Basque Country (autonomous community)

File:Anthem of Basque Country Vocal.ogg

Basque Country (Euskadi in Basque, País Vasco in Spanish) is an autonomous community in northern Spain. It comprises three provinces: Álava, Biscay, and Gipuzkoa, and has its own language, culture, and history, distinct from the rest of Spain. The capital city of the Basque Country is Vitoria-Gasteiz, which is also the seat of the government and parliament. The largest city is Bilbao, which is known internationally for the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a symbol of the region's economic and cultural revitalization.

Geography

The Basque Country is located in the western Pyrenees, straddling the border between France and Spain, extending from the Bay of Biscay to the western valleys. Its terrain is characterized by the presence of both mountains and beaches, offering a unique landscape that includes both the sea and green, hilly areas. The region's climate is oceanic, leading to mild temperatures and regular precipitation throughout the year.

History

The history of the Basque Country dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human settlement as early as the Paleolithic era. The Basques are known for their distinct language and culture, which have survived and thrived despite numerous historical challenges. Throughout the centuries, the Basque Country has seen Roman occupation, Visigothic control, and Frankish influence. In the Middle Ages, the Basques were known for their seafaring skills and played a significant role in the whaling industry and the discovery of new lands.

In the modern era, the Basque Country has been marked by its industrialization, particularly in the steel and shipbuilding sectors, and more recently, by a transition to services and technology. The region has also been known for the ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna) terrorist group's campaign for independence, which lasted for several decades before the group announced a definitive cessation of its armed activity in 2011.

Politics

The Basque Country has a high degree of autonomy within Spain, with its own parliament, government, and president. It has its own police force, the Ertzaintza, and controls its own education and health systems, among other competencies. The region's political landscape is diverse, with parties ranging from those seeking greater autonomy or independence to those content with the current status within Spain.

Economy

The economy of the Basque Country is one of the most prosperous in Spain, with a high GDP per capita. It is highly industrialized, with significant investments in research and development. The region is a leader in sectors such as energy, machine tool production, and cooperative enterprises, exemplified by the Mondragon Corporation, the world's largest cooperative. In recent years, there has been a focus on innovation and the knowledge economy, with the Basque Country aiming to position itself as a reference in Europe for research and development.

Culture

Basque culture is rich and varied, with its own language, Euskara, which is one of the oldest living languages in Europe. The region is famous for its culinary traditions, with Basque cuisine being renowned worldwide for its quality and innovation. The Basque Country is also known for its rural sports, such as stone lifting and wood chopping, and for its vibrant festivals, such as the San Fermín festival in Pamplona and the Semana Grande in Bilbao.

Tourism

Tourism in the Basque Country has grown significantly, with visitors attracted to its cities, coastline, and cultural offerings. Key attractions include the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the historic old towns of San Sebastián and Vitoria-Gasteiz, and the Rioja Alavesa wine region. The region's natural beauty, including its beaches and the Geopark along the coast, offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and paragliding.

‎