Castilla-León

Autonomous community of central Spain; area 94,147 sq km/36,350 sq mi; population (2001 est) 2,479,400. It includes the provinces of Burgos, León, Palencia, Salamanca, Segovia, Soria, Valladolid, and Zamora. Irrigated land produces wheat, sugarbeets, and potatoes; cattle, sheep, and fighting bulls are bred in the uplands. There are important food industries in Burgos, Palencia, and Segovia provinces. The capital is Valladolid, which is the main manufacturing centre, particularly for engineering and the production of motor vehicles. Castilla-León was established as an autonomous region in 1983.

About one-quarter of Spain's hydroelectricity is generated in Salamanca and Zamora provinces. The Leonese dialect is still spoken in León, Zamora, and Salamanca.