SPAIN

Spain has a land area of approximately 195,364 square miles. Its geographic coordinates are 40
00 N, 4 00 W. It is located in southwestern Europe and has borders with France (in the north) and
Portugal (in the west). Most of its territory is a peninsula, but it also has two large archipelagos. The
Balearic Islands are off the coast of Catalonia and the region of Valencia. The Canary Islands are in the
Atlantic Ocean, about 1,500 kilometers from the Andalusian coast, the southernmost end of the peninsula.
Spain also has to Autonomous Cities: Ceuta and Melilla. They are in northern Africa and connected by
frequent ferry services to the coast of Andalusia.
Mainland Spain, together with Portugal, forms the Iberian Peninsula, surrounded by the Mediterranean
Sea to the east and south, the Atlantic Ocean to the west and parts of the north and south, and the
Cantabrian Sea to the north.
Spain's physical geography is diverse, featuring a wide range of landscapes, mountain ranges, and
climatic zones. Here are some key aspects of Spain's physical geography:
The highest point of elevation is the Pico de Teide (Tenerife) on Canary Islands with 3,718 m. The lowest
point of elevation is the Atlantic Ocean with 0 m.
Mountain Ranges:
Pyrenees: Forming the natural border between Spain and France in the northeast, the Pyrenees are a
rugged mountain range with high peaks and deep valleys.
Sierra Nevada: Located in the south, this range includes Mulhacén, the highest peak in mainland Spain.
Cantabrian Mountains: Stretching along the northern coast, these mountains influence the climate of the
region.
Spain exhibits a variety of climate types according to the Köppen climate classification system.
The predominant climate types in Spain include:
Mediterranean Climate (Csa): This climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
It is prevalent along the eastern and southern coastal areas, including cities like Barcelona and Valencia.
Semi-Arid Climate (BSh, BSk): Found in the southeastern part of Spain, this climate type is
characterized by hot temperatures and low precipitation. The region of Almería, for example, experiences
a semi-arid climate.
Oceanic Climate (Cfb): This climate type is typical in the northern regions, especially along the Bay of
Biscay. Cities like Bilbao experience mild temperatures, abundant rainfall, and relatively uniform
conditions throughout the year.
Continental Climate (Csa): In the interior parts of Spain, particularly in the central and northern areas,
there are influences of a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Madrid, located in the
interior, has a semi-arid climate with some continental characteristics.
Factors influencing Spain's climate:
Latitude: Spain's location at a mid-latitude influences its overall climate, resulting in a mix of
Mediterranean, semi-arid, and oceanic climates.
Altitude: The presence of mountainous areas, such as the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada, contributes to
variations in climate based on elevation. Higher elevations may experience cooler temperatures.
Continentality: The interior regions, being farther from the moderating influence of the oceans, tend to
have more extreme temperatures, contributing to continental climate characteristics.
Elevation: Higher elevations in mountainous regions influence temperature and precipitation patterns,
creating local climate variations.
Mountain Barriers: Mountain ranges, like the Pyrenees, influence the distribution of rainfall and
contribute to rain shadows on the leeward side of the mountains.
Ocean Currents: The Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean influence the coastal climates, with the
Mediterranean Sea moderating temperatures along the eastern and southern coasts.
Pressure: Atmospheric pressure patterns, including high and low-pressure systems, influence wind
patterns and weather conditions across the country.
Storm Tracks: The movement of storm systems across the region can impact precipitation patterns and
weather events in different parts of Spain.

In summary, Spain's uniqueness in its region stems from its diverse physical geography, including
mountainous regions, islands, distinct coastlines, and a range of climates. These geographical features,
combined with historical and cultural influences, contribute to Spain's distinctive identity within the
broader European and Mediterranean context.

Sources:
Lamoncloa.gob.es
Camaraofespanola.org
Guao.org
countryreports.org