Spain and Portugal The Big Idea Spain and Portugal have rich cultures, stable governments, and growing economies. Main Ideas Over the centuries, Spain and Portugal have been part of many large and powerful empires. The cultures of Spain and Portugal reflect their long histories. Having been both rich and poor in the past, Spain and Portugal today have growing economies.

Main Idea 1: Over the centuries, Spain and Portugal have been part of many large and powerful empires. Both Phoenicia and Greece founded colonies in Iberia, the peninsula on which Spain and Portugal are located. Iberia later became part of the Roman Empire. The Moors, Muslims from North Africa, invaded Iberia after Rome fell. They ruled the area for about 600 years. By the end of 1400s Christian rulers from Spain and Portugal had banded together to drive the Moors from Iberia. This was known as the Reconquista Spain and Portugal built huge empires that included lands in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Spain turned to Christopher Columbus in 1492.

Main Idea 2: The cultures of Spain and Portugal reflect their long histories. Language Most people speak Spanish or Portuguese. The Basque people of northern Spain have their own language and customs. Many of them want independence. Religion Most people in Iberia are Roman Catholic. People gather to celebrate Christian holidays and saints’ festivals. Music and Art Portuguese fados and Spanish flamenco are popular music styles. Muslim influence can be seen in much Iberian architecture.

Main Idea 2 Religion Music and Art Most people in Iberia are Roman Catholic. People gather to celebrate Christian holidays and saints’ festivals. Music and Art Portuguese fados and Spanish flamenco are popular music styles. Muslim influence can be seen in much Iberian architecture.

Main Idea 3: Having been both rich and poor in the past, Spain and Portugal today have growing economies. Spain and Portugal were once the wealthiest countries in Europe, thanks to gold and silver from the Americas. Spain and Portugal did not develop industrial economies like other countries in Europe because they were already rich. As Spanish and Portuguese colonies became independent, the source of gold and silver disappeared.

Main Idea 3 Because they had not developed industrial economies, Spain and Portugal were unable to compete with other countries. As a result, they became poor. The economies of Spain and Portugal are growing rapidly, largely because of new industries such as tourism.

Spain Today Spain’s government is a parliamentary monarchy, which means it is ruled by a king with the help of an elected parliament. Basque (separatists) ethnic group trying to create a separate Basque nation Manufacturing is a major economic activity. Cities such as Madrid and Barcelona are centers of industry, tourism, and commerce.

Portugal Today Portugal is a republic with elected leaders. Lisbon, the capital and largest city, is an industrial center. In rural areas, agriculture is still very important to the economy. Portuguese farmers are famous for growing grapes and cork.