The Geopolitical Position of Spain: Why Isn't Spain Part of North Africa?
Spain's unique geographical and historical positioning has often led to its classification under different continents. This ambiguity arises due to its proximity to Africa while remaining part of Europe. In this article, we will explore why Spain is not considered part of North Africa, despite its southern location separated by the Mediterranean Sea.
Geographical Separation and Cultural Connections
Might it be because of their close proximity to France, or is it the vast expanse of the Mediterranean Sea that separates Spain from North Africa? Furthermore, the presence of Spanish territories like Ceuta and Melilla in North Africa, and the Canary Islands, adds complexity to its classification. Spain shares a Latin-derived language with Western European countries like France and Italy, and historically, there has been significant royal intermarriage between Spanish nobility and their European counterparts.
Historical Royal Bloodlines and European Classification
The Hapsburgs, a prominent royal family, ruled Spain during a crucial period in world history. These rulers sent Christopher Columbus to the Americas, marking a significant turning point for the discovery of the New World. It is notable that Spanish nobles were intertwined through royal marriages with English kings, further emphasizing historical connections to Europe rather than Africa.
Geographical and Historical Context
In terms of geological and historical classification, Spain's placement is indeed challenging. It is located on the European continental plate, and the significant body of water between Spain and Africa, approximately 20 miles, makes it distinct from traditional African territories.
Regional Definitions and Linguistic Cues
The Indo-European classification provides a broader context for understanding regional definitions. Europe is part of the Indo-European West Asia, sharing cultural and linguistic roots with other regions in this classification. The Near East, which includes Anatolia and Northern Mesopotamia, forms part of this western Asian region. The Middle East, which includes North Africa, the Horn of Africa, and parts of Southwest Asia, further complicates the classification of Spain.
Spain's Position and Classification
Spain's southern location, separated from the African continent by the Mediterranean Sea, does not align with its continental classification. The large expanse of water (about 20 miles) maintains the geographical distinction between these regions. Moreover, the historical and cultural ties that Spain shares with Europe are strong enough to classify it as a European country.
The Far East Geographical Area
Europe, in the context of the Indo-European geocultural framework, is not a separate continent but rather the most western part of West Asia. This includes regions such as Anatolia, Northern Mesopotamia, and the Caucasus. The Far East, on the other hand, encompasses Central and South Asia and the eastern and southern parts of Asia. North Africa, being part of the Middle East in historical context, adds further complexity to the classification of Spain.
Conclusion
Spain's unique geopolitical position makes it challenging to fit neatly into any single continent. Its southern location, historical ties to Europe, and geographical separation from Africa by the Mediterranean Sea all contribute to its classification as a European country. Understanding these factors provides a clearer picture of why Spain is not considered part of North Africa.