Basque Country (autonomous community)

The Basque Country (Euskadi in Basque, País Vasco in Spanish) is an autonomous community in northern Spain. It includes the provinces of Álava, Biscay, and Gipuzkoa. It is bordered by the autonomous communities of Cantabria and Castile and León to the west, Navarre to the south, France (Nouvelle-Aquitaine) to the northeast, and the Bay of Biscay to the north.

The official languages are Basque (Euskara) and Spanish. Basque is a language isolate, unrelated to any other known living language. While Spanish is spoken throughout the community, Basque is particularly prevalent in rural areas and among older generations, although revitalization efforts have increased its usage.

The capital is Vitoria-Gasteiz, located in Álava. Bilbao, located in Biscay, is the largest city and a major industrial and economic center. San Sebastián, in Gipuzkoa, is known for its beaches and international film festival.

The Basque Country has a distinct culture, characterized by its language, cuisine, traditions, and a strong sense of identity. Basque cuisine is renowned for its use of fresh, local ingredients, and includes dishes like pintxos (Basque tapas), bacalao al pil pil (cod in pil pil sauce), and txuleta (grilled beef chop).

The Statute of Autonomy of the Basque Country grants it a significant degree of self-government, including powers over education, healthcare, taxation, and policing. The Basque Parliament is the legislative body of the community.

The region's history has been marked by periods of autonomy and conflict, particularly in relation to the Spanish central government. The Basque Country experienced significant industrialization in the 19th and 20th centuries, but faced economic challenges during deindustrialization. Today, the Basque Country boasts a robust and diversified economy.