abstract
| - Iberia, officially the Federal Republic of Iberia (Spanish: República de Iberia) is a sovereign state located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. Iberia's mainland is bordered to the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea, to the north by France and Andorra, and to the west and northwest by the Atlantic Ocean. Iberia's territory also includes the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, the Azores and Madeira. The Iberian Peninsula was first settled by humans approximately 35,000 years ago, with distinct Iberian cultures quickly developing. The peninsula came under control of the Romans around 200BCE, during which it was known as Hispania. Throughout the Middle Ages, Iberia was occupied by Germanic tribes, and later by the Moors. In the 15th century, Spain was unified, uniting the majority of Iberia under one crown. In this period, both Spain and Portugal established large colonial empires, leaving a cultural and linguistic legacy across the globe. The two countries continued as stable kingdoms until the early 20th century, when a right-wing, Catholic regime was established, exercising control over the entirety of Iberia. In 1974, after the death of Iberia's dictator, Francisco Franco, a peaceful coup d'etat took place, putting an end to several decades of totalitarian rule. Democracy was restored under a provisional government, which maintained peace and democracy until elections could be held. The first democratic elections took place in 1976, and elected a Socialist government. This new government established a federal system within Iberia, devolving authorities to individual states, many of which had had their languages and cultures repressed under Franco's dictatorship. Despite this, Portuguese and Catalan nationalism remain divisive issues within Iberian society and politics. Iberia has since established itself as an important political, economic, cultural and military power within Europe. It is a member of the League of Nations, NATO and the European Union.
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