Iberian Peninsula: Size, Countries, and Geographic Context
The Iberian Peninsula occupies Europe's southwestern tip, separated from Africa by the Strait of Gibraltar (14 km at narrowest).
Total Area
583,254 km² (225,195 sq mi) — Europe's second-largest peninsula (after Scandinavian).
Political Division
| Entity | Area (km²) | Area (sq mi) | % of Peninsula |
|---|
| Spain | 493,517 | 190,548 | 84.6% |
| Portugal | 89,737 | 34,648 | 15.4% |
| Andorra | 468 | 181 | 0.08% |
| Gibraltar (UK) | 6.8 | 2.6 | 0.001% |
Physical Geography
- Meseta Central: Vast interior plateau (600–800m) covering ~60% of peninsula
- Mountain systems: Pyrenees (NE border), Cantabrian, Iberian, Sierra Morena, Sierra Nevada (Mulhacén 3,479m — highest)
- Major rivers: Tagus (Tajo), Douro (Duero), Ebro, Guadiana, Guadalquivir
- Coastlines: Atlantic (west/north) — rugged, rias; Mediterranean (east/south) — narrower shelf
Climate Zones
- Mediterranean (coastal east/south, interior valleys)
- Oceanic (north/northwest — Galicia, Basque Country)
- Semi-arid (SE — Murcia, Almería)
- Alpine (high mountains)
Strategic Significance
Gateway between Atlantic and Mediterranean; Europe-Africa crossing point; distinct cultural-linguistic evolution (Basque, Catalan, Galician, Portuguese, Castilian/Spanish).
Wanderlust World