Spain

…

…gions. Thus, the movement toward political centralization begun by Ferdinand and Isabella some 500 years earlier was reversed, and a "Spain of autonomous communities" was created. In recent years, concerns over Spain's environmental problems have grown. The country has experienced increased air-pollution problems in Madrid and along the northeastern coast, water pollution in agricultural and coastal areas, and soil erosion. Controversies arose over rapid development along the Mediterranean coast and threats to scenic attractions.