Castile and León
[key], autonomous community, 36,381 sq mi (94,227 sq km), N central Spain,
encompassing the provinces of Ávila, Burgos, León, Palencia,
Salamanca, Segovia, Soria, Valladolid, and Zamora. It was established as an
autonomous community in 1983. This region rests on the elevated central
plateau and is traversed by the Douro river. Two of its provinces are close
to the Portuguese border. Agriculture is the most important sector of the
economy, consisting mostly of dry farming except in the irrigated lands of
Valladolid and Léon. Crops include wheat, sugar beets, and potatoes.
Animal husbandry is also important. Forestry is an industry found chiefly in
the mountainous zones. The National Industrial Institute (Instituto
Nacional de Industria) provided long-term loans and tax
incentives in Valladolid in order to further industrialization there. About
a quarter of the nation's hydroelectricity is generated in Salamanca and
Zamona provinces. Residents of León, Zamora, and Salamanca speak the
Leonese dialect. There is much migration from the region to the provincial
capitals.
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