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The
population of this autonomous region according to figures from the Spanish
National Statistics Institute (INE) as of the 1st of January 2001, after
having reviewed the Inhabitants register is 1,190,378.
Murcia's
main cities are: Murcia, Cartagena, Lorca, Caravaca de la Cruz, Molina
de Segura, Cieza and Alcantarilla. Fifty
per cent of the population within the region live mainly in the cities of
Murcia, Cartagena and Lorca.
Geography
The
autonomous region of Murcia lies in the south east of the Spanish
mainland. It borders Castile-La Mancha in the north, the region of
Valencia in the east, the Mediterranean sea in the south, and Andalusia in
the west.
The
coastline of Murcia is characterised by its sandy beaches. The most
beautiful natural wonder on the coast is the Mar Menor. It is a shallow
lagoon or pool, which is the largest of its kind in Spain. The water in
the lagoon is very salty and maintains a hot temperature (5ºC above the
average Mediterranean temperature). It has four openings or passages that
lead to the sea. The mountainous scenery of the region is full of
foothills that roll in from the Penibetica and Subbetica ranges that help
create the Guadalentin river and Sangonera depressions. The most
outstanding part of the area is without doubt the Revolcadores massif,
that reaches an altitude of 2,027 metres. The El Caruche, Espuña, La Pila
and Ricote sierras are all over 1000 metres high. The rivers are short and
irregular, given the close proximity of the sierras to the sea and the low
rainfall. The most notable river in size and the area it irrigates is the
Segura. It enters the region from Albacete, via Calasparra, and leaves the
region heading towards Alicante.
Administration
Murcia
Region is an autonomous single province region, whose capital and only
province have the same name: Murcia.
The
Statute of Autonomy was approved in 1982. Its institutional bodies are
based in the capital, with the exception of the Regional Assembly that is
located in the city of Cartagena. The Regional Assembly is the legislative
body of the Autonomous Region and comprises 45 deputies, whose
responsibilities, amongst others, include electing the President of the
Autonomous Region.
Weather
The
weather in Murcia is dominated by a Mediterranean climate
Summers
are hot, while winters are mild and short, with average temperatures
during these periods varying between 16 and 19 degrees centigrade. The
rainfall is irregular, and in the lowlands it maintains an annual average
level of 300mm. Spring and autumn are the wettest seasons.
Infrastructures
The
region of Murcia has excellent land, sea and air transport connections.
San Javier airport is a clear example of this.
The
region is well connected by a road network linking it to the rest of
Spain.The exit to Albacete and Madrid is on the A3-301. The connection
with the Mediterranean Basin, towards Alicante and Valencia can be made
inland on the E15 main road or on national highway 332 that runs from
Cartagena along the coastline. The Cartagena-Alicante journey along the
coast can also be made on the main road, linking up with the A-7 motorway
in the direction of Catalonia. The region of Murcia also has some notable
ports, with a relatively heavy traffic of goods and passengers. The most
important are the Cartagena-Escombreras and Aguilas ports to name just
two.
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Properties in Spain 
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