Galicia

Galicia Galicia
Autonomous community
Location of Galicia within Spain
Country	Spain
Capital	Santiago de Compostela
Area
• Total	29,574 km2 (11,419 sq mi)
Population  (2021)
• Total	2,700,000
• Density	91/km2 (240/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)

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