The Environment and Us: Spain

"The fourth largest country in Europe by area, the Kingdom of Spain is a nation with a long history. Through the centuries it has had a profound influence on politics, music, art, and literature. It is a country with a widely diverse terrain and a highly homogeneous population. Spain’s history, natural beauty, and climate make it a popular destination for tourists ... "

"Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power ... "

"Spain occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula, stretching south from the Pyrenees Mountains to the Strait of Gibraltar, which separates Spain from Africa ... "

"Spain is comprised of portions of the Iberian mainland, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, and the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla on the North African coast. Spain’s most striking topographical features are its elevated central plateau and its internal division by mountain and river barriers ... "

"Spain is a large country in western Europe. It once controlled a huge empire in the Americas. Spain’s capital is Madrid ... "

"The climate is warm and temperate in Barcelona. The rain in Barcelona falls mostly in the winter, with relatively little rain in the summer ... "