Biscay

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Biscay (Spanish: Vizcaya, Basque: Bizkaia) is a province of Spain located in the autonomous community of the Basque Country. It is situated in the northern part of the country, along the coast of the Bay of Biscay. The capital of Biscay is Bilbao, which is also the largest city in the province.

Geography

Biscay is bordered by the provinces of Cantabria to the west, Burgos to the south, and Álava to the southeast. To the east, it is bordered by the province of Gipuzkoa, and to the north, it has a coastline along the Bay of Biscay. The province is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with the Cantabrian Mountains running through it.

History

The history of Biscay dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlement in the region during the Paleolithic period. The area was later inhabited by the Vascones, an ancient tribe that is considered to be the ancestors of the modern Basques. During the Middle Ages, Biscay became part of the Kingdom of Navarre, and later, it was incorporated into the Crown of Castile.

Economy

Biscay has a diverse economy, with significant contributions from the industrial, service, and agricultural sectors. The province has a strong industrial base, particularly in the areas of shipbuilding, steel production, and automotive manufacturing. The service sector is also important, with a focus on tourism, finance, and commerce. Agriculture in Biscay includes the production of wine, dairy products, and livestock.

Culture

Biscay is known for its rich cultural heritage, which includes traditional Basque music, dance, and festivals. The province is home to several important cultural institutions, such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, which is renowned for its contemporary art collections. The Basque language, Euskara, is widely spoken in Biscay, and efforts are made to preserve and promote it.

Transportation

Biscay has a well-developed transportation network, including highways, railways, and ports. The Bilbao Airport serves as the main international gateway to the province. The Port of Bilbao is one of the most important ports in Spain, handling a significant volume of cargo and passenger traffic.

Notable People

• Miguel de Unamuno, a prominent writer and philosopher, was born in Bilbao.
• Javier Clemente, a well-known football manager, hails from Barakaldo in Biscay.

Related Pages

• Basque Country (autonomous community)
• Bilbao
• Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
• Cantabrian Mountains
• Bay of Biscay
• Vascones
• Kingdom of Navarre
• Crown of Castile