Spain’s Territory: Political, Administrative, and Geographic Features
Spain’s Territory: Natural Units, Political and Administrative Divisions
Spain’s territory consists of the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic and Canary Islands, and the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla. The Iberian Peninsula also contains the states of Portugal, Andorra, and Gibraltar. However, Spanish territory is dominant in the geography of the peninsula. Its boundaries are the Bay of Biscay, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean. The land boundaries are reduced on the west by the border with Portugal and on the north by France through the Pyrenees. Spain has a large coastal development, making it one of the European countries with the greatest length of coastline.
The Process of Political and Administrative Organization in Spain
A vast country like Spain, with diverse social and economic needs, requires division into smaller spaces to facilitate organization. The territorial division of Spain is characterized by smaller units with different characteristics.
Roman Era
It was during the Roman era that the Iberian Peninsula experienced its first political-administrative organization, being divided into two provinces: Hispania Ulterior and Hispania Citerior. Under Augustus, a new change occurred: Hispania Citerior expanded its territories and was renamed Hispania Citerior Tarraconensis. Hispania Ulterior was divided into two new provinces: Hispania Ulterior Baetica and Hispania Ulterior Lusitana. With Diocletian, there was a further division, and Hispania was divided into five provinces, also adding African and other insular territories.
Middle Ages
During the period of the Visigoths, little changed, maintaining the Roman organization. With the Muslim invasion, the Roman organization disappeared. The territory of al-Andalus was divided into provinces, comprising 21 during the Caliphate. After the Caliphate, the Taifa kingdoms were organized. During the Reconquista, the first regions emerged, such as Galicia and Asturias, from the unification of the kingdoms of Leon, Castile, Aragon, Catalonia, Portugal, and Navarre.
Spain’s Geographical Uniqueness: Causes and Consequences
The features that give Spain its uniqueness are:
- Its peninsular character.
- Its location and geographical position.
- The configuration of its relief.
Peninsular Nature
Spain is part of a peninsula that is linked to Europe by the Pyrenees.
Status and Geographical Position
The Iberian Peninsula lies between two seas and two continents. It is the southernmost and westernmost part of Europe, located in the temperate northern hemisphere. Because of this situation, it is important to note that:
- Spain is located in the area where the Mediterranean waters mix with the Atlantic Ocean.
- Spain is the European country closest to Africa.
- Spain holds an eccentric position with respect to the European continent.
Configuration of the Relief
Spain’s geographical uniqueness is characterized by:
- A compact form factor because of its large longitudinal and latitudinal extent.
- High average altitude.
- Peripheral mountain systems that are arranged around or independently of the Castilian plateau.
Consequences of Singularity
Because of its location and geographical position, the Iberian Peninsula is in an area that gives it great geostrategic value.
In the natural realm, climatic features are determined. There are also species of flora and fauna from both Europe and Africa.
On the human level, the Peninsula has been a place of settlement for various peoples since ancient times.
The proximity to Africa fosters a closer relationship in economic, commercial, and human terms. Spain controls one of the major shipping routes through the Strait of Gibraltar, as well as the Suez and Panama Canals.
Spain’s Location in the World
Spain’s geography has affected it over long periods because it was a country far from the main economic and financial flows. Spain was characterized by its limited outreach, accentuated during the Franco dictatorship.
The situation today is very different. Since the beginning of democracy, there has been an external opening that has modernized and advanced the country.
Spain is a major trading power, with a strong industrial and service sector, where economic activity takes place within the EU. Spain has a very important presence internationally. It belongs to numerous international organizations in which it actively participates and influences, such as the FAO and WHO.
EU membership has allowed for an upgrade, aided by the EU funds received.
Finally, Spain is immersed in the globalization process. This is conceived as the process of increasing integration in the economic, cultural, social, and political life of a country into an area of decision-making and development that transcends national boundaries to stand at the international level.
Globalization offers some advantages: it helps to increase economic growth and promotes competition among economic sectors. However, globalization is also seen as a threat due to increasing social and economic inequalities and the potential destruction of a people’s unique characteristics.