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Places in News: Spain & Portugal (Iberian Peninsula)
Context: A massive power outage struck large parts of Spain and Portugal on Monday, disrupting public transportation, grounding flights, and halting regular services at hospitals. Described as Europe’s biggest power failure, the incident plunged millions into chaos and prompted Spain to declare a state of emergency.
About Iberian Peninsula
- “Iberian” is linked to the Ebro River (Hiberus in Latin, Iberos in Greek).
- The name “Iberian Peninsula” was coined by Jean-Baptiste Bory de Saint-Vincent in 1823.
- Located in southwestern Europe, the Iberian Peninsula is the westernmost of the three southern European peninsulas.
- Lies between Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.
- The Iberian Peninsula is Europe’s second-largest peninsula after the Scandinavian Peninsula.
- Area: Approx. 583,256 km² (5.9% of Europe’s total area).
- Shape: Irregular octagonal resembling an ox-hide.
- Borders: Separated from Africa by the Strait of Gibraltar (only 8 km from Morocco).
- Climate: The Iberian Peninsula experiences two main climate types. The oceanic climate and Mediterranean climate.
- Major rivers: Tagus (longest, 1,007 km): Forms Spain–Portugal border, Douro, Ebro, Guadiana: Separates Andalucia/Extremadura (Spain) and Algarve/Alentejo (Portugal).
- Mountain ranges:
- Pyrenees (border Spain–France): Highest peak Aneto (Spain).
- Cantabrian Mountains (north coast): Highest peak Torre de Cerrado.
- Central: Sistema Central, Sistema Ibérico
- Others: Montes de Toledo, Sierra Morena, Baetic System
