Spain is considered to be the one of the hottest countries in Western Europe. Average number of sunny days is 260-285. The average temperature during the year on the Mediterranean Sea coast is approximately 20 degrees Celsius. In winter the temperature drops below zero usually only in the central and northern parts of the country. In summer the temperature rises to 40 degrees and above (from the central portion to the south coast). On the north coast the temperature is not so high - about 25 degrees Celsius.
For Spain is characterized by very deep internal climatic differences, and it only can be conventionally attributed entirely to the Mediterranean climate region. These differences are manifested both in temperature and in the annual amounts and precipitation regime.
In the extreme north-west the climate is mild and humid with weak temperature fluctuations throughout the year and high rainfall. Constant winds from the Atlantic bring a lot of moisture, especially in winter, when fog prevails and cloudy weather with drizzling rain, almost without frost and snow. The average temperature of the coldest month is the same as in the north-west of France. Summers are hot and humid, average temperatures rarely drop below 16 degrees Celsius. Annual rainfall exceeds 1070 mm, and in some places up to 2000 mm.
Completely different conditions in the inner parts of the country - on the plateau of the Old and New Castile and Aragon plain. In these areas, the influence of the relief, a considerable height and local continental air. They are characterized by relatively low rainfall (less than 500 mm per year) and temperature fluctuation with the seasons. In Old Castile and Aragon are quite plain cold winters with frosts and strong, sharp winds; summers are hot and fairly dry, although the maximum precipitation occurs in this season of the year. In New Castile climate is slightly softer, with the warmer winter, but also with low rainfall. Agriculture in all these areas need irrigation.
Variety of climatic conditions - from wet to arid in the north to the south - causes heterogeneity of flora and vegetation of Spain. In the north manifest similarities with Central Europe, and in the south - with Africa. Traces of forest vegetation in Murcia, La Mancha and Granada suggests that in the past a large part of the territory of Spain was afforested, but now the forests and woodlands occupy only 30% of the country, and only 5% are full serried stands.
In the north-west of the country evergreen oak forests. In the mountain forests more deciduous oaks, along with beech, ash, birch and chestnut, which is typical for Central Europe. In the interior of Spain, the place is kept small tracts of dry evergreen forests with a predominance of oak, interspersed with pine trees and shrubs. In the most arid areas of New Castile, Aragon and Murcia plateau found fragments of semi-desert (usually on the salt marsh).
On the southwest coast of Iberia in the Bronze Age, there is culture, which at the end of two thousand. BC formed a civilization of Tartessos, a seller of metal with the Phoenicians. After depletion of the mines of Tartessos is in decline.
Along the east coast of Spain in the III millennium BC appeared Iberian tribes; some hypotheses relate their ancestral home to North Africa. In the future, the Iberians were assimilated by the Celts. Iberians from happening ancient name of the peninsula - Iberian. Spain was called the land of the Iberians Phoenicians. The Iberians were mainly engaged in agriculture, cattle breeding and hunting, were able to produce tools of copper and bronze.
There are Roman evidence that previously lived in Spain, Liguria, but in the historical period of their existence is not known.
In the Late Bronze Age in Iberia penetrates Urnfield culture (the remainder is in the historical period were probably Lusitanian’s), and at the beginning of one thousand. BCE. e. most of Iberia colonize the Celtic tribes. The Celts, who lived in the western part, maintained a relatively conservative lifestyle, were non-literate. The Celts of Iberia became famous as warriors. They invented a double-edged sword, which later became standard armament of the Roman army and used against their inventors.
Spain is considered to a museum under open air. The vast expanses of this country cherish cultural and historical monuments, which are world famous. The most famous museum in Spain - The Prado Museum - located in Madrid. His extensive exposure cannot be inspected in one day. The museum was founded by the wife of King Ferdinand VII. Prado has its own branch, located in the Cason Del Buen Retiro, and keeps a unique collection of Spanish painting and sculpture of the XIX century, as well as works of English and French painters. In the same museum are large exposure Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Flemish and German art. His name shall Prado Avenue Prado de San Jerónimo, where he is laid in the era of the Enlightenment. At present, the museum Prado are 6,000 paintings, 400 sculptures and numerous valuables, including royal and religious collection. Within a few centuries of its existence, the Prado was patronized by many kings.
Counting on this proves I can say for sure that Spain is definitely the best destination for me to spend the rest of my life.
Works Cited
- Burke, Ulick Ralph, and Martin A. S. Hume. A History of Spain from the Earliest times to the Death of Ferdinand the Catholic,. 2d Ed. ed. London: Longmans, Green, 1900. Print.
