Valencia

Spain is located in Southern Europe. It is a democratic country which is organized as a parliamentary monarchy with a hereditary monarch and a bicameral parliament. The official language of this developed country is Spanish. According to the 2006 census Spain is populated by almost 44,708, 964. Spain has the eighth-largest economy in the world. Valencia is one the most popular destination of Spain.

HISTORY OF Valencia

The Kingdom of Valencia came into existence in the 13th century and was founded by the Romans. In 1094, Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar conquered Valencia. The kingdom of Valencia was reconquered by the King of Aragon James I. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Valencia became a major power in the Mediterranean. After the war of Spanish succession Valencia was given its present status of Autonomous Statutes in 1982.

GEOGRAPHY

The inland part of Valencia is rugged and mountainous. The most prominent mountain of Valencia is Penyagolosa. The coastal plain is very fertile and many marshlands and wetlands like La Albufera, El Fondo is found. Several coastal dunes in the Saler area are of remarkable importance. Valencia experiences a typical mild climate which is influenced by the Mediterranean Sea. Two major rivers which flow through Valencia are Segura and the Segura.

POPULATION

The localities with fertile cultivation and growing lowlands are the most crowded regions. The population density is higher in the central and the Southern regions and lower in the inner and the Northern regions. However due to seasonal migrations of the tourists the population of Valencia is increasing remarkably.

ECONOMY

The economy of Valencia is facilitated by the connections with Europe either by sea or by land through Catalonia. There are small natural resources in this province with regard to minerals. Due to increase in the secondary and tertiary sectors the agricultural sector suffered a lot but it remains credited by the production of citrus fruits for export. It deals in exporting agricultural products, ceramic tiles, marble products and cars. In 2004, its GDP was 93.9%of the EU average and there is an increasing progress since then.

FOOD

People of Valencia indulge themselves in great variety of delicious dishes. Rice remains the basic ingredient for the preparation of their typical dishes. The most popular Valencian dish is paella. Oranges and other citrus fruits are typical fruits of Valencian agriculture. Horchata is a typical drink of Valencia.

PROVINCES

Some of the important provinces of Valencia are Alacant, Elx, Gandia, Orihuela, Benidorm, Elda, and Xixona.

It is one of the most beautiful place in Spain and form an important destination for tourists.