The Balearic and Canary Islands also
belong to the Kingdom of Spain.
A local version of Homo Erectus roamed Iberia 1 million years ago, much later followed by Neanderthals
and Cro-Magnon modern humans.
Under the name Hispania the Romans ruled for 6 centuries till the Visigoths took control in
the 5th century AD. In the early 8th century Moorish Muslims conquered Iberia and ruled well into the 13th century.
Spain played
a major role in the colonization and plundering of the New World bringing the country great wealth and the status
of world super power.
The 19th and 20th century were disastrous with a French occupation, the loss of most of the American
colonies and a devastating civil war followed by Franco's fascist dictatorship that lasted till his death in 1975.
Spain joined the EU in 1986 and the Euro zone in 1999.
The booming tourist industry
dropped to practically zero and hard times hit Spain. Luckily the country quickly recovered after the pandemic.
