Valencia (province)
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| Valencia (province) | |
|---|---|
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| Name | Valencia Province |
| Native name | Provincia de Valencia |
| Settlement type | Province |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Spain |
| Subdivision type1 | Autonomous community |
| Subdivision name1 | Valencian Community |
| Seat type | Capital |
| Seat | Valencia |
| Area total km2 | 10,763 |
| Population total | 2,591,875 |
| Population as of | 2021 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Leader title | President |
Valencia (province) is a coastal province in eastern Spain within the Valencian Community, centered on the city of Valencia. The province borders the provinces of Castellón, Teruel, Cuenca and Alicante, and has a Mediterranean coastline on the Gulf of Valencia. Its geography, history and culture reflect a long sequence of contacts among Iberians, Romans, Visigoths, Umayyad Caliphate, Crown of Aragon and modern Spain.
Geography
The province encompasses diverse landscapes including the coastal plain of the Albufera (lake), the Serranos and Sierra Calderona ranges, and the inland river valleys of the Júcar and Turia. Major urban centers include Valencia (city), Torrent (Valencian Community), Gandia, Paterna and Sagunto. Protected areas comprise Albufera Natural Park, Sierra Calderona Natural Park and parts of the Montgó Natural Park, which preserve Mediterranean wetlands, pine forests and karstic mountains. The province's Mediterranean climate is influenced by the Balearic Sea and features hot summers and mild winters, shaping agricultural zones such as the orange orchards around La Ribera and rice paddies in the Albufera.
History
Human settlement dates to pre-Roman peoples such as the Iberians and archeological sites like Edeta (Llíria). Conquest by the Roman Republic integrated the area into the province of Hispania Tarraconensis, establishing towns including Valentia Edetanorum (modern Valencia) and Saguntum. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the territory was ruled by the Visigothic Kingdom and later incorporated into Al-Andalus under the Umayyad Caliphate, with major developments during the era of Medieval Valencia and the taifa kingdoms. The Reconquista by the Crown of Aragon led to the creation of the Kingdom of Valencia with its own legal framework exemplified by the Furs of Valencia. The province experienced population and economic shifts during the Industrial Revolution with textile and port growth around Valencia (city) and Alzira. In the 20th century, the province was affected by the Spanish Civil War, industrialization, and the transition to democracy culminating in the autonomy statutes of the Valencian Community.
Demographics
The population is concentrated in the metropolitan area of Valencia (city) and secondary municipalities like Torrent (Valencian Community), Paterna, Burjassot, Gandia and Sagunto. Linguistic diversity includes speakers of Valencian and Spanish, with cultural institutions such as the Acadèmia Valenciana de la Llengua promoting Valencian. Immigration from other Spain regions and international migrants from Morocco, Romania, Ecuador and Colombia have influenced demographic composition. Religious heritage is marked by historic Roman Catholicism institutions like the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Valencia, alongside growing secularization and religious diversity mirrored in municipal life.
Economy
The province's economy mixes services, industry and agriculture. The port of Valencia (city) is among the busiest in Spain and a hub for container shipping, linking to international routes including those through the Mediterranean Sea and the Port of Barcelona. Industry clusters include ceramics in Manises, automotive suppliers around Paterna, and textiles historically concentrated in Ontinyent and Alcoy. Agriculture yields citrus fruits (notably oranges from Valencia orange groves), rice in the Albufera and market gardening in the Huerta de Valencia. Tourism driven by events like Las Fallas, beaches along the Costa Blanca and cultural attractions in Valencia (city) contributes significantly to service-sector employment and foreign exchange.
Government and administration
Administrative structures align with the Valencian Community autonomous institutions headquartered in Valencia (city), while provincial matters are addressed by the Diputación Provincial de Valencia. Municipalities operate under local councils such as the Ajuntament de València for the city and town halls in Gandia, Torrent (Valencian Community) and Sagunto. Judicial affairs are administered through the Audiencia Provincial de Valencia, and electoral representation links the province to the Cortes Generales and the Corts Valencianes of the autonomous community via allocated seats.
Culture and heritage
Cultural life centers on festivals, architecture and gastronomy. Major festivals include Las Fallas, celebrated in Valencia (city) and recognized by UNESCO cultural listings, and the Magdalena Festival in Castellón influences regional traditions. Architectural landmarks include the Lonja de la Seda, Valencia Cathedral, the City of Arts and Sciences designed by Santiago Calatrava, and the Roman ruins of Sagunto Castle. Culinary heritage features paella valenciana linked to the Albufera, horchata from Alboraya, and Mediterranean cuisine showcased in markets like the Mercado Central (Valencia). Institutions such as the Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia and the Palau de la Música de València support arts and music.
Infrastructure and transportation
Transport networks include the port facilities of Valencia (city), high-speed rail connections via AVE linking to Madrid and Barcelona, and regional services by Renfe and Metrovalencia. Major highways such as the A-3, AP-7 and V-30 connect the province to the national road network and the Alicante–Elche–Miguel Hernández Airport complements Valencia Airport for air routes. Water management infrastructure includes historical irrigation systems in the Huerta de Valencia and modern desalination plants addressing Mediterranean water demands. Energy and communications infrastructure tie the province into national grids and trans-European networks.