Spain

Spain is a country in southwestern Europe occupying most of the Iberian Peninsula, bordered by Portugal to the west, France and Andorra to the northeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the east and south. Its territory also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, and enclaves in North Africa. Spain’s diverse geography ranges from coastal plains to mountain ranges such as the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada. Modern Spain is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a decentralized political system composed of autonomous communities. It has a rich cultural heritage shaped by a long history of diverse civilizations, including Roman, Visigothic, Islamic, and Christian influences. Today, Spain is a major European country known for its cultural contributions, global historical impact, and significant role in international affairs.

Pre-Roman and Roman Hispania

Prehistory – 5th century CE

The Iberian Peninsula was inhabited by various indigenous groups before becoming part of the Roman Empire as Hispania. Roman rule brought urbanization, infrastructure, and Latin language influences that shaped the region’s cultural development.

Visigothic and Islamic Rule

5th–15th centuries

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Visigoths established a kingdom in Iberia. In 711, Muslim forces conquered much of the peninsula, creating Al-Andalus, a center of cultural and scientific advancement. Christian kingdoms in the north gradually expanded southward during the Reconquista.

Unification and Global Empire

15th–17th centuries

The marriage of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile unified Spain and completed the Reconquista in 1492. That same year marked the beginning of Spain’s global empire following Christopher Columbus’s voyage, leading to extensive colonization in the Americas and beyond.

Decline and Transformation

17th–19th centuries

Spain’s dominance declined due to economic difficulties, military conflicts, and the loss of territories. The Napoleonic Wars and subsequent political instability led to the eventual loss of most overseas colonies in the 19th century.

Modern Spain

20th century–present

Spain experienced a civil war from 1936 to 1939, resulting in the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. After his death in 1975, the country transitioned to democracy and adopted a constitution in 1978. Spain joined the European Union in 1986 and has since developed into a modern, democratic state.