Spain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rivers_in_Spain) such as the [Tagus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagus) (Tajo), [Ebro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebro), [Guadiana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guadiana_River), [Douro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douro) (Duero), [Guadalquivir](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guadalquivir), [Júcar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Júcar_River), [Segura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segura_%28river%29), [Turia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turia_River) and [Minho](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minho_River) (Miño).[241](../../241/ "tree and pragmatics") [Alluvial plains](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alluvial_plain) are found along the coast, the largest of which is that of the Guadalquivir in [Andalusia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andalusia).[242](../../242/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Climate Main article: [Climate of Spain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_Spain) Three main climatic zones can be separated, according to geographical situation and [orographic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orography) conditions:[\[107\]](../../page/7/#ref-107 "note 107")[243](../../243/ "tree and pragmatics") - The [Mediterranean climate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_climate) is characterised by warm or hot and dry summers and is the predominant climate in the country.[244](../../244/ "tree and pragmatics") It has two varieties: Csa and Csb, according to the [Köppen climate classification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Köppen_climate_classification).[245](../../245/ "tree and pragmatics") - The Csa zone is associated with areas with hot summers.[246](../../246/ "tree and pragmatics") It is predominant in the Southern Mediterranean (except southeastern) and Southern Atlantic coast and inland throughout [Andalusia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andalusia), [Extremadura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extremadura) and much of the centre of the country.[247](../../247/ "tree and pragmatics") Some areas of Csa, mainly those inland, such as some areas of Castilla-La-Mancha, Extremadura, Madrid and some parts of Andalusia, have cool winters with some continental influences, while the regions with a Mediterranean climate close to the sea have mild winters.[248](../../248/ "tree and pragmatics") - The Csb zone has warm rather than hot summers, and extends to additional cool-winter areas not typically associated with a Mediterranean climate, such as much of central and northern-central of Spain (e.g. western [Castile–León](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castile_and_León), northeastern Castilla-La Mancha and northern Madrid) and into much rainier areas (notably [Galicia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galicia_%28Spain%29)).[249](../../249/ "tree and pragmatics") - The [semi-arid climate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-arid_climate) (BSk, BSh) is predominant in the southeastern quarter of the country, but is also widespread in other areas of Spain.[250](../../250/ "tree and pragmatics") It covers most of the [Region of Murcia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Region_of_Murcia), southern and central-eastern [Valencia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valencian_Community), eastern Andalusia, various areas of Castilla-La-Mancha, Madrid and some areas of Extremadura.[251](../../251/ "tree and pragmatics") Further to the north, it is predominant in the upper and mid reaches of the [Ebro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebro) valley, which crosses southern [Navarre](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navarre), central [Aragon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aragon) and western [Catalonia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalonia).[252](../../252/ "tree and pragmatics") It is also found in a small area in northern Andalusia and in a small area in central Castilla-León.[253](../../253/ "tree and pragmatics") Precipitation is limited with the dry season extending beyond the summer and average temperature depending on altitude and latitude.[254](../../254/ "tree and pragmatics") - The [oceanic climate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oceanic_climate) (Cfb) is located in the northern quarter of the country, especially in the Atlantic region ([Basque Country](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basque_Country_%28autonomous_community%29), [Cantabria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantabria), [Asturias](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asturias), and partly Galicia and Castile–León).[255](../../255/ "tree and pragmatics") It is also found in northern Navarre, in most highlands areas along the [Iberian System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistema_Ibérico) and in the [Pyrenean](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrenees) valleys, where a humid subtropical variant (Cfa) also occurs.[256](../../256/ "tree and pragmatics") Winter and summer temperatures are influenced by the ocean, and have no seasonal drought.[257](../../257/ "tree and pragmatics") Apart from these main types, other sub-types can be found, like the [alpine climate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpine_climate) in areas with very high altitude, the [humid subtropical climate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humid_subtropical_climate) in areas of northeastern Spain and the [continental climates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_climate) (Dfc, Dfb / Dsc, Dsb) in the [Pyrenees](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrenees) as well as parts of the [Cantabrian Range](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordillera_Cantábrica), the [Central System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistema_Central), [Sierra Nevada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_Nevada_%28Spain%29) and the [Iberian System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistema_Ibérico), and a typical [desert climate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_climate) (BWk, BWh) in the zone of [Almería](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almería), [Murcia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murcia) and eastern [Canary Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canary_Islands).[258](../../258/ "tree and pragmatics") Low-lying areas of the Canary Islands average above 18.0 C during their coolest month, thus having influences of [tropical climate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_climate), although they cannot properly be classified as tropical climates, as according to AEMET, their aridity is high, thus belonging to an arid or semi-arid climate.[\[108\]](../../page/7/#ref-108 "note 108")[259](../../259/ "tree and pragmatics") Spain is one of the countries that is most affected by [climate change](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_change_in_Spain) in Europe.[260](../../260/ "tree and pragmatics") In Spain, which already has a hot and dry climate, extreme events such as [heatwaves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_wave) are becoming increasingly frequent.[\[109\]](../../page/7/#ref-109 "note 109")[\[110\]](../../page/7/#ref-110 "note 110")[261](../../261/ "tree and pragmatics") The country is also experiencing more episodes of drought and increased severity of these episodes.[\[111\]](../../page/7/#ref-111 "note 111")[262](../../262/ "tree and pragmatics") [Water resources](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_resources) will be severely affected in various [climate change](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_change) scenarios.[\[112\]](../../page/7/#ref-112 "note 112")[263](../../263/ "tree and pragmatics") To mitigate the [effects of climate change](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_climate_change), Spain is promoting an [energy transition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_transition) to [renewable energies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renewable_energy), such as [solar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power) and [wind energy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_energy).[\[113\]](../../page/7/#ref-113 "note 113")[264](../../264/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Fauna and flora Main article: [Wildlife of Spain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildlife_of_Spain) The [fauna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fauna) presents a wide diversity that is due in large part to the geographical position of the Iberian peninsula between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean and between Africa and [Eurasia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasia), and the great diversity of habitats and [biotopes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biotopes), the result of a considerable variety of climates and well differentiated regions.[265](../../265/ "tree and pragmatics") The vegetation of Spain is varied due to several factors including the diversity of the terrain, the climate and [latitude](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latitude).[266](../../266/ "tree and pragmatics") Spain includes different [phytogeographic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytogeographic) regions, each with its own floral characteristics resulting largely from the interaction of climate, topography, soil type and fire, and [biotic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biotic_component) factors.[267](../../267/ "tree and pragmatics") The country had a 2019 [Forest Landscape Integrity Index](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_Landscape_Integrity_Index) mean score of 4.23/10, ranking it 130th globally out of 172 countries.[\[114\]](../../page/7/#ref-114 "note 114")[268](../../268/ "tree and pragmatics") Within the European territory, Spain has the largest number of plant species (7,600 vascular plants) of all European countries.[\[115\]](../../page/7/#ref-115 "note 115")[269](../../269/ "tree and pragmatics") [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Spain/) [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Spain/page/2/) **3** [4](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Spain/page/4/) [5](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Spain/page/5/) [6](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Spain/page/6/) [7](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Spain/page/7/) - ← previous: [page 2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Spain/page/2/) - next →: [page 4](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Spain/page/4/) - ↑ back to [English Wikipedia](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/)