Editing Iberian Peninsula (section)

== Geography ==

The interior of the Iberian Peninsula is dominated by the Meseta Central, a high plateau covering much of central Spain. The Sistema Central divides parts of the plateau, while the Cantabrian Mountains rise along the north. The Iberian System separates sections of the interior from the eastern coast. The Sierra Morena and Baetic mountain systems shape the southern part of the peninsula.<ref name="spain-geography"/>

Several major rivers cross the peninsula. The Douro, Tagus, and Guadiana flow westward through Spain and Portugal before entering the Atlantic Ocean. The Guadalquivir drains much of southern Spain, while the Ebro flows eastward into the Mediterranean Sea.

The northern and northwestern coasts have a maritime climate influenced by the Atlantic. Much of the interior has hotter summers, colder winters, and lower rainfall. Mediterranean conditions predominate along the eastern and southern coasts, while parts of southeastern Spain have a semi-arid climate.

The coastline includes broad estuaries in Portugal and northwestern Spain, rocky northern shores, Mediterranean coastal plains, and the southern approaches to the Strait of Gibraltar. The peninsula's position between the Atlantic and Mediterranean has made its ports important to trade and maritime transport.