The adjective Iberian , from the Latin iberĭcus , has several uses. The term can be used to refer to that or that natural or linked to the Iberian Peninsula or Iberia .
The Iberian Peninsula is located in the southwest of Europe , surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and with its northeastern sector joined to the continent. Most of its territory is divided between Portugal and Spain , although the Principality of Andorra is also located there. In addition, the Iberian Peninsula is home to Gibraltar , a British overseas territory to which Spain claims sovereignty.
Iberia , meanwhile, is the name used in Ancient Greece to name the aforementioned peninsula . The Iberians lived in regions of Iberia , who spoke the Iberian or Iberian language .
The notion of Iberian, therefore, can be used with reference to the peninsula, the ancient town or the language of that community. For example: "Real Madrid is among the most powerful Iberian clubs" , "Aeschylus was one of the historians who wrote about the Iberians thousands of years ago" , "Iberian was a pre-Romanesque language that is no longer used today" .
Iberian, on the other hand, is the qualification given to pigs raised in pastures and mountains of the Iberian Peninsula, characterized by their dark skin and highly valued for their meat . In fact, the famous Iberian ham , which is produced with the meat of this animal, is considered a luxury product, typical of haute cuisine. In addition, various Iberian sausages are made.
Iberian ham is increasingly in demand around the world not only for its flavor but also for the healthy properties it has. Thus, in this sense, we can highlight that it is rich in proteins, that it provides the body with a large amount of vitamins (B1, B6, B12...) and that it is a source of folic acid, which helps, among other things, the proper functioning of the brain. Not to mention that it is also rich in calcium, phosphorus or magnesium, for example.
In the same way, we cannot ignore the existence of what is known as the Iberian System. This is a mountain system that is located in the interior of the Iberian Peninsula, which separates the depression of the Ebro River from the Central Plateau and is 500 kilometers long and 100 kilometers wide.
In addition to everything indicated, we have to take into consideration that it has several very high peaks such as Moncayo, which is the highest it has with a height of 2,315 meters above sea level. However, it also has other significant peaks such as the Javalambre peak, which is 2,019 meters high, or the San Lorenzo mountain, which is 2,271 meters high.
No less significant is knowing that some of the most important rivers of the Iberian Peninsula originate in this Iberian System, such as the Tajo, the Guadiana, the Júcar or the Turia.