Geography

Geography

Catalonia is situated in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula. It occupies an area of 32,000 km2 and has a population of 6 million (188 people per square kilometre). The region is an autonomous community of Spain, with its own government, the Generalitat de Catalunya.

To the east of Catalonia lies the Mediterranean Sea; to the north it borders with France and Andorra; and to the west and south it borders with the autonomous communities of Aragon and Valencia. This strategic location has favoured the development of a very close relationship with other Mediterranean countries and with continental Europe.

Given its varied landscape, in which plains alternate with mountainous areas, Catalonia has a wide range of bioclimatic habitats.

The major relief features are the Pyrenees and the foothills of the Pyrenees, the Central (or Ebre) Depression, the Catalan Mediterranean system, the coastal plains, and the Serralada Transversal mountain range.

Where can I obtain further information?

Institut Cartogràfic de Catalunya www.icc.es/

Palau Robert www10.gencat.net/probert/index_cat.htm

Catalunya Turisme www.gencat.net/turistex_nou/home.htm

Updated May 2007