Geographical and Political Overview

Spain's geography is characterized by diverse mountain ranges and waterways. The Cantabrian Mountains and Pyrenees dominate the north, while the Central and Iberian Systems frame the central region's Meseta plateau. The Sierra Morena and Betic System, including Mount Mulhacen in Sierra Nevada, define the southern landscape.

Definition: The Meseta is a vast plateau that forms the geographical heart of Spain.

Highlight: Spain's rivers, primarily the Duero, Tagus, Ebro, Guadiana, and Guadalquivir, exhibit irregular flow patterns and torrential characteristics.

Example: The coastline varies significantly: regular in the east, indented in the northwest, low and marshy in the south, and high and rocky in the north.

The country operates as a constitutional monarchy, divided into 17 autonomous communities since 1978, each with its own executive and legislative bodies. The Euro replaced the Spanish Peseta in 1999, and the population is predominantly Catholic (71%).