Spain: Climate, Geopolitics, and Territorial Organization
1. Climate of Spain
1.1. Precipitation
Precipitation levels differentiate dry and wet climates:
- Dry: Less than 200mm of rainfall.
- Sub-humid: 200-800mm of rainfall.
- Wet: More than 800mm of rainfall.
Thermal amplitude increases with distance from the equator.
1.2. Climate Types
Three main climate types can be distinguished:
- Cold: Average temperature below 10°C.
- Warm: Average temperature above 18°C.
- Temperate: Average temperature around 18-20°C, with the coldest month’s average temperature around 10°C.
1.3. Climate Measurement
Climate data is collected using instruments that measure temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) and rainfall in millimeters per square meter. This data is represented using line graphs for temperature and bar graphs for rainfall. This allows for the determination of:
- Temperature of the coldest and warmest months.
- Thermal amplitude (difference between the coldest and warmest month’s temperatures).
- Average annual temperature (sum of monthly temperatures divided by 12).
- Total monthly and annual rainfall.
Analysis of this data allows us to deduce the climate of a specific location.
2. Geopolitical Aspects of Spain
2.1. Delimitation and Administrative Division
Spain covers 505,990 km², including the mainland, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, and territories in North Africa. It connects to Europe via the Pyrenees mountains and is separated from Africa by only 14km at the Strait of Gibraltar, making Spain a bridge between the two continents. Spanish territory also includes its air space and a 12-nautical-mile stretch of sea around its coasts. Spain shares a 2,032km border with five countries: France, Portugal, Andorra, Morocco, and the United Kingdom.
2.1.1. Border Curiosities and Disputes
- France: The Spanish enclave of Llívia is entirely surrounded by French territory.
- United Kingdom: Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, is a point of contention. It was ceded to the British in 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht.
- Portugal: Olivenza’s sovereignty is disputed. Portugal believes the 1801 Treaty of Badajoz, which ceded Olivenza to Spain, was revoked by the 1815 Congress of Vienna.
- Morocco: Ceuta and Melilla, along with smaller islands and rocks (Vélez de la Gomera, Alhucemas, Chafarinas), are considered by Morocco to be part of its territory. Morocco disputes Spain’s claim based on historical arguments.
2.2. European Integration and Security
Following the creation of the Schengen Area in 1995, the free movement of citizens within the European Union became a primary goal. Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, was established to manage the EU’s external borders, combat illegal immigration, and train border police. Spain is also a member of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), hosting five military bases.
3. Territorial Organization of Spain
The Spanish Constitution of 1978 establishes three levels of territorial organization:
- Municipalities (Councils): The basic administrative unit, numbering 8,111 according to the National Statistics Institute. Governed by municipal councils with powers defined in the Basic Law of Local Government (1985).
- Provinces: Groupings of municipalities, serving as territorial administrative bodies. Provinces manage services such as tax collection, traffic organization, education, and healthcare. Governed by Provincial Councils.
- Autonomous Regions: Established by the 1978 Constitution, these regions are formed by neighboring provinces with shared historical, cultural, and economic characteristics. Spain has 17 autonomous communities and two autonomous cities in North Africa. Each region has a degree of self-governance defined by its Statute of Autonomy. Collaboration between regions is permitted, but federation is prohibited.