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Iberian Peninsula

The Iberian Peninsula is a peninsula in southwestern Europe, occupied mainly by Spain and Portugal.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Iberian Peninsula is a peninsula in southwestern Europe, occupied mainly by Spain and Portugal. It is separated from most of the rest of Europe by the Pyrenees and from North Africa by the Strait of Gibraltar. The peninsula is the second-largest in Europe by area and is also known as Iberia.

Geography

The Iberian Peninsula is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, with the Pyrenees connecting it to the European mainland. Its terrain is varied, with mountain ranges, basins, and a high central plateau.

Political geography

Most of the peninsula is divided between Spain and Portugal. Smaller territories on or near the peninsula include Andorra, Gibraltar, and a small part of France under some geographic definitions.

Name and historical usage

The name Iberia is derived from ancient Greek and Latin usage, often linked to the Ebro River. In modern usage, it commonly refers to the peninsula as a whole, especially in geographic contexts.

Physical characteristics

The peninsula has a rugged and uneven topography and includes some of the highest elevations in Western Europe. Its coastal and inland landscapes create distinct climatic and ecological regions.

Key facts

  • The Iberian Peninsula lies in southwestern Europe.
  • Spain and Portugal occupy most of the peninsula.
  • The Pyrenees form the main land barrier separating it from the rest of Europe.
  • The Strait of Gibraltar separates the peninsula from North Africa.
  • Its area is about 583,254 km², making it the second-largest European peninsula after the Scandinavian Peninsula.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may encounter the term in geography, European history, and comparative climate studies, since the peninsula is a major region of Western Europe and a common reference point in discussions of Spain and Portugal.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Iberian Peninsula?
It is a peninsula in southwestern Europe, occupied mainly by Spain and Portugal.
Why is it also called Iberia?
Iberia is a shorter name used historically and geographically for the same peninsula.
What separates it from the rest of Europe?
The Pyrenees mountain range forms the main land boundary with the rest of Europe.
What separates it from Africa?
The Strait of Gibraltar separates the peninsula from North Africa.
How large is the Iberian Peninsula?
It covers about 583,254 square kilometres.
Which countries are on the peninsula?
Spain and Portugal occupy most of it, and Andorra, Gibraltar, and a small part of France are also part of traditional definitions.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iberian_Peninsula
    Supports: Area, location, topography, and broad geographic extent.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Iberian-Peninsula
    Supports: Location in southwestern Europe, boundaries, and derivation of the name.
  3. WorldAtlas — https://www.worldatlas.com/peninsulas/iberian-peninsula.html
    Supports: Area, constituent countries and territories, and geographic boundaries.