Spain: Geography, Economy, and EU Relations
Spain’s Location: US and Global Context
This choropleth map illustrates the status and position of the Iberian Peninsula. The geographic space depicted includes the Atlantic Ocean, Northern Africa, and parts of Europe.
Geographic Features of Spain
- Location: Spain resides in the temperate zone, sharing the Iberian Peninsula with Portugal.
- Islands: Spain includes the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands.
- Surrounding Waters: The Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean border Spain.
Climate and Relief
- Climate: Spain’s latitude, average altitude of 660 meters, and mountainous terrain contribute to a predominantly Mediterranean climate. Galicia and Cantabria experience oceanic climates.
- Relief: Spain’s varied relief is a cornerstone of its economic activity, attracting significant tourism.
- Hydrology: Water scarcity and its spatial distribution influence Spain’s diverse biodiversity, flora, and fauna, creating varied landscapes.
Historical Evolution and Geographic Influence
Spain’s location between Europe and Africa and between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic has profoundly shaped its history. It is a European country, separated from Africa by only 12 kilometers. It is also a Mediterranean and Atlantic nation.
- Ancient Influences: Spain has been influenced by Greek, Phoenician, Carthaginian, and Celtic cultures.
- Roman Era: During Roman times, Spain maintained trade relations throughout the Mediterranean region.
- Arab Rule: Most of Spain was integrated into Islamic culture during the Arab rule.
- Reconquista: The Reconquista saw the recovery of territories and the establishment of Christian kingdoms.
- Modern and Contemporary Era: Spain continued its relationships with European countries, particularly those in the Mediterranean area and Latin America.
Per Capita Income in Spain vs. EU Average
This linear graph, using Eurostat data from 1985 to 2005, represents Spain’s per capita income level relative to the European Union average. The data is presented in percentages.
Evolution of Per Capita Income
The graph shows a continuous rise in Spain’s per capita income from 1986 to 2005. Notable increases occurred between 1989-1990 and 1999-2005. In 2004, the EU’s average income saw a significant surge compared to Spain’s.
European Union Regional Goals
- Convergence: To bring less developed regions closer to more advanced ones.
- Pure Convergence Regions: Regions with a GDP per capita below 75% of the EU average.
- Convergence Regions with Transitional Support: Also known as the “statistical effect.”
- Regional Competitiveness and Employment: To improve the competitiveness and employment in regions.
- Pure Competitiveness and Employment Regions: Regions with a GDP per capita above 75% of the EU average.
- Competitiveness and Employment Regions with Transitional Support: Regions that have achieved progress on their own merits.
- European Territorial Cooperation: To improve cooperation through cross-border initiatives.
EU-Funded Instruments
- ERDF (European Regional Development Fund)
- ESF (European Social Fund)
- The Cohesion Fund
EU Prospects
- New power-sharing arrangements.
- Helps reduce regional disparities.
- Extension of the single market regarding the movement of persons, goods, capital, and services.
- Increased productivity and competition.