Andalusia

 

Introduction

 

Andalusia is located in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, Europe’s most southern point. Andalusia links two continents Europe and Africa, and the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Historically, a crossroads of Arabic, Hispanic and Jewish cultures. Andalusia is the most populous region in Spain with over 8 million inhabitants, representing 18% of the country's population. The region has a surface area of 87 598 km2 and 948 km of coastline. It is the second largest region in the Iberian Peninsula and larger than more than half the European Union (EU) countries. It occupies approximately 16.7% of the Spanish territory and represents about 2.3% of the entire EU territory.

 

 

Economy

 

Andalusia's economy has been traditionally based on agricultural activity, particularly in citrus, olive oil and fresh vegetables for which it is a major supplier to the European market. The agrifood sector accounts for 5 000 businesses and generating over 52 000 jobs, representing 20% of total Andalusian industry. The services sector dominates the economy, in particular tourism. Andalusia is the second most popular region in Spain for tourists, attracting 13.9% of visitors to Spain due to its strong natural and cultural assets.

 

 

There is also a number of developing industrial sectors. Andalusia has the second largest aeronautics industry in Spain, encompassed 130 companies, employed 8 786 people and has turned over of almost EUR million 1 541. IT & communication sector is made up of 1 474 companies, employing 36 000 workers with a turnover EUR million 4 400. Andalusia is the second autonomous region in terms of number of biotechnology companies, having more than 100 biotech companies which generates 2 800 jobs. There is also 120 agro-biotechnology research groups and a biocluster was recently created.

 

Andalusia has developed a strong renewable sector, particularly in the biomass, the wind and the solar energy technologies. It is one of the leading Spanish regions in photovoltaic power installations, the leading Spanish region in terms of the number of solar panels installed and is a pioneering region in wind installations in Spain.

 

The economy of Andalusia also benefits from having six airports ensuring good accessibility by air, a well connected road infrastructure throughout the region as well as high speed trains linking the regional cities of Seville, Córdoba and Malaga to Madrid. There is also a collaborative university system consisting of ten universities and with around 237 000 students in total, guaranteeing a dynamic future for the region of Andalusia.


Invest in Andalusia

 

Weather and natural assets

Andalusia has a warm, Mediterranean climate with over three hundred days of sunshine a year. Weather in Seville in February is normally mild, around 20 degrees. If there is one characteristic trait of Andalusia’s atmosphere, it is its light. Andalusia has eight hundred kilometres of coastline, and a huge network of Protected Nature Areas, covering around 18% of the land area. The ecological wealth of Andalusia includes the highest peaks of the Iberian Peninsula in Sierra Nevada, large areas of wetland, dense forests, volcanic deserts and a vast coastline.

 

 

 

Culture

 

 

Andalusia has a unique historic and artistic heritage unique. Andalusia has a wealth of culture that will take you way back in history, through the different cultures and civilisations that made their home in the south of Spain. Of the 771 Andalusian municipalities, 126 have been declared historic areas. The old towns of Cordoba, Granada, Seville, Ubeda and Baeza have been recognised as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The Alhambra in Granada, the Great Mosque of Córdoba and the Giralda in Sevilla are World Heritage monuments. The stunning Moorish, Renaissance and, above all, Baroque architecture can be seen throughout the region in the castles, fortresses and monasteries. Local festivals are held in towns throughout the year. In 2006, Seville was declared the first "City of Music" by UNESCO because "music is everywhere and above all engages everyone…It is a place of inspiration for musicians and composers".

 

Flamenco

Flamenco is a unique Andalusian musical culture that manifests itself in song (Cante), dance (Baile) and guitar playing (Guitarra). The Andalusian Agency for the Development of Flamenco promotes and co-ordinates flamenco at regional, national and international level. It has designed “Routes through Flamenco Territories” that encourage independent travel through Andalusian provinces to cities or rural villages with specific flamenco forms. The region also features the international flamenco competition held in Cordoba and the museum of flamenco dance (Museo del Baile Flamenco) in Seville that exhibit the history and art of flamenco.

 

 

Gastronomy

 

Andalusia’s gastronomy is a reflection of its history, packed with aromas, flavours and colours. It is a highly varied cuisine fresh vegetables and pulses, fruit, fish and virgin olive oil have made Andalusian cuisine a major attraction. The gastronomy of Andalusia owes much to the Moorish cuisine. One of the most universal Andalusian dish is gazpacho, a cold soup made with tomato, cucumber, pepper, garlic, olive oil and vinegar. Among other popular products are the virgin olive oil, the Iberian pork products, the fresh vegetables and a broad range of generous wines.        

 

             

 

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