Almería, located in
the south-east corner of Spain, boasts an
exceptional climate and an ideal geographical
position. Spanning 8,774 square kilometres,
the province of Almería offers an
unusual and varied landscape; from the arid
Tabernas desert to the snow-capped mountains
of Sierra Nevada. Its coastline, with spectacular
volcanic beaches and reefs, is the place
with the lowest annual rainfall and the
highest annual sunshine hours in Europe
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The province has a long history. The oldest
remains date back to the Third Millennium B.C.
They come from the first "city" to emerge
in the Province, Los Millares. Almería,
known as a crossroads between Europe and Africa
has much Eastern Mediterranean influence. Its
history features several civilisations which settled
in the Almerian territory over centuries; Phoenicians,
Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans to name just
a few. Portus Magnus, where the capital is located
today, was founded by the Romans. After the Romans,
new civilisations arrived: the Vandals, the Byzantines
and the Visigoths. It has been the Islamic civilisation,
however, that has most influenced the culture
of the region.
Almería was founded by Abderamán
III in 955 A.D. and it quickly became the major
port of the Caliphate of Al-Andalus. During the
11th century, Almería grew wealthy from
the trade of silk and became the capital of the
Taifa Kingdom. The link between Almería
and the Mediterranean Sea has always been strong,
to such an extent that some researchers believe
that Almería means "Sea Mirror",
while others say that it means "Watchtower",
due to an old tower from which the guards could
watch over the sea.
As well as its long history and its incredible
landscape, the environment is also remarkable
in the province. The Mediterranean Village lies
within the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park,
a volcanic massif and wetland of outstanding ecological
importance. Also, Almería boasts a national
park and three natural parks as well as a jagged
mountain range with mountains such as Chullo (2,600
m), Almirez (2,519 m) and Calar Alto (2,168 m),
where the second most important astronomical observatory
in Europe is situated.
The desert landscapes and unspoilt beaches have
made Almería a popular choice for filming
American box office hits which include "Patton",
"Lawrence of Arabia", "Indiana
Jones and the Last Crusade" as well as spaghetti
westerns and films directed by important European
directors.
The economy of Almería is one of the most
dynamic in Andalusia. The economic boom experienced
over the last few decades can be said to be thanks
to three important factors: intensive agriculture
based on plastic greenhouse farming; a high-quality
tourist industry based largely on sun and beaches;
and the extraction and production of marble.
This new development has brought about a considerable
change in migratory flows. During most of the
20th century, Almería suffered a real diaspora,
with many Almerians living and working in America,
North Africa and Europe. Since the 1980s and as
a result of the important increase in farming
production, the province has become the promised
land for thousands of immigrants from North Africa,
Eastern European countries and Latin America.
The province of Almería has a population
of 580,000 inhabitants, of which 178,000 live
in the capital city, also named Almería.
This population is made up of a dynamic, enterprising
and open-minded society, which is currently experiencing
a remarkable demographic and economic growth.
As part of the programme for hosting the XV Mediterranean
Games Almería 2005, the capital city -Almería-
and the six subvenues -El Ejido, Roquetas de Mar,
Vícar, Huércal, Gádor and
Cuevas del Almanzora- are heavily investing in
infrastructure. The Mediterranean Village, the
Mediterranean Stadium and the Mediterranean Sports
Palace are examples of their commitment to offer
the best facilities for the Games.
In 2005, Almería and its past as a crossroads
of Mediterranean cultures will meet again. The
province and the city are looking towards a future
in which the links between the two shores of the
Mare Nostrum will become increasingly important.
For ten days, Almería will be the Mediterranean
host to the great sports and cultural fiesta.
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