Geography of Spain: Area, Climate, and Population
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Which region of Spain is known for its annual San Fermín festival, which attracts tourists from around the world?

  • Andalucia
  • Navarra (correct)
  • Catalonia
  • Castilla y León

What region is inhabited by the Basques and is known for its beautiful, well-irrigated, mountainous landscape?

  • Cantabria
  • El Pais Vasco (correct)
  • Asturias
  • La Rioja

Which region is known for its high-quality wines, los vinos de Rioja, and its capital, Logroño?

  • Castilla y León
  • Extremadura
  • La Rioja (correct)
  • Navarra

What region is known for its many castles, which were constructed during the wars between the Moores and the Christians?

<p>Castilla (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which region is home to the famous Altamira cave, renowned for its prehistoric paintings?

<p>Cantabria (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the three great conquistadors was NOT born in Extremadura?

<p>Cristóbal Colón (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Basques have an ancient language that cannot be connected to any other European language. What is the name of this language?

<p>Basque (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which region is known for its cultural influence from the Arabics?

<p>Andalucia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ocean borders Spain to the west?

<p>Atlantic Ocean (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What climate is primarily found in the southern and eastern regions of Spain?

<p>Hot and dry (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Spain has a population of approximately how many people?

<p>39 million (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mountain range classification best describes Spain's geography compared to other European countries?

<p>Second most mountainous after Switzerland (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which regions of Spain experience the coldest climates?

<p>Northern coast and northeast mountains (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these cities is known as the "Heart of Spain" due to its agriculture and citrus fruit production?

<p>Valencia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which city is considered the central mining industry in the north of Spain?

<p>Bilbao (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these cities is known for its large cathedral holding the tomb of Christopher Columbus?

<p>Seville (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the main park in Madrid, known for being a former playground for Spanish nobility?

<p>El Parque de Buen Retiro (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What Spanish city is known for its Moorish legacy, including the Alhambra palace and the Generalife garden?

<p>Granada (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Spanish city was the last Moorish fortress conquered by the Spanish monarchs, Los Reyes Católicos?

<p>Granada (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the famous avenue that divides Barcelona into two parts?

<p>Las Ramblas (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which city is the tomb of El Cid Campeador, a national hero of Spain, located?

<p>Burgos (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which city in Spain was previously the capital of the Visigoths and the residence of Spanish royalty until 1560?

<p>Toledo (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these places is known for its collection of paintings by famous artists like Velåzquez, el Greco, and Goya?

<p>El Museo del Prado (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Spanish city is known for its unique architecture and long, narrow streets?

<p>Seville (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these cities is renowned for its university, established in the 13th century and considered one of the oldest in Europe?

<p>Salamanca (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which city in Spain is known for being a major port and the largest city in the country?

<p>Barcelona (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the tower of the Seville Cathedral that exemplifies Arabic architecture?

<p>La Giralda (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Spanish city is famous for its association with the work of El Greco?

<p>Toledo (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mountain range divides Castilla y León and Castilla-La Mancha?

<p>Las Sierras de Guadarrama (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the tallest peak in the Sierra Nevada?

<p>El Mulhacén (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which river starts near Burgos and flows through Valladolid?

<p>El Duero (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which area does the river El Guadiana pass through?

<p>Mérida and Badajoz (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which river is the most navigable in Spain?

<p>El Guadalquivir (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a principal product found in the north of Spain?

<p>Wheat (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the language spoken in Galicia, which is similar to Portuguese?

<p>Gallego (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which city is known for its production of lead?

<p>Linares (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are the largest mercury mines in the world located?

<p>Almadén (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Covadonga in Asturias?

<p>It is the site of a famous battle where the Moors were defeated. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Location of Spain

Spain is situated in southwestern Europe, bordering Portugal to the west, France to the northeast, the Mediterranean Sea to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The Strait of Gibraltar separates Spain from Africa in the south. Spain also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic, and the ports of Melilla and Ceuta on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco.

Climate variations in Spain

Despite being in the temperate zone, Spain exhibits diverse climates across its regions. The northern coast and northeastern mountains have a temperate climate, characterized by cooler temperatures and more rainfall. The south and east experience a hotter climate. The central region and southeastern coast are known for extreme temperatures, with scorching summers and frigid winters, making them perfect for the saying 'six months of summer and six of winter.'

Spain's mountainous terrain

Spain, with its numerous mountain ranges, is the most mountainous country in Europe, second only to Switzerland.

Size and population of Spain

Spain, though smaller than Texas, stretches to four times the size of New York, its population reaching approximately 39 million.

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Mountainous landscape of Spain

Spain holds the distinction of being the most mountainous country in Europe, trailing only Switzerland in its mountain ranges.

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La Meseta

A vast plateau covering nearly half of Spain, it's a central feature of the country's geography.

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Las Sierras de Guadarrama

A mountain range in northern Spain, separating Castilla y León (north) from Castilla-La Mancha (south).

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El Mulhacén

The tallest peak in Spain, located near Granada.

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Los Pirineos

Located in northern Spain, this mountain range borders with France, reaching peaks over 3,300 meters.

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El Tajo

The largest river in Spain, flowing through Toledo and into Portugal. It ends near Lisboa.

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What is Galicia?

Galicia is a region in northern Spain bordering Portugal. It's known for its Celtic heritage, the Gallego language, and its coastal cities like Vigo and La Coruña.

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What is Asturias known for?

Asturias is a region in northern Spain known for its mining industry and the historical site of Covadonga, where the Christian hero Pelayo defeated the Moors in 718.

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What is Spain known for in terms of agricultural products?

Spain is the world's largest producer of olives and the third largest producer of wine.

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How is Spain divided administratively?

Spain has 50 provinces and is traditionally divided into 15 regions, each with its own unique culture, traditions, and often its own languages.

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What are the key minerals produced in Spain?

The most important mineral produced in Spain is iron, extracted from Vizcaya in the north. Other minerals include lead from Linares in the south and copper from Río Tinto in the southeast.

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Cantabria

A mountainous region in northern Spain known for its ancient prehistoric cave paintings.

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El Pais Vasco

A region in northern Spain with a unique language and culture, home to the Basques.

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Navarra

A mountainous region in northern Spain known for its capital city, Pamplona, which hosts a famous bull-running festival.

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La Rioja

A region in central Spain known for its high-quality wines, with a capital city called Logroño.

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Castilla

A large central region in Spain divided into Castilla y León and Castilla-La Mancha, known for its numerous castles and the origin of the Spanish language.

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Madrid

The capital of Spain, located in the central region of the country, and a significant center of the Spanish economy.

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Extremadura

A mountainous region in southwest Spain known for its Roman monuments and as the birthplace of famous conquistadors.

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Andalucia

A southern Spanish region known for its strong Arabic cultural influence.

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Cataluña

The most industrialized region of Spain; Barcelona, its biggest port, is a key cultural and economic hub.

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Valencia

Known for its fertile land and canal irrigation system, introduced by the Moors; famous for oranges and the novels of Vicente Blasco Ibáñez.

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Seville Cathedral

A large Gothic cathedral in Seville, holding the tomb of Christopher Columbus; features a Moorish tower, La Giralda.

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The Alhambra

An ancient palace in Granada, once home to Moorish kings, known for its intricate architecture and gardens.

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Alcázar de Toledo

An ancient Moorish castle in Toledo, destroyed in the Civil War but since reconstructed.

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Seville

Situated on the shores of the Guadalquivir River, Seville was the only port for New World voyages during the colonial era.

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Seville

The main city in Andalucia, Seville features ancient streets, beautiful patios, and the largest Gothic cathedral in the world.

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Albaicín

A picturesque neighborhood in Granada where gypsies lived in the 16th century, offering stunning views and a unique atmosphere.

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Barcelona

A port city in Catalonia, Barcelona features Las Ramblas, a famous avenue, Plaça de Catalunya, a vibrant commercial center, and the nearby Montserrat monastery.

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Montserrat Monastery

A famous monastery in the suburbs of Barcelona, visited by thousands of tourists.

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Granada

The last Moorish fortress in Spain, Granada was conquered by the Catholic Kings in 1492.

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Toledo

Located near Madrid, Toledo served as the Visigoth capital and home to Spanish royalty until 1560.

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Cádiz

A port on the Atlantic coast of Spain, Cadiz was a Phoenician colony in ancient times.

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Burgos

The ancient capital of Castilla y Léon, Burgos features a famous cathedral and is home to the tomb of El Cid Campeador.

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Study Notes

Area, Climate, and Population

  • Spain is located in southwestern Europe, bordered by Portugal to the west, France to the northeast, the Mediterranean Sea to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
  • It also includes the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Melilla, and Ceuta.
  • The country has a population of approximately 39 million people.
  • This area is smaller than Texas but four times the size of New York.

Climate

  • Spain has a diverse climate, varying significantly across its regions.
  • The northern coast and mountains in the northeast experience a temperate climate, often with cooler temperatures and more rainfall.
  • The southern and eastern regions are generally hot.
  • Central regions and southeastern coasts have extreme climates with very hot summers and cold winters.

Mountain Ranges and Principal Rivers

  • Spain is one of Europe's most mountainous countries, with approximately half of the nation encompassed by a large plateau called "La Meseta."
  • The country contains various mountain ranges (e.g., Sierra de Guadarrama, Sierra Morena, Sierra Nevada).
  • The Sierra Nevada includes El Mulhacén, the highest peak in the Iberian Peninsula, at 3,478 meters.
  • Principal rivers include the Ebro, Duero, Tajo, Guadiana, and Guadalquivir.

Rivers

  • Spain has five major rivers that have origins in the mountain ranges.
  • El Ebro flows north and passes through Zaragoza, eventually flowing into the Mediterranean Sea.
  • El Duero rises near Burgos and flows into the Atlantic.
  • El Tajo is a major river that flows through Toledo and empties into the Atlantic, near Lisbon.
  • El Guadiana flows south, through Merida and Badajoz, an ancient Roman cities and flows into the Atlantic.
  • El Guadalquivir is the most navigable river in Spain that stretches through the cities of Córdoba and Seville.

Minerals and Principal Products

  • Spain is a significant agricultural producer, with varied products across the country.
  • Northern Spain produces wood and fish.
  • Central parts produce wheat and other grains.
  • The Andalusian region produces famous wines from Jerez and Malaga as well as abundant olive oil.
  • It is also a top wine producer in the world, specializing in diverse types.
  • Important mineral resources include iron from Vizcaya in the north, lead from Linares in the south, and mercury from Almadén.

Territorial Division

  • Spain is administratively divided into 50 provinces, historically categorized into 15 regions.
  • Each region has its unique traditions, languages, and cultural characteristics.

Principal Cities

  • Significant cities include Madrid (capital), Barcelona, Sevilla, Valencia, Granada, and Córdoba.
  • Madrid, the capital, is a major center for commerce, government, and cultural activities.
  • Some cities like Córdoba have historically significant cultural and architectural landmarks.

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Explore the geography of Spain, including its area, diverse climate, and population. Learn about the country's major mountain ranges and rivers. This quiz will test your knowledge of Spain's unique geographical features.

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