Álava

Álava, also known as [Araba](/wiki/Araba_(disambiguation), is a province in the Basque Country of Spain. It has a long history dating back to ancient times. Today, it is part of the Basque Autonomous Community.

The capital city of Álava is Vitoria-Gasteiz. This city is an important political center for the whole Basque region. Álava shares borders with several areas: Biscay and Gipuzkoa to the north, La Rioja to the south, the province of Burgos to the west, and Navarre to the east.

Although Álava is the largest province in the Basque Autonomous Community, covering 3,037 km², it has the fewest people. Inside Álava is a small area called the Enclave of Treviño, which belongs to the province of Burgos and the community of Castile and León.

Etymology

The name Álava, or Araba in Basque, may come from an old Roman place called Alba. This place was near a road from ab Asturica Burdigalam. Another idea is that the name started in old stories. Muslim writers talked about the Alavese Plains. They used words from old Basque and added an Arab word at the start. Over time, this changed into the names we use today. The idea comes from the Royal Academy of the Basque Language.

Physical and human geography

Álava is an inland area with different kinds of land. It has green hills, dry valleys, flat plains, tall forested mountains, and places where vines grow. The rivers here flow into the Ebro, helping to bring water to many towns and cities.

In the past, most people worked on farms. But now, many people work in factories and other jobs. Today, many people live and work in towns like Vitoria-Gasteiz and Amurrio, where there are many factories and industries.

Demography and rural landscape

Álava, also called Araba, is a lovely province in northern Spain. It is part of the Basque Country. Álava is surrounded by places like Biscay, Gipuzkoa, La Rioja, Burgos, and Navarre. The main city is Vitoria-Gasteiz. This city is very important because it has many government offices for the Basque region. Álava has both towns and countryside. People can enjoy city life and the quiet peace of the countryside.

Government

Juntas Generales

The Juntas Generales of Álava are the main group that helps make decisions for the province. The leader of this group is called the deputy general of Álava.

Administrative divisions

See also: List of municipalities in Álava

Álava, also called Araba, is a province in northern Spain. It is part of the Basque Country. It is surrounded by other regions. These include Biscay and Gipuzkoa to the north, La Rioja to the south, Burgos to the west, and Navarre to the east. The capital city of Álava is Vitoria-Gasteiz. This city is also an important center for the government of the Basque Autonomous Community.

History

See also: County of Álava

Álava has a long history that goes back many years. It was once called the Lordship of Álava, and different leaders ruled it. Some of these leaders were Eylo, Rodrigo, and Fernán González.

In the eighth century, after Arab invasions, a place called Álava or Armentaria was created. This area had its own bishops. One well-known bishop was Fortún, who went to Rome for important talks. Later, the area joined with others, and today, Álava is known by the Catholic Church as a titular see. This means it does not have its own bishops anymore but is still remembered in Church records.

During the Spanish Civil War, Álava and its main city Vitoria were taken by Nationalist forces in July 1936. Later, tries to take the city back did not work. The Nationalists used Vitoria as a place for their airplanes during the war.