GEOGRAPHY OF SPAIN

REMEMBER Spain is the fourth largest country in Europe. Its territory is formed by 85%of the Iberian Peninsula, Islas Baleares, Islas Canarias and the cities of Ceuta y Melilla. Spain borders five countries: France, Andorra, Portugal, Morocco and the United Kingdom. There are 17 Autonomous Communities and 2 autonomous cities.

AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITIES Autonomous Communities are made up of one or more provinces. Provinces are further divide up into municipalities.

• Each Autonomous Community has a Statue of Autonomy, it defines: − Territory and capital city. − Official language or languages.

− Legal powers and government institutions. − Symbols: flag, anthem and coat of arms.

− Local services (health, education…) The national government controls:

� International relations. � Defence. � Justice � Commercial, criminal, civil and labour laws. � Collecting taxes. (except País Vasco and Comunidad Foral de Navarra)

• Each Community has a Parliament. Citizens over 18 can vote in elections every four years to

choose the deputies, who make laws and choose the President. He chooses the councillors. • Municipalities are made up of a mayor and councilors.

THE PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY OF SPAIN

� CANTABRIAN WATERSHED the rivers are very short but very fast (Cordillera Cantábrica y MontesVascos) and have a large flow ( Atlantic climate). Navia, Nalón, Nervión, Bidasoa � ATLANTIC WATERSHED rivers vary depending on the region � GALICIA they are short with a large water flow. Miño � MESETA they are long but with an irregular water flow. Duero, Tajo, Guadiana, Guadalquivir � MEDITERRANEAN WATERSHED they are short with an irregular water flow. Ebro, Turia, Júcar, Segura

RIV

ER

S

MOUNTAINS

CLIMATE IN SPAIN

• Alpine: winters cold and summers cool. It rains a lot, usually snow. Flora: coniferous trees, oak. Fauna: eagles, goats, vultures.

• Continental: winters very cold, summers very hot. Flora: coniferous and deciduous trees. Fauna: squirrels, foxes, trout.

• Mediterranean: winters mild and summers hot. Precipitation very low. Flora: pine and oak trees. Fauna: Iberian lynx, rabbit, flamingos.

• Oceanic: Winters not very cold and summers mild. Heavy rainfall. Flora: deciduous forest, mosses, ferns. Fauna: Iberian brown bears, salmon.

• Subtropical: trade winds and warm temperatures all year. Flora: pines trees, cacti. Fauna: lizards, turtles.

Cordillera

cantábrica

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