Is Spain in Europe? Where is Spain?
Yes, Spain is a European country. The question “Is Spain in Europe” may seem straightforward to many, but the detail behind the question opens up an interesting exploration of geography, history, and geopolitics. Let’s find the reasons behind this common question, the geographical location of Spain, and the historical context that shapes Spain’s identity within the European continent.
Where is Spain
Spain is located in the southwestern part of Europe, sharing the Iberian Peninsula with Portugal. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Spain also shares land borders with France and Andorra to the northeast, and with the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar at its southern tip.
Why this question is asked
The question arises because two archipelagos and two cities of the country are located out of Europe. These include the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, and the two large archipelagos—the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. Spain is considered the only country in Europe that has a boundary with an African nation. Five percent of Spain’s population lives in its African territory. Of these, the majority live in the Canary Islands.
Melilla
Melilla is an autonomous city and is located on the north coast of Africa. It covers an area of 4.7 square miles and has a population of 78,476, as of 2011. Spanish is the official language of the city, while Riffian-Berber is widely spoken. Morocco, which claims Melilla as its own territory, says the city is an occupied territory.
Ceuta
The autonomous city of Ceuta is located on the north coast of Africa and covers an area of 7.1 square miles. The city shares its land border with M’diq-Fnideq Prefecture, Morocco. Spanish is the official language of the city, while between 40 to 50 percent of the population speaks Darija Arabic.
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean and are an autonomous community of Spain. Also known as the Canaries, the islands are located approximately 62 miles west of Morocco. The archipelago covers a total area of 2,893 square miles and as of 2016, was home to 2,101,924 people.
Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands are located in the Western Mediterranean. An autonomous community and province of Spain, the Balearic Islands cover an area of 1,927 square miles. As of 2016, the population of the Balearic Islands was 1,107,220 people. Spanish and Catalan are the co-official languages in the islands.
Spain’s Connection to Europe
Historical Affiliation
Spain is a part of Europe. It has a long history and shares many cultural ties with other European countries. Over the years, Spain has been influenced by different civilizations, from the Roman Empire to the Islamic Moors. These influences have shaped Spain’s identity and made it a distinct European nation.
European Union Membership
Spain has been part of the European Union since 1986. Joining the union shows its commitment to working closely with other European nations. Being a member means Spain is involved in making decisions together with other countries. This collaboration not only helps in politics but also supports the economy and allows cultures to be shared among European countries.
Touristic Magnet within Europe
Many people from Europe visit Spain because it’s a beautiful and interesting place. Every year, millions of Europeans visit Spain to enjoy the different landscapes, learn about its long history, and experience the lively culture. This sharing of culture and experiences through tourism helps people from different European countries understand each other better and become more connected.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question “Is Spain in Europe”, is not only about where Spain is on the map. It is like a mix of geographical composition, historical and cultural affiliations.
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