Spain

SPAIN
Molly Gilbert

History
//The regions of Spain//

The country of Spain is located in western Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Portugal to the West and France to the north. The territories of Spain also include the Canary Islands and two cities near Morocco in northern Africa, Ceuta and Melilla. Spain has been an extremely influential nation throughout history. Originally a region called Hispania of the Roman Empire, it was later ruled by the Germanics and after that conquered by Muslims (Moors). In 1492, the last Moorish colony in Spain was defeated by Spanish Christian kingdoms, and the great Spanish empire was initiated. The empire at this time consisted of the kingdoms of Castile, León, Aragon and Navarre. Eventually Spain spread its rule to colonies throughout South and Central America, Mexico, the Philippines, parts of the modern United States territory, Northern Africa, and parts of western Europe. The phrase "the empire on which the sun never sets" refers to the "Spanish Golden Age," in which Spanish influence radiated throughout the globe. Though Spain eventually lost control of most of its giant empire, Spanish influence is still apparent in those areas today. Language is perhaps the most prevalent influence, along with cultural aspects such as food and music.

Culture
Spanish culture has many defining aspects. Spanish literature is known throughout the world, with such historically famous authors as Muguel de Cervantes, who wrote Don Quixote, considered one of the greatest fiction novels ever published. Spanish art has largely been influenced by Moorish culture, as well as by Italy, France, and Germany. More modern art forms in Spain have been derived from famous artists such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí, both painters during the 20th century. Flamenco is often regarded as a defining feature of Spanish musical culture, though it is generally only practiced in the Andalusian region. Cultural folk music is prevalent in different regions of Spain, and worldy popular music genres such as rock, hip-hop, and heavy metal are also widespread in Spain.

Part 1

Part 2

**Sources**
"Background Note: Spain, Profile." US Department of State. 2008. Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. 17 November 2008. 

Pardos, José Luis. "History, Geography, Population and Society." Sí, Spain. 1994. Sí, Spain Project. 17 November 2008. 

"Spanish Arts." Spanish Arts Gallery. 2006. Telnet Servicios Telemáticos. 18 November 2008. 