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Spain
Making Language Simpler
Spain is a country of splendid beauty, which
benefits from an absolutely privileged geographic and strategic
setting - straddling Europe, of which it is part, and Africa.
This has made Spain a crossroads since antiquity, a point
of encounter between east and west. The diverse peoples, races
and civilisations that have come here and found it an irresistible
place to settle have left behind them a unique, original culture,
which is an admirable experiment in synthesis.
Spain, which has been Iberian, Celtic, Greek,
Phoenician, Jewish, Roman, Gothic, Moorish and finally Christian,
so often conquered and later so often the conqueror, has managed
to integrate all its disparate heritages into a modern, vibrant
country whose inhabitants, proud of their age and their ancient
land, have decidedly taken on the challenge of the future.
Now that old stages of isolation have happily overcome, Spain
is today a member of the European Economic Community, the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the OECD. It has consolidated
itself as a fully democratic, free national under a political
system known as a constitutional monarchy.
Spain is a varied, multiple country. In fact,
it is not rare to find references to the 'different Spain's',
due to the climatic, natural and culture diversity of its
regions. In general, one can distinguish between Northern
Spain, which is humid and green: Inland Spain, which is sparsely
populated and infinitely flat; Mediterranean Spain, which
is fertile and luminous: Southern Spain - Andalucia - the
most famous, hot and dry and as bright as the whitewash of
its homes. Also, there are the two 'Island Spain's', like
sisters but very different: The Balearic Isles, which have
preserved the wisdom of the Mare Nostrum, and the Canary Islands,
a phantasmagorical volcanic mountain range hovering over the
Atlantic ocean.
The Spanish Constitution, approved in 1978,
acknowledged the strong identity of the diverse regions in
Spain by instituting the so called Autonomous Communities.
These are regional administrations that cooperate with the
central administration within their respective territories,
assuming responsibilities that, in certain cases, can be quite
far reaching.
The large region of Castilla and Leon, set on
an enormous, peculiar platform known as the meseta, has exceptional
characteristics and geomorphology, and includes the territory
of the ancient kingdom of Leon and northern half of the old
kingdom of Castille. It has a grandiose, infinitely flat countryside,
and truly splendorous historical and architectural heritage.
Segovia is a small city, located right in the
heart of Castilla (only half an hour away from Madrid). It
has a magnificent Roman aqueduct, the finest example of its
epoch and style of all those still in existence. It also has
other important treasures from different ages, such as several
precious Romanesque churches, a large Gothic cathedral, and
the splendid Alcazar, a Moorish fortress that has incorporated
elements from diverse epochs. It is one of the most beautiful
cities in the world - it is difficult to find another city
which such an abundance of monuments per square metre. Segovia
was declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1985.
Segovia's population of 55,000 inhabitants makes
this a safe and pleasant city in which to live. This city
is a celebration of culture, and has a lively university atmosphere
year-round.
Segovia is also well-known for its use of 'standard'
spoken Spanish. The School of Aula Magna provides a number
of courses for learners of Spanish, and is a great place to
study whilst immersing yourself in Spanish culture.
With thanks to
Aula Magna
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