Asturias (autonomous community)

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Autonomous community and province of northern Spain; area 10,565 sq km/4,079 sq mi; population (2001 est) 1,075,300. The region is crossed by the well-forested Cantabrian Mountains and drained by numerous swift rivers. The mountain climate favours a large dairy industry, while along the coast, apple orchards produce the area's world-famous cider; corn is an important crop, and sheep and other livestock are reared. In the past Asturias produced half of Spain's coal; most of the coal mines have since closed down. Oviedo (the capital) and Gijón are the main industrial towns. Gijón is also the chief port, and fishing is a major occupation.

History
The name Asturias is derived from an Iberian people who lived there before the Roman conquest which took place in the 2nd century BC. Asturias emerged as a separate Christian kingdom in the 8th century, after the victory of Don Pelayo at the Battle of Covadonga (718). From Asturias came the Christian reconquest of Spain, as King Alfonso I extended control over Cantabria, Galicia, and northern Portugal. It was at various times united with León, Galicia, and Castile in the south; sometimes the kingdoms were separated and divided between the king's sons, only to be reunited again later on. By 1035 it had come under Castillian dominance. The eldest son of a king of Spain is still called the Prince of Asturias.

It was established as an autonomous region in 1981.

The Pillars of Hercules represent the promontories of Gibraltar and Ceuta. The shield represents the regions of Castile, Léon, Aragón, Navarre, and Granada. Effective date: 18 December 1981. >>