Difference between revisions of "Andalusia" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Autonomous community
 
{{Autonomous community
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|full-name = Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía
 
|full-name = Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía
 
|flag = Bandera de Andalucía.png
 
|flag = Bandera de Andalucía.png
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|coat-of-arms = Escudo Andalucía.png
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|coat-of-arms = Escudo de Andalucía (oficial2).svg
 
|motto = Andalucía por sí, para España y la humanidad<br/>(Andalusia by herself, for Spain, and for humankind)
 
|motto = Andalucía por sí, para España y la humanidad<br/>(Andalusia by herself, for Spain, and for humankind)
 
|map = Localización de Andalucía.png
 
|map = Localización de Andalucía.png
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|capital = [[Image:EscudoSevilla3.jpg|16px]]&nbsp;[[Seville]]
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|capital = [[Image:EscudoSevilla3.jpg|30px]] [[Seville]]
 
|language = [[Spanish language|Spanish]]
 
|language = [[Spanish language|Spanish]]
 
|area = 87,268
 
|area = 87,268
 
|area-rank = 2nd
 
|area-rank = 2nd
 
|area-magnitude = E10
 
|area-magnitude = E10
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|area-percent = 17.2%
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|area-percent = 17.2 percent
 
|pop = 7,975,672
 
|pop = 7,975,672
 
|pop-rank = 1st
 
|pop-rank = 1st
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|english-name = Andalusian
 
|english-name = Andalusian
 
|spanish-name = Andaluz, andaluza
 
|spanish-name = Andaluz, andaluza
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|autonomy = [[December 30]] [[1981]]<ref>The [[:es:s:Estatuto de Autonomía de Andalucia 1981|Statute of Autonomy for Andalusia]] was approved by "Ley Orgánica 6/1981, de 30 de diciembre, Estatuto de Autonomía para Andalucía", published in ''Boletín Oficial del Estado'' n. 9, 11 January 1982. As for "Decreto Ley 11/1978" a provisional Autonomous Government (''Junta de Andalucía preautonómica'') had already been created. The Statute of Autonomy has been reformed in 2006, and the amended text approved by the [[Senate of Spain]] and the [[Congress of Deputies of Spain]]. The new Statute will be [[Andalusian constitutional referendum, 2007|voted on in a referendum]] in 2007.[http://www.andaluciajunta.es/especiales/aj-nuevoestatuto-estatuto.html?idSeccion=1&idApartado=1]</ref>
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|autonomy = December 30, 1981  
 
|congress = 62
 
|congress = 62
 
|senate = 40
 
|senate = 40
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|anthem = [[La bandera blanca y verde]]
 
|anthem = [[La bandera blanca y verde]]
 
}}
 
}}
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[[Image:Calatrava Puente del Alamillo Seville.jpg|thumb|[[Puente del Alamillo|Alamillo Bridge]], [[Seville]] designed by [[Santiago Calatrava]] ]]
 
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[[Image:Malecón de La Caleta, Cádiz.JPG|thumb|[[Malecón]] of La Caleta, [[Cádiz]] ]]
 
  
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'''Andalusia''' ([[Spanish language|Spanish]]: ''Andalucía'')<!-- Arabic language is NOT official —> is an [[autonomous communities of Spain|autonomous community of Spain]]. Andalusia is the most populous and the second largest, in terms of its land area, of the seventeen autonomous communities of the [[Spain|Kingdom of Spain]]. Its capital is [[Seville]].
 
  
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Andalusia is bounded on the north by the autonomous communities of [[Extremadura]] and [[Castilla-La Mancha]]; on the east by the autonomous community of [[Murcia]] and the [[Mediterranean Sea]]; on the west by [[Portugal]] and the [[Atlantic Ocean]]; on the south by the [[Mediterranean Sea]], the [[Strait of Gibraltar]], which separates [[Spain]] from [[Morocco]], and the [[Atlantic Ocean]]. The [[British overseas territory]] of [[Gibraltar]] shares a three-quarter-mile land border with the Andalusian [[province of Cádiz]] at the eastern end of the [[Strait of Gibraltar]].
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Andalusia, located in the southern portion of [[Spain]], is one of the seventeen autonomous regions of the country. It contains eight distinct provinces, all with individual cultural traditions and identity. With eight provinces ( [[Almeria]], [[Cadiz]], [[Cordoba]], [[Granada]], [[Huelva]], [[Jaen]], [[Malaga]],and [[Seville]] ) , Andalusia boasts the largest population of any of the autonomous Spanish states. In terms of land mass, Andalusia is the second largest of the autonomous regions of Spain, second only to the region of [[Castilla y Leon]].  
  
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==History==
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Andalusia lies to the south of [[Extremadura]] and [[Castilla-La Mancha]], meeting the [[Mediterranean Sea]] on its southern border. Its eastern neighbor is the autonomous community of [[Murcia]], while the country of [[Portugal]] lies along its western border. Past Portugal to the west lies the [[Atlantic Ocean]]. Andalusia is also conveniently located along the [[strait of Gibraltar]], the passage between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The prime position along the strait was also recognized by [[Great Britain]], who controls a small area of land bordering Andalusia.
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{{See|Al-Andalus}}
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{{toc}}
 +
Five hundred years of [[Muslim]] rule during the [[Middle Ages]] greatly influenced Andalusia's culture. During this time it became an extremely wealthy and influential political force that actively cultivated scholarship and advances in many areas. This Moorish influence continues to be evident in the region's character through its [[architecture]], [[language]] and customs. With its tradition of bull fights and [[Gypsy]] flamenco music and dance, Andalusia provides the strongest external image of Spain.
 +
 
 +
==Etymology==
 +
It is believed that the name ''Al-Andalus,'' [[Arabic language|Arabic]] for "Country of the Vandals," was originally applied to the entire [[Iberian Peninsula]] by the Muslim (Moors) who occupied the area for 500 years. As Christians began to reconquer the peninsula in the eleventh century, the name was used only to describe the area still under [[Muslim]] control. Eventually a form of the name, Andalusia, came to be attached to the modern-day region of Spain.
 +
 
 +
==Geography==
 +
Alpine [[mountain]]s and [[pine]] forests exist at the high elevations of Andalusia while arid, barren [[desert]]s exist at the lower points. Fertile, irrigated plains support plantations of subtropical [[fruit]]s. [[Orange]]s, [[grape]]s, [[olive]]s, [[wheat]] and sugarcane are abundant crops. The rich [[mineral]] resources, exploited since Phoenician and Roman times, include [[copper]], [[iron]], [[zinc]], and [[lead]]. Cattle, bulls (for bullfighting) and fine horses are bred there.
 +
 
 +
The terrain of Andalusia varies greatly depending on the region. Toward the coast the terrain descends into the famous beaches of Spain, notable for their fine [[sand]]s and constant sunshine.
  
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===Tartessians and Phoenicians===
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Most of lowland Andalusia has a mild, Mediterranean climate, while the interior of the region is cooler. The weather, beach, and nearly constant sunshine, however, are not the only reasons that tourists flock to Andalusia. The [[mountain]]s are also spectacular, and they host a unique combination of [[plant]] and [[animal]] life.
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[[Tartessos]], home of the once-powerful Tartessian civilization, was founded in Andalusia in pre-Roman times. The [[Phoenicians]] colonized several areas on the Andalusian coast during the latter part of the second millennium B.C.E. The most important settlement was [[Cadiz]] (Gdr or Gdz in Hebrew) around 1100 B.C.E..
 
  
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===Carthaginians and Romans===
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The main geographic feature of the region is the [[Andalusian Plain]], which runs from the Sierra Morena in the north to the [[Sistema Penibetico]] in the south. The plain is fundamentally a large river valley that surrounds the [[Rio Guadlquivir]], and it broadens wherever possible. The valley reaches its narrowest point where the [[Sierra Morena]] and the Sistema Penibetico meet in the eastern portion of the region. Minor valleys are also common in Andalusia, although none rival the breath and size of the Andalusian Plain.
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With the fall of the Phoenician cities, [[Carthage]] became the dominant sea power in the western Mediteranean and the most important trading partner for the [[Semitic]] towns along the Andalusian coast. Between the first and second Carthaginian wars, Carthage extended its control beyond Andalusia to include all of Iberia except the Basquelands. Andalusia was the major staging ground for the war vs Rome led by the Barkid [[Hannibal]]. The Romans defeated the Carthaginians and conquered Andalusia, the region being renamed [[Betica]].
 
  
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===Vandals and Visigoths===
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==History==
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The [[Vandals]] moved briefly through the region during the [[5th century]] CE before settling in [[North Africa]], after which the region fell into the hands of the [[Visigoths|Kingdom of the Visigoths]] who had to face the Byzantine interests in the region.
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[[Image:Calatrava Puente del Alamillo Seville.jpg|thumb|275px|[[Puente del Alamillo|Alamillo Bridge]], [[Seville]] designed by [[Santiago Calatrava]].]]
 +
The earliest records of settled [[civilization]] in Andalusia describe colonial occupation in Pre-Roman times. In the early twelfth century B.C.E. the [[Phoenician empire]] formed colonies along the coast to help with trade. The settlement founded by the Phoenicians was called [[Tartessos]], which later rose to become a major political force in the region.  
  
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===Arabs and Moors===
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The colonies of the Phoenicians eventually declined in power following the dissolution of the Phoenician empire. The next major political force to emerge in the region was the city of [[Carthage]], whose emphasis on trade gave the straits of [[Gibraltar]] and the Andalusia region economic importance. As a trading center, Carthage saw the economic value of controlling the strait, and began a campaign to gain control of the region. Between the first and second [[Carthaginian wars]], Carthage extended its power over Andalusia, using the coast to launch many of its invasions into [[Roman Empire|Roman territory]]. Carthage, however, was unsuccessful in its campaign against Rome. With the decline of Carthage, Andalusia remained, for a brief period, without a strong political identity. Rome stepped in to fill the power vacuum, renaming the area ''Betica.''
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{{main|Al-Andalus}}
 
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The [[Muslim conquests#Conquest of Hispania: 711-718|Umayyad Caliphate invasion]] of the [[Iberian peninsula]] in 711-718 marked the collapse of Visigothic rule. Andalucian culture was deeply influenced by half a millennium of Muslim rule during the [[Middle Ages]]. [[Córdoba, Spain|Córdoba]] became the largest and richest city in Western Europe and one of the largest in the world.  The [[Moors]] established universities in Andalucia, and cultivated scholarship, bringing together the greatest achievements of all of the civilisations they had encountered. During that period Moorish and Jewish scholars played a major part in reviving and contributing to Western [[astronomy]], [[medicine]], [[philosophy]] and [[mathematics]]. With the fall of [[Seville]] in 1248 most of Andalucia came under [[Castilian]] control, leaving only the [[emirate]] of [[Granada]] under Muslim rule until it too was conquered by the [[Catholic monarchs]], [[Ferdinand]] and [[Isabella]] in 1492. The largest Arabic speaking population was in Andalucia, which also received Moors from other regions who were driven south by the [[Reconquista]], and although many either converted or left later, they gave the region its distinctive character till this day.
 
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Andalucia is known for its [[Moors|Moorish]] and Moorish influenced architecture. Notable examples include the [[Alhambra]] in [[Granada]], the [[Mezquita]] in [[Córdoba, Spain|Córdoba]], the [[Torre del Oro]] and [[Giralda]] towers.  Other architectural styles include Mozarabic, such as the [[Reales Alcázares]] in [[Seville]], and the [[Alcazaba (Málaga)|Alcazaba]] in [[Málaga]]. Archaeological ruins include [[Medina Azahara]], near Córdoba, and the Roman city of [[Itálica]], near Seville, and at Palos, in the province of [[Huelva]], the Andalusian port from which Columbus's expedition of discovery was launched.  
 
  
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The [[Spanish language]] spoken in the [[Americas]] is largely descended from the [[Andalusian dialect]] of [[Spanish language|Spanish]].  Although, the Spanish spoken at the Canary Islands resembles more the Spanish spoken in the Caribbean.  This is due to the role played by [[Seville]] as the gateway to Spain's American territories during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
+
Roman control over the area did not last long, with the area briefly falling under the control of the [[Vandal]]s. As the Vandals passed through the region on their way to [[North Africa]], they took control of Andalusia. Following their brief occupation, the [[Visigoth]]s took control, only to be replaced by [[Muslim]] rule in the early eighth century C.E. The Muslim invasion proved to be an extremely influential action in the formation of a distinct Andalusian identity.  
  
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Andalusia Day (in Spanish, ''Día de Andalucía'') is celebrated on [[February 28]], to commemorate the date of the successful referendum vote on [[autonomous communities of Spain|autonomy]].
+
During the half millennium of Muslim rule during the [[Middle Ages]], Andalusia became an extremely wealthy and influential political force that actively cultivated scholarship and advances in many areas. [[Córdoba, Spain|Córdoba]] became the largest and richest city in [[Western Europe]] and one of the largest in the world. The [[Moors]] established universities in Andalucia, and cultivated scholarship, bringing together the greatest achievements of all of the civilizations they had encountered. During that period Moorish and [[Jew]]ish scholars played a major part in reviving and contributing to Western [[astronomy]], [[medicine]], [[philosophy]] and [[mathematics]].
 +
[[Image:Mosque of Cordoba Spain.jpg|thumb|right|275px|The Mezquita Mosque in Córdoba.]]
 +
In 1248 Seville fell to Castilian rule. After the fall of [[Seville]], the Andalusia region began to experience a large influx of [[Moor]]s who were fleeing the [[Reconquista]].  
  
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==Geography==
+
Spain began declining in the sixteenth century, and Andalusia suffered as a consequence, although the ports of Seville and Cádiz flourished as centers of trade with the New World. In 1713 Gibraltar was ceded to Great Britain. In 1833 Andalusia was divided into the present eight provinces.
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The major lowland regions of [[Spain]] are the Andalusian Plain in the southwest, the Ebro Basin in the northeast, and the coastal plains. The Andalusian Plain is essentially a wide river valley through which the [[Río Guadalquivir]] flows. The [[river]] broadens out along its course, reaching its widest point at the Golfo de Cadiz. The Andalusian Plain is bounded on the north by the Sierra Morena and on the south by the Sistema Penibético; it narrows to an apex in the east where these two mountain chains meet. The Ebro Basin is formed by the Río Ebro valley, contained by mountains on three sides—the Sistema Ibérico to the south and west, the [[Pyrenees]] to the north and east, and their coastal extensions paralleling the shore to the east. Minor low-lying river valleys close to the Portuguese border are located on the Tagus and the Río Guadiana.
 
  
 +
Catalonia and Andalusia were strongholds of [[anarchism]] during the Spanish Republic, which was established in 1931. It fell to the Insurgents in the [[Spanish civil war of 1936–1939]]. Demonstrations against the national government of [[Francisco Franco]] were common. In 1981 Andalusia became an autonomous region and in 1982 it elected its first parliament.
  
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==Administrative divisions==
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== Government ==
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[[Image:Mosque of Cordoba Spain.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The [[Mezquita]] in Córdoba]]
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Andalusia began its own distinct political force in 1978, when the Spanish constitution established historical nationalities. Historical nationalities in Spain, like Andalusia, were granted a special, autonomous status that was based on the idea that the area contained a specific nationality. Another major idea behind historical nationalities was their supposed independence from Spain as a whole. Under this idea ''Historical Nationalities'' were areas that were considered culturally independent prior to the second Spanish War. Andalusia is one of only four such regions in Spain, with the other historical nationalities found in  [[Catalonia]], [[Basque]], and [[Galicia]]. Many other communities in Spain were recognized as a result of the constitution, but other communities were not granted the political and cultural independence of historical nationalities.
  
 +
===Administrative divisions===
 +
[[Image:Mapa de las provincias de Andalucía.png|thumb|right|200px|Provinces of Andalusia]]
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
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|}
 
|}
  
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[[Image:Mapa de las provincias de Andalucía.png|thumb|right|200px|Provinces of Andalusia]]
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Other important Andalusian cities are:
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*El Ejido, and Roquetas de Mar, Almería
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'''Other''' important Andalusian cities are:
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*La Línea de la Concepción, Algeciras, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Rota, San Fernando, Jerez, and El Puerto, Cádiz
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*[[El Ejido]], and [[Roquetas de Mar]], Almería
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*Almuñécar, Guadix, Loja and Motril, Granada
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*[[La Línea de la Concepción]], [[Algeciras]], [[Sanlúcar de Barrameda]], [[Rota, Spain|Rota]], [[San Fernando]], [[Jerez]], and [[El Puerto de Santa María|El Puerto]], Cádiz
+
*Linares, Úbeda and Baeza, Jaén
−
*[[Almuñécar]], [[Guadix]], [[Loja]] and [[Motril]], Granada
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*Antequera, Ronda and Marbella, Málaga
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*[[Linares]], [[Úbeda]] and [[Baeza]], Jaén
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*Dos Hermanas, Lebrija, Osuna and Utrera, Sevilla
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*[[Antequera]], [[Ronda]] and [[Marbella]], Málaga
 
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*[[Dos Hermanas]], [[Lebrija]], [[Osuna]] and [[Utrera]], Sevilla
 
  
 
==Economy==
 
==Economy==
−
According to the Spanish [[Instituto Nacional de Estadística (Spain)|Instituto Nacional de Estadística]], the GDP per capita of Andalusia (17.251 €, 2006{{Fact|date=October 2007}}) is still one of the lowest in Spain. At the same time, the manufacturing and service sectors have grown at a higher rate than in Spain and the rest of the [[Eurozone]]. This growth rate is expected to continue.{{Fact|date=October 2007}}
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Andalusia is particularly rich in [[natural resource]]s, but despite this fact, Andalusia continues to have one of the lowest GDP per capita in Spain and [[poverty]] is widespread. The economic difficulties of the region are commonly attributed to poor [[soil]] conditions. With rocky soil throughout the state and a subtropical climate, Andalusia is agriculturally comparable to [[North Africa]]. Major [[agriculture|agricultural]] products of the region include [[olive oil]] and [[wine]], whose production levels are gradually increasing with increased mechanization. The natural wealth of the region is found in its [[mineral]] deposits, particularly [[copper]], [[iron]], [[zinc]], and [[lead]]. These minerals have been drawn from the region since Phoenician and Roman times.
  
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==Transports and commerce==
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While the agricultural portions of the economy continue to struggle, the service sector is becoming a significant part of the national product of Andalusia. Manufacturing and service sectors are growing exponentially, with the growth rates in Andalusia exceeding those found elsewhere in Spain. High growth rates in the service sector are expected to continue, especially as tourism becomes more prominent in the area.
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The main road in the region is the European Route E15
 
  
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==Government and Politics==
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== Culture ==
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'''Historical nationalities''' ([[Spanish language|Spanish]]: ''Nacionalidades históricas'') in [[Spain]] is the term most commonly used to refer to regions that are granted by the [[Spanish Constitution of 1978|1978 Constitution]] a special status as [[autonomous communities of Spain|autonomous communities]]. Other terms may also be employed in the particular Statute of Autonomy of each autonomous community. These regions are: [[Catalonia]], the [[Basque Country (autonomous community)|Basque Country]], [[Galicia (Spain)|Galicia]] and [[Andalusia]], all of them officially recognized as nationalities. The other 13 autonomous communities were granted less [[devolution|devolved powers]] and became autonomous communities by the so-called ''slow track''<ref>''Vía lenta'' in Spanish, referring to article 143 of the [[Spanish Constitution of 1978]]</ref>.  
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[[Image:Malecón de La Caleta, Cádiz.JPG|thumb|275px|[[Malecón]] of La Caleta, Cádiz.]]
 +
The Moorish influx contributed most significantly to the distinctive Andalusian [[culture]] that is apparent today. Moorish influences were particularly strong in [[architecture]], with prominent examples found at the [[Alhambra]] and the [[Giralda towers]].  
  
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They were intended to recognize the regions that had their statutes of autonomy in an advanced stage during the [[Second Spanish Republic]]. The term ''nationality'' was a consensous solution trying to conciliate the centralist and [[Spain under Franco|old-regime]] positions, who consider this regions part of the indivisible unity of Spain, with the [[Politics_of_Spain#The_nationality_debate|nationalists]], who consider this territories as nations (see also [[Spanish_Nation#Conflicts with "nationality" and "nation" and related controversy in Spain|"Nationality" vs. "nation"]]).
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Andalusia is considered to be one of the most colorful regions of Spain, with ornamentation playing a large role in clothing. [[Dance]] and [[music]] are also vital to the culture of Andalusia, with the most popular performance dance being the [[flamenco]]. Flamenco, while most often performed by [[Roma]] gypsies has gained popularity around the globe. Two distinct types of flamenco exist in Andalusia, those which are choreographed, and those which are not. Unchoreographed flamenco dance is referred to as cante jondo, and has a less structured musical rhythm than choreographed flamenco.
  
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Actually, only the Catalan statute was active before the [[Spanish Civil War]]. [[Andalusian regionalism|Andalusia statute of autonomy]] was drawn and submitted by [[Blas Infante]] at the same time <ref>http://www.andalucia.com/history/people/blasinfante.htm</ref>, then approved by parliament in June [[1936]], to be voted in referendum in September 1936. However the start of the Civil War in July and the assassination of Infante by Franco's rebels in August of the same year put an end to the autonomist project for Andalusia.  
+
[[Archaeology|Archaeological]] ruins include [[Medina Azahara]], near [[Córdoba]], and the Roman city of [[Itálica]], near [[Seville]], and at Palos, in the province of [[Huelva]], the Andalusian port from which [[Christopher Columbus|Columbus's]] expedition of discovery was launched.  
  
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The Basque statute was approved during the war and was effective only on the limited part of the region under the control of the Basque Government.
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The Spanish language spoken in [[The Americas]] today is largely descended from the [[Andalusian dialect]] of [[Spanish language|Spanish]]. The Spanish spoken at the Canary Islands resembles more the Spanish spoken in the Caribbean due to the role played by [[Seville]] as the gateway to Spain's American territories during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
  
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As of 2007, the autonomous communities which are defined in their [[statute]]s of autonomy as nationalities <ref>{{languageicon|es|Spanish}} [http://www.congreso.es/constitucion/estatutos/index.htm Statutes of Autonomy of the Autonomous Communities of Spain]</ref>, therefore legally recognised as such are:
+
== References ==
 +
* The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2003. [http://www.answers.com/topic/andalusia Andalusia] ''Answers.com., Columbia University Press''. Retrieved November 22, 2007.
 +
* Encyclopædia Britannica. 2007. Andalusia ''Encyclopædia Britannica Online''.
 +
* Lewis, Brenda Ralph. 2002. ''Great Civilizations.'' Bath, UK: Parragon Publishing. ISBN 0752561413
 +
*Costantino, Maria. 2001. ''The Illustrated Flag Handbook.'' New York: Gramercy Books.  ISBN 0517218100
 +
*Noble, John. 2007. ''Lonely Planet Andalucia.'' Lonely Planet Publications. ISBN 174059973X
  
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[[Andalucía]] (1981 and 2006 statutes), [[Aragón]] (1996), [[Canary islands]] (1996), [[Catalonia]] (1979 and 2006), [[Valencia (autonomous community)|Valencia]] (1982 and 2006), [[Galicia (Spain)|Galicia]] (1981) and [[Basque Country (autonomous community)|Basque Country]] (1979).
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==External links==
 +
All links retrieved July 26, 2023.  
  
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The Autonomous Comunitie of Andalusia is administrated through the "Junta de Andalucia" and is one of the 4 historic Autonomous Communities of Spain. It has a local parliament and president.
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*[http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0803911.html, Andalusia]
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==Monuments==
 
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==Native or Famous people from Andalusia==
 
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*[[Abu al-Qasim al-Zahrawi]]
 
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*[[Alejandro Sanz]]
 
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*[[Antonio Banderas]]
 
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*[[Antonio Gala]]
 
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*[[Averroes]]
 
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*[[Blas Infante]]
 
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*[[Camarón de la Isla]]
 
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*[[Carmen Sevilla]]
 
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*[[Chiquito de la Calzada]]
 
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*[[David Bisbal]]
 
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*[[Diana Navarro]]
 
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*[[Estrella Morente]]
 
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*[[Diego Velázquez]]
 
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*[[Federico García Lorca]]
 
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*[[Felipe González]]
 
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*[[Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer]]
 
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*[[Isabel Pantoja]]
 
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*[[Jean Reno]]
 
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*[[Lola Flores]]
 
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*[[Maimonides]]
 
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*[[Manuel de Falla]]
 
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*[[Pablo Picasso]]
 
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*[[Paco de Lucía]]
 
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*[[Rocío Jurado]]
 
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*[[Rosa López]]
 
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*[[Seneca the Younger]]
 
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*[[Trajan]]
 
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''see also {{cl|Andalusian people}}''
 
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==See also==
 
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*[[Andalusian people]]
 
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*[[List of Andalusians]]
 
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*[[Andalusian nationalism]]
 
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*[[Music of Andalusia]]
 
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*[[Andalusian cuisine]]
 
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*[[Canal Sur]]
 
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==Notes==
 
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<references />
 
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==Sources and further reading==
 
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==External links==
 
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*[http://www.andalucia.org/modulos.php?modulo=Index&nuevoidioma=eng Official Tourism Website of Andalusia]
 
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*[http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/es-an_hi.html History of the Andalusian Flag]
 
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*[http://www.paradoxplace.com/Photo%20Pages/Spain/Andalucia/Andalucia.htm Andalucia Photo and History Pages]
 
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*[http://www.fiestasdeandalucia.com/ FiestasdeAndalucia.com] Fairs and traditional fiestas of Andalusia
 
  
 
{{Provinces of Andalusia}}
 
{{Provinces of Andalusia}}
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[[Category:Europe]]
 
[[Category:Europe]]
  
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{{credit|Andalusia|165349425|Historical_regions_in_Spain|148721450|Geography_of_Spain|164605922}}
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{{credit|Andalusia|165349425|Historical_regions_in_Spain|148721450|Geography_of_Spain|164605922|Music_of_Andalusia|168407131}}

Latest revision as of 19:54, 26 July 2023


Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía
Bandera de Andalucía.png Escudo de Andalucía (oficial2).svg
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: Andalucía por sí, para España y la humanidad
(Andalusia by herself, for Spain, and for humankind)
Anthem: La bandera blanca y verde
Localización de Andalucía.png
Capital EscudoSevilla3.jpg Seville
Official language(s) Spanish
Area
 – Total
 – % of Spain 		Ranked 2nd
 87,268 km²
 17.2 percent
Population
 – Total (2006)
 – % of Spain
 – Density 		Ranked 1st
 7,975,672
 17.84
 91.39/km²
Demonym
 – English
 – Spanish
 Andalusian
 Andaluz, andaluza
Statute of Autonomy December 30, 1981
Parliamentary
representation
 – Congress seats
 – Senate seats

 62
 40
President Manuel Chaves González (PSOE)
ISO 3166-2 AN
Junta de Andalucía


Andalusia, located in the southern portion of Spain, is one of the seventeen autonomous regions of the country. It contains eight distinct provinces, all with individual cultural traditions and identity. With eight provinces ( Almeria, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaen, Malaga,and Seville ) , Andalusia boasts the largest population of any of the autonomous Spanish states. In terms of land mass, Andalusia is the second largest of the autonomous regions of Spain, second only to the region of Castilla y Leon.

Andalusia lies to the south of Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha, meeting the Mediterranean Sea on its southern border. Its eastern neighbor is the autonomous community of Murcia, while the country of Portugal lies along its western border. Past Portugal to the west lies the Atlantic Ocean. Andalusia is also conveniently located along the strait of Gibraltar, the passage between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The prime position along the strait was also recognized by Great Britain, who controls a small area of land bordering Andalusia.

Five hundred years of Muslim rule during the Middle Ages greatly influenced Andalusia's culture. During this time it became an extremely wealthy and influential political force that actively cultivated scholarship and advances in many areas. This Moorish influence continues to be evident in the region's character through its architecture, language and customs. With its tradition of bull fights and Gypsy flamenco music and dance, Andalusia provides the strongest external image of Spain.

Etymology

It is believed that the name Al-Andalus, Arabic for "Country of the Vandals," was originally applied to the entire Iberian Peninsula by the Muslim (Moors) who occupied the area for 500 years. As Christians began to reconquer the peninsula in the eleventh century, the name was used only to describe the area still under Muslim control. Eventually a form of the name, Andalusia, came to be attached to the modern-day region of Spain.

Geography

Alpine mountains and pine forests exist at the high elevations of Andalusia while arid, barren deserts exist at the lower points. Fertile, irrigated plains support plantations of subtropical fruits. Oranges, grapes, olives, wheat and sugarcane are abundant crops. The rich mineral resources, exploited since Phoenician and Roman times, include copper, iron, zinc, and lead. Cattle, bulls (for bullfighting) and fine horses are bred there.

The terrain of Andalusia varies greatly depending on the region. Toward the coast the terrain descends into the famous beaches of Spain, notable for their fine sands and constant sunshine.

Most of lowland Andalusia has a mild, Mediterranean climate, while the interior of the region is cooler. The weather, beach, and nearly constant sunshine, however, are not the only reasons that tourists flock to Andalusia. The mountains are also spectacular, and they host a unique combination of plant and animal life.

The main geographic feature of the region is the Andalusian Plain, which runs from the Sierra Morena in the north to the Sistema Penibetico in the south. The plain is fundamentally a large river valley that surrounds the Rio Guadlquivir, and it broadens wherever possible. The valley reaches its narrowest point where the Sierra Morena and the Sistema Penibetico meet in the eastern portion of the region. Minor valleys are also common in Andalusia, although none rival the breath and size of the Andalusian Plain.

History

Alamillo Bridge, Seville designed by Santiago Calatrava.

The earliest records of settled civilization in Andalusia describe colonial occupation in Pre-Roman times. In the early twelfth century B.C.E. the Phoenician empire formed colonies along the coast to help with trade. The settlement founded by the Phoenicians was called Tartessos, which later rose to become a major political force in the region.

The colonies of the Phoenicians eventually declined in power following the dissolution of the Phoenician empire. The next major political force to emerge in the region was the city of Carthage, whose emphasis on trade gave the straits of Gibraltar and the Andalusia region economic importance. As a trading center, Carthage saw the economic value of controlling the strait, and began a campaign to gain control of the region. Between the first and second Carthaginian wars, Carthage extended its power over Andalusia, using the coast to launch many of its invasions into Roman territory. Carthage, however, was unsuccessful in its campaign against Rome. With the decline of Carthage, Andalusia remained, for a brief period, without a strong political identity. Rome stepped in to fill the power vacuum, renaming the area Betica.

Roman control over the area did not last long, with the area briefly falling under the control of the Vandals. As the Vandals passed through the region on their way to North Africa, they took control of Andalusia. Following their brief occupation, the Visigoths took control, only to be replaced by Muslim rule in the early eighth century C.E. The Muslim invasion proved to be an extremely influential action in the formation of a distinct Andalusian identity.

During the half millennium of Muslim rule during the Middle Ages, Andalusia became an extremely wealthy and influential political force that actively cultivated scholarship and advances in many areas. Córdoba became the largest and richest city in Western Europe and one of the largest in the world. The Moors established universities in Andalucia, and cultivated scholarship, bringing together the greatest achievements of all of the civilizations they had encountered. During that period Moorish and Jewish scholars played a major part in reviving and contributing to Western astronomy, medicine, philosophy and mathematics.

The Mezquita Mosque in Córdoba.

In 1248 Seville fell to Castilian rule. After the fall of Seville, the Andalusia region began to experience a large influx of Moors who were fleeing the Reconquista.

Spain began declining in the sixteenth century, and Andalusia suffered as a consequence, although the ports of Seville and Cádiz flourished as centers of trade with the New World. In 1713 Gibraltar was ceded to Great Britain. In 1833 Andalusia was divided into the present eight provinces.

Catalonia and Andalusia were strongholds of anarchism during the Spanish Republic, which was established in 1931. It fell to the Insurgents in the Spanish civil war of 1936–1939. Demonstrations against the national government of Francisco Franco were common. In 1981 Andalusia became an autonomous region and in 1982 it elected its first parliament.

Government

Andalusia began its own distinct political force in 1978, when the Spanish constitution established historical nationalities. Historical nationalities in Spain, like Andalusia, were granted a special, autonomous status that was based on the idea that the area contained a specific nationality. Another major idea behind historical nationalities was their supposed independence from Spain as a whole. Under this idea Historical Nationalities were areas that were considered culturally independent prior to the second Spanish War. Andalusia is one of only four such regions in Spain, with the other historical nationalities found in Catalonia, Basque, and Galicia. Many other communities in Spain were recognized as a result of the constitution, but other communities were not granted the political and cultural independence of historical nationalities.

Administrative divisions

Provinces of Andalusia
Province Capital Population Density Municipalities
Almería Almería 635.850 72,47 hab./km² Municipalities
Cádiz Cádiz 1.180.817 158,80 hab./km² Municipalities
Córdoba Córdoba 788.287 72,47 hab./km² Municipalities
Granada Granada 882.184 68,70 hab./km² Municipalities
Huelva Huelva 483.792 47,67 hab./km² Municipalities
Jaén Jaén 662.751 49,09 hab./km² Municipalities
Málaga Málaga 1.491.287 204,06 hab./km² Municipalities
Seville Seville 1.813.908 129,23 hab./km² Municipalities

Other important Andalusian cities are:

  • El Ejido, and Roquetas de Mar, Almería
  • La Línea de la Concepción, Algeciras, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Rota, San Fernando, Jerez, and El Puerto, Cádiz
  • Almuñécar, Guadix, Loja and Motril, Granada
  • Linares, Úbeda and Baeza, Jaén
  • Antequera, Ronda and Marbella, Málaga
  • Dos Hermanas, Lebrija, Osuna and Utrera, Sevilla

Economy

Andalusia is particularly rich in natural resources, but despite this fact, Andalusia continues to have one of the lowest GDP per capita in Spain and poverty is widespread. The economic difficulties of the region are commonly attributed to poor soil conditions. With rocky soil throughout the state and a subtropical climate, Andalusia is agriculturally comparable to North Africa. Major agricultural products of the region include olive oil and wine, whose production levels are gradually increasing with increased mechanization. The natural wealth of the region is found in its mineral deposits, particularly copper, iron, zinc, and lead. These minerals have been drawn from the region since Phoenician and Roman times.

While the agricultural portions of the economy continue to struggle, the service sector is becoming a significant part of the national product of Andalusia. Manufacturing and service sectors are growing exponentially, with the growth rates in Andalusia exceeding those found elsewhere in Spain. High growth rates in the service sector are expected to continue, especially as tourism becomes more prominent in the area.

Culture

Malecón of La Caleta, Cádiz.

The Moorish influx contributed most significantly to the distinctive Andalusian culture that is apparent today. Moorish influences were particularly strong in architecture, with prominent examples found at the Alhambra and the Giralda towers.

Andalusia is considered to be one of the most colorful regions of Spain, with ornamentation playing a large role in clothing. Dance and music are also vital to the culture of Andalusia, with the most popular performance dance being the flamenco. Flamenco, while most often performed by Roma gypsies has gained popularity around the globe. Two distinct types of flamenco exist in Andalusia, those which are choreographed, and those which are not. Unchoreographed flamenco dance is referred to as cante jondo, and has a less structured musical rhythm than choreographed flamenco.

Archaeological ruins include Medina Azahara, near Córdoba, and the Roman city of Itálica, near Seville, and at Palos, in the province of Huelva, the Andalusian port from which Columbus's expedition of discovery was launched.

The Spanish language spoken in The Americas today is largely descended from the Andalusian dialect of Spanish. The Spanish spoken at the Canary Islands resembles more the Spanish spoken in the Caribbean due to the role played by Seville as the gateway to Spain's American territories during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2003. Andalusia Answers.com., Columbia University Press. Retrieved November 22, 2007.
  • Encyclopædia Britannica. 2007. Andalusia Encyclopædia Britannica Online.
  • Lewis, Brenda Ralph. 2002. Great Civilizations. Bath, UK: Parragon Publishing. ISBN 0752561413
  • Costantino, Maria. 2001. The Illustrated Flag Handbook. New York: Gramercy Books. ISBN 0517218100
  • Noble, John. 2007. Lonely Planet Andalucia. Lonely Planet Publications. ISBN 174059973X

External links

All links retrieved July 26, 2023.

Provinces of Andalusia
Flag es-andalucía 300px.png
Provinces: Almería · Cádiz · Córdoba · Granada · Huelva · Jaén · Málaga · Sevilla
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Administrative divisions of Spain

Autonomous communities
Andalusia · Aragon · Asturias · Balearic Islands · Basque Country · Canary Islands · Cantabria · Castile-La Mancha · Castile and León · Catalonia · Extremadura · Galicia · Madrid · Murcia · Navarre · La Rioja · Valencian Community

Autonomous cities | Plazas de soberanía
Ceuta · Melilla |  Islas Chafarinas · Peñón de Alhucemas · Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera · Isla de Alborán

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