Basque Country facts for kids
The Basque Country is a special area in Europe with a unique culture and language. When people talk about the Basque Country, they might mean a few different things. It can refer to the larger cultural area where Basque people live, or it can mean specific political regions in Spain and France.
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What is the Basque Country?
The Basque Country is a region that spans parts of both Spain and France. It is known for its distinct language, Euskara, which is one of the oldest languages in Europe. The people who live here are called Basques.
The Greater Basque Region (Euskal Herria)
This is the biggest idea of the Basque Country. It's called Euskal Herria in Basque, País Vasco in Spanish, or Pays Basque in French. This area includes all the places where the Basque language and culture have traditionally been strong. It's not a single country, but more like a cultural homeland for the Basque people.
The Basque Autonomous Community in Spain
One important part of the Basque Country is an official region in Spain. It's called the Basque Autonomous Community (Euskal Autonomia Erkidegoa in Basque). This area has its own government and a lot of control over its own affairs, like education and healthcare. It includes three provinces: Araba (Álava), Gipuzkoa (Guipúzcoa), and Bizkaia (Biscay). On the map, this part is usually shown in pink.
The French Basque Country (Iparralde)
Another part of the Basque Country is located in France. It's known as the Northern Basque Country or French Basque Country (Ipar Euskal Herria in Basque). This area is made up of three historic provinces: Labourd, Lower Navarre, and Soule. While it's part of France, it still has a strong Basque identity and culture. On the map, this part is often shown in yellow.
The Southern Basque Country (Hegoalde)
This term refers to the Basque areas located in Spain. It includes the Basque Autonomous Community (the pink part on the map) and also the region of Navarre (often shown in green on the map). Navarre also has a strong Basque history and culture, even though it's a separate autonomous community within Spain.
Basque Culture and Language
The Basque people have a rich history and unique traditions. Their language, Euskara, is very different from Spanish or French. It's not related to any other European language. Basque culture is also known for its traditional sports, music, and delicious food.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Map showing the geographical and political divisions of the Basque Country
See also
In Spanish: País Vasco (desambiguación) para niños
