Iberian Peninsula
The Iberian Peninsula is a peninsula in southwestern Europe, occupied mainly by Spain and Portugal.
The Iberian Peninsula is a large landmass in southwestern Europe, occupied mainly by Spain and Portugal. It is separated from the rest of Europe by the Pyrenees and from North Africa by the Strait of Gibraltar.
What it is
The Iberian Peninsula, also known as Iberia, is the second-largest peninsula in Europe by area, covering about 583,254 km². It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, with a varied terrain of mountain ranges, basins, and a high central plateau.
Key details
Spain and Portugal occupy most of the peninsula. Smaller territories include Andorra, Gibraltar, and a small part of France under traditional geographic definitions. The Pyrenees form the main land boundary with Europe, while the Strait of Gibraltar separates it from North Africa.
Why it matters
The Iberian Peninsula is a major region of Western Europe, often referenced in geography, history, and climate studies. Canadian readers may encounter it in comparative discussions of European regions and in studies of Spain and Portugal.
In short
- Southwestern European peninsula, mainly Spain and Portugal.
- Second-largest in Europe, about 583,254 km².
- Bounded by Pyrenees, Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Strait of Gibraltar.
- Includes Andorra, Gibraltar, and a small part of France.
Canadian readers may encounter the term in geography, European history, and comparative climate studies, since the peninsula is a major region of Western Europe and a common reference point in discussions of Spain and Portugal.
Quick questions
What is the Iberian Peninsula?
What separates it from the rest of Europe?
How large is the Iberian Peninsula?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iberian_PeninsulaSupports: Area, location, topography, and broad geographic extent.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Iberian-PeninsulaSupports: Location in southwestern Europe, boundaries, and derivation of the name.
- WorldAtlas — https://www.worldatlas.com/peninsulas/iberian-peninsula.htmlSupports: Area, constituent countries and territories, and geographic boundaries.