La Penisola Iberica

Summary

The Iberian Peninsula, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, is the westernmost and largest of Europe's three peninsulas. It is separated from France by the Pyrenees mountains and features a diverse geography with ranges such as the Cantabrian, Iberian, and Sierra Morena. The region's longest river, the Ebro, flows southeast into the Mediterranean. The peninsula is home to several countries including Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and Gibraltar, each with unique political structures. Notable islands include the Balearics in the western Mediterranean. This dynamic region is rich in culture, history, and natural landscapes.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Iberian Peninsula is surrounded by sea on 90% of its borders, with the Mediterranean Sea to the south and east and the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west.
• 😀 The Strait of Gibraltar separates the Iberian Peninsula from Morocco, linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
• 😀 The Pyrenees mountain range forms the natural border between Spain and France to the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula.
• 😀 The Cantabrian Mountains, located in the northwest, stretch for 480 kilometers, with peaks exceeding 2000 meters in height, including the Picos de Europa.
• 😀 South of the Cantabrian Mountains and the Pyrenees lies the Iberian system, a major mountain range that runs through central Spain and Portugal.
• 😀 The Sierra Morena range is located to the south of the Iberian system, followed by the Sierra Nevada, which hosts the highest peak in the Iberian Peninsula, Mulhacén.
• 😀 The Ebro River is the longest river in Spain and flows for over 900 kilometers, emptying into the Mediterranean Sea.
• 😀 The Tagus River, the longest in the Iberian Peninsula, flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Lisbon.
• 😀 The Guadalquivir River is significant in Andalusia, spanning 657 kilometers across the region.
• 😀 The Balearic Islands, located in the western Mediterranean, consist of two main groups: the Balearic Islands (including Majorca and Minorca) and the Pityusic Islands (Ibiza and Formentera).
• 😀 Spain is a constitutional monarchy with Madrid as its capital, while Portugal is a parliamentary republic with Lisbon as its capital.
• 😀 Andorra is governed by two co-princes, the Bishop of Urgell and the President of France, with authority exercised by a General Council.
• 😀 Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula.

Q & A

What is the geographical location of the Iberian Peninsula?

The Iberian Peninsula is located in Southern Europe, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the south and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west. It is surrounded by water on 90% of its perimeter.

What is the significance of the Strait of Gibraltar?

The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and is located at the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula, just a few kilometers from Morocco.

What mountain range separates the Iberian Peninsula from France?

The Pyrenees mountain range separates the Iberian Peninsula from France to the northeast.

What are the main mountain systems found in the Iberian Peninsula?

The main mountain systems in the Iberian Peninsula are the Cantabrian Mountains, the Iberian System, the Central System, and the Sierra Morena. Additionally, the Sierra Nevada is located to the southeast, with the highest peak being Mulhacén.

Which is the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula?

The longest river in the Iberian Peninsula is the Tagus River, which flows through Spain and Portugal before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean at Lisbon.

What are some other important rivers in the Iberian Peninsula?

Other important rivers in the Iberian Peninsula include the Guadalquivir River, which flows through Andalusia, and the Douro River, which originates in the Iberian System and flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Porto in Portugal.

What is the Balearic Islands archipelago, and which islands are included?

The Balearic Islands are an archipelago in the western Mediterranean. The main islands are Mallorca and Menorca to the northeast, and Ibiza and Formentera to the southeast.

What type of government does Spain have?

Spain is a constitutional monarchy, with its capital in Madrid.

What type of government does Portugal have?

Portugal is a parliamentary republic, with its capital in Lisbon.

How is the government of Andorra structured?

Andorra is co-ruled by two princes: the Bishop of Urgell in Spain and the President of France. However, the real governing authority is exercised by a General Council composed of 28 members.