Álava

Álava, also known as Araba, is a province in the Basque Country of Spain. It is a historical territory that has roots going back to ancient times, once being a medieval Catholic bishopric. Today, it is part of the Basque Autonomous Community.

The capital city of Álava is Vitoria-Gasteiz, which is also an important political center for the whole Basque region. Álava shares borders with several other 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, with about 331,700 inhabitants as of 2019. Inside Álava is a small area called the Enclave of Treviño, which actually 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 near the road from ab Asturica Burdigalam. Another idea, from the Royal Academy of the Basque Language, is that the name started in stories from long ago by Muslim writers. They talked about the Alavese Plains, using words from old Basque and adding an Arab word at the start, which slowly changed over time into the names we use today.

Physical and human geography

Álava is an inland area with a mix of climates. It has green hilly lands, dry valleys, flat plains, tall forested mountains, and areas good for vineyards. 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 over time, more people started working 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 known as Araba, is a beautiful province in northern Spain that is part of the Basque Country. It is surrounded by other areas like Biscay, Gipuzkoa, La Rioja, Burgos, and Navarre. The main city, Vitoria-Gasteiz, is very important because it holds many key government offices for the Basque region. The landscape of Álava includes both towns and countryside, making it a place where people can enjoy both city life and the peace of rural areas.

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. In Basque, this leader is known as Arabako ahaldun nagusia, and in Spanish, the title is Diputado General de Álava.

Administrative divisions

See also: List of municipalities in Álava

Álava, also known as Araba, is a province in northern Spain that is part of the Basque Country. It is surrounded by other regions, including 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, which is also an important center for the government of the Basque Autonomous Community.

History

See also: County of Álava

Álava has a rich history that dates back many centuries. It was once known as the Lordship of Álava, ruled by various leaders over time. Some of these rulers include Eylo, Rodrigo, and Fernán González, among others.

During the eighth century, after Arab invasions, a diocese called Álava or Armentaria was created. This area had its own bishops, with Fortún being a well-known figure who traveled to Rome to discuss important religious matters. Later, the diocese was merged into others, and today, Álava is recognized by the Catholic Church as a titular see, meaning it no longer has its own bishops but is still honored in Church records.

During the Spanish Civil War, Álava and its capital Vitoria were captured by Nationalist forces in July 1936. Later attempts by Republicans to retake the city were unsuccessful. The Nationalists used Vitoria as a base for their aircraft during the conflict.