Galicia

Autonomous community in northwest Spain

Galicia

General Information
Name	Galicia
Native Name	Galicia
Other Names
Settlement Type	Autonomous community
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates
Map
Population
Total	2700000
Density	auto per km²
Area
Total	29574 km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC
DST	UTC

Galicia (Template:Lang-gl) is an autonomous community in northwest Spain. It is bordered by Portugal to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Cantabrian Sea to the north, and the autonomous communities of Castile and León and Asturias to the east. The capital of Galicia is Santiago de Compostela, while the largest city is Vigo.

History

Galicia has a rich history that dates back to the Celtic tribes that inhabited the region before the Roman conquest. The region was later integrated into the Visigothic Kingdom and subsequently the Kingdom of Asturias. During the Middle Ages, Galicia was a significant cultural and religious center, particularly due to the Way of St. James, a major pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Geography

Galicia is known for its rugged coastline, which includes the famous Rías Baixas and Rías Altas. The region is characterized by its lush green landscapes, which are a result of the high levels of rainfall it receives. The main rivers in Galicia include the Miño, Sil, and Ulla.

Culture

Galicia has a distinct cultural identity, with its own language, Galician (galego), which is co-official with Spanish. The region is also known for its traditional music, which features instruments such as the gaita (bagpipe). Galicia celebrates numerous festivals, including the famous Festa de San Xoán and the Festa do Albariño.

Economy

The economy of Galicia is diverse, with significant contributions from the fishing, agriculture, and tourism sectors. The region is one of the leading producers of seafood in Spain, particularly known for its shellfish. Agriculture in Galicia includes the production of dairy products, wine, and cattle farming. Tourism is also a major economic driver, with visitors attracted to its natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural festivals.

Education

Galicia has several institutions of higher education, including the University of Santiago de Compostela, which is one of the oldest universities in Spain. Other notable universities include the University of A Coruña and the University of Vigo.

Related Pages

• Santiago de Compostela
• Vigo
• Rías Baixas
• Galician language
• Way of St. James
• University of Santiago de Compostela