Geography:

Euskadi is comprised of two autonomous regions of Spain (Pais Vasco and Navarra) and three regions of France (Basse-Navarre, Labourd, and Soule). The total land area encompassed by the Basque region is 20,664 sq. kilometers. The Basque region consists of a coastal plain with rolling hills and mountains. The weather is usually cool and windy with a temperature range between 41and 68 degrees F.

Government:
    Though the areas of the Basque are under the separate governments of Spain and France, they have their own police force, education and tax systems. Established in 1980 the current governing body of these regions in Spain is the Comunidad Autonoma del Pais Vasco (Autonomous Community of the Basque Country). The system consists of a President residing in Victoria, and a seventy-five member legislative assembly that meets in Guernica. This assembly is elected by voters over the age of 18. Presidential candidates are selected among these 75 and the assembly votes. This system has been in place since the fall of the Franco's regime.

Culture:
    The origins of the Basque people are still unknown, though their culture has been recorded in history since the 1st century BC. Their customs traditions and ancient language are unlike those anywhere in Western Europe. Their language, Euskara, is especially unique. Scholars have been unable to link it to any other language in the world, and yet it is the oldest living language in Europe. Now, about 25% of the people speak the Euskara. Basques also have the lowest frequency of type B blood and the highest frequency of type O and Rh-negative in all of Europe.
    The Basques themselves are not noticed as a separate ethnic entity. They appear as any other Spaniard or Frenchman, but their culture is distinct. They are characterized well by their motto "Neither slave nor Tyrant." They are people who value independent spirit, love of freedom and individual liberties. They are defined as being mainly Roman Catholic and well known for their folklore, folk theater, music, games and a special form of dancing. Historically they are known as fishing people, whale hunters and skilled boatmakers.