The administrative-territorial division of Spain is determined by the form of its state structure. Spain is a unitary country consisting of 17 autonomous communities (regions). The division into communities is enshrined in the 1978 Constitution. Each autonomy has its own government and charter.
Administrative division of Spain
The country's regions are divided into provinces, of which there are a total of 50. Also, Spain has two autonomous cities located in Africa - Melilla and Ceuta. Provinces are divided into districts, and they, in turn, into municipalities. Even a quarter within a given settlement may be a separate municipality with its mayor's office and local government council.
Next, we will take a closer look at the administrative division of Spain and talk about the features of each region separately.
Madrid
This is the central autonomy of the country with the capital of the same name. The region occupies a relatively small area of 8,028 square meters. km, however, its population reaches almost 6.5 million people. The administrative division of Spain is such that Madrid is also a separate province. The Mediterranean climate prevails here with cold winters and hot summers. A huge number of cultural and architectural monuments, historical places, museums are concentrated in the region.
Andalusia
We continue to consider the administrative division of Spain. Autonomy with the beautiful name Andalusia is the southernmost in the country. It consists of eight provinces. The capital is the city of Seville. Andalusia has an area of 87,268 square meters. km, which is home to almost 8.5 million people. This is a region with a diverse relief: there are mountains, lowlands, deserts, and a strip of beaches. The climate is hot and arid.
Aragon
Autonomy in the north-east of the country, consisting of three provinces. The capital is Zaragoza. From the north, Aragon borders with France. The area of the region is 47 719 square meters. km, the population is about 1.5 million people. This is a very beautiful autonomy framed by mountain ranges. Here you can see the snowy peaks, waterfalls, alpine meadows, mountain lakes and rivers, deep canyons, green valleys. Travelers come to Aragon for outdoor activities: mountaineering, rafting, cycling and skiing are developed in the region.
Asturias
The Principality of Asturias with the capital Oviedo is located in the north of the country. Area - 10 604 sq. M. km, the population is just over 1 million people. People here speak Asturian. The relief of the region is bays, cliffs and mountains. There are beaches, grottoes, and meadows, as well as yew, oak and beech forests that form a national park. Fans of mountaineering, skiing and ecotourism love to come to Asturias. Among other things, a lot of historical monuments are concentrated in this autonomy: palaces, churches, cathedrals, museums, caves.
Balearic Islands
Speaking about the administrative division of Spain, it is worth noting that in Europe there is no more diverse country. Autonomies include not only mainland, but also island territories. Balearic Islands - Mediterranean archipelago. The capital is Palma de Mallorca. The area of the region is 4,992 square meters. km, the population exceeds 1 million people. The islands in the archipelago have a different relief: Menorca is mostly flat, Mallorca is mountainous, Ibiza and Formentera are covered with forests. The climate here is sunny and very warm, making the Balearic Islands a famous resort area.
Basque Country
The most distinctive territorial unit in the administrative division of Spain. The capital of the Basque country is the city of Vitoria. This northeastern region includes three provinces. Area - 7,234 square meters km, population - over 2 million people. Here people speak a unique Basque language. The relief in the Basque Country is complex: mountain ranges and a sandy coast, rugged by bays and cliffs. The region is popular for beach, mountain, rural tourism.
Valencia
Autonomy in eastern Spain with the capital of the same name. Valencia unites three provinces. Area - 23,255 square meters km, population - more than 5 million people. The relief is represented by a coastal strip, adjacent hills and a plain. The climate and landscape of the region are such that unique ecosystems have formed here, as a result many protected areas have been created. Valencia is also famous all over the world for its beaches.
Galicia
This autonomous community in the north-west of the country is also called the "edge of the world." Galicia includes four provinces, the capital is Santiago de Compostela. Area - 29 574 sq. M. km, the population is almost 3 million people. The region has a diverse relief: forests, rivers, low mountains, coast with fjords and capes. In Galicia there are many reserves, national parks, historical monuments. Here you can see the castle towers of ancient Celtic settlements, Romanesque buildings, Muslim and Christian churches.
Canary Islands
This is the most remote autonomy of Spain. Canary Islands - an archipelago consisting of 13 islands. The region includes two provinces and has two capitals. Area - 7,447 square meters km, population - more than 2 million people. Canaries are of volcanic origin, therefore, there is a unique relief and climate, which led to the creation of a large number of protected areas and parks. The climate is humid, tropical, allows you to relax on the beaches all year round. That is why resort tourism is a priority industry in the region.
Castile La Mancha
This autonomous community is located in the center of the country, includes five provinces. Area - 79,463 square meters km, population - over 2 million people. The relief is represented by a plain that is surrounded by mountains. The region is known for its ancient fortresses and castles, in the Middle Ages there was a separate state. Toledo, the capital of autonomy, is especially rich in historical monuments. Castile-La Mancha is also famous for its rich ethnic traditions: annually in the region there are carnivals and festivals.
Castile and Leon
This is the largest autonomous community in Spain with an area of 94,223 square meters. km The population exceeds 2.5 million people. The region includes nine provinces, the capital is Valladolid. The flat terrain in the south and east passes into the mountains. Famous ski resorts are located here, which makes autonomy attractive for tourists.
Catalonia
Region in the north-east of the country with an area of 32 114 square meters. km, with a population of more than 7.5 million people. Catalonia includes four provinces, the capital is Barcelona. The landscape of autonomy is very diverse: hills, forests, mountain ranges, lakes, rivers and sandy beaches of the Mediterranean. The mild climate contributed to the fact that in Catalonia there were numerous resorts with world renown. The capital of the region is a real museum city, with many architectural and cultural monuments.
Murcia
This autonomous community with the capital of the same name is located in the southeast of Spain. Area - 11,313 square meters km, the population is about 1.5 million people. In the south of the region there is a strip of beaches with a length of 170 km. Also here is the largest lake of the country Mar Menor - a unique nature reserve.
Extremadura
The western region of Spain, which includes two provinces. The capital is Merida. Extremadura borders on Portugal, the relief is mostly mountainous. Area - 41 634 sq. M. km, population - more than 1 million people. Autonomy is a famous tourist attraction, as it used to be the Roman province of Lusitania. Monuments of those times were preserved throughout the region: an amphitheater, a triumphal arch, the ruins of Roman baths.
In addition to the above, Spain has 3 more autonomous communities: Rioja, Navarra and Cantabria. They are small in area and number of inhabitants.
This is the administrative division of Spain. Each of the 17 autonomies is very distinctive and not like the others. This is due to the rich history of the country and the long conquests that had a decisive influence on the formation of ethnic and cultural traditions.