Andalusia

Council of Andalusia, Current President Juan Manuel Moreno

Traditionally, Andalusia has been an agricultural region compared to much of the rest of Spain and Europe in general. The primary crops cultivated without irrigation are cereal grains and sunflowers, but along riverbanks and with additional irrigation, there are also barley, oats, cotton, rice and maize. The most important tree crops by far are olives, though there are also extensive vineyards as well as citrus and almond cultivation in the higher plains of Granada and Almeria where water is more readily available. Organic farming techniques have seen a huge boom in recent years.   Animal husbandry is also important, with dairy cattle, sheep and goats present. Another regional specialty is the black Iberian pig. Most livestock grazing is done in mountain meadows. There is commercial fishing off the coastal provinces.   As the economy has changed, Andalusia has become a popular tourist destination with its mild climate, rich countryside and unique cultural and historic sites. Jobs in the service profession have seen a major upturn. About 50% of Andalusia is forested, riddled with parks and nature preserves, bringing in campers, hikers, hunters and skiers at different times of the year.

Archbishop of Granada - Florian von Grunewald   Archbishop of Costa de Sol - Gaulberto Herrera