Valencia, capital of the autonomous community of Spanish people in Valencia and the capital of Valencia province too, ranks third amongst all the cities of Spain. It also ranks fifteenth amongst all the cities in the European Union. A small area of the industrial zone in Costa del Azahar is also constituted by Valencia.
Population
According to the recorded figures of 2006 in Valencia Proper, the population of the region has been estimated around 800,000. During 2006, similar surveying in Valencia Metropolitan gave the population figures of way over 1.9 million. The figures included the combined population of urban area and the satellite towns. According to the 2000 estimate, the urban area population of the city was recorded closed to 1.2 million. Currently, Rita Barbera Nolla is acting as the mayor of the city.
Climate
The climate of Valencia is a pure and ever changing Mediterranean Type. It is very much a warm and dry summer along with mild and humid winters. The autumns and springs in the city are stormy.
Name
Valentia is said to be the actual name in Latin given to the city, which meant ‘Vigor’ and ‘Strength’. The city was then named after Valen, the Great Emperor of his times, who holds the place in the history for ordering the establishment of a colony in the Hispania region. Emperor Theodosius I had the honor of taking care of that colony after Valen. Balensiya was the name that was used by the Muslims during their rule in the country.
The name of the city has undergone several sound modifications and currently it is standing at Valencia, which is in Castilian.
Economy
The period, which has covered the previous decade, has seen the city of Valencia enjoying a more than strong growth in economic section of things. The construction industry along with the widespread tourism industry has been primarily responsible for the present situation of things.
It was previously a city that was based purely on industries. However, touristic and cultural sides of the economy saw a rapid turn of events during the later part of the 90s. That period saw the city becoming vibrant with restoration of landmarks that included old towers, monasteries, libraries, beaches and complete quarters. They were provided with quality renovation for making them suitable tourist spots for supporting the growing tourism industries.
Valencia tourism has also made impact through different convention centers. Nowadays, Valencia is even recognized for having the rights of hosting several world famous events with the recent inclusion being the F1 championship, which will be commencing during the season of 2008.
Culture, Food and Transportation
Valencia is recognized for an annual festival taking place during March called Las Fallas. It is characterized with traditional ceramics of Valencia, Paella Valenciana, traditional dresses, and displaying of its new architectures.
La Tomatina, Semana Santa and Valencia metro system are the things that draws crowd from all corners of the globe.
The famous recipes across the city include orxata, paella, Tortilla Espanola, squids, iced lemons and rosquilletas.
An efficient transport system supported by metro, bus and railway services.
Valencia is a great holiday destination to choose if you want to have fun and learn about the primitive European History and Culture.