The Basque Country is NOT Spain - and don't you forget it!

The Basque Country is not Spain. For all intents and purposes, there are four provinces in what is called Spain and three in what is called France that are all the Basque people. The capitals of these provinces in the "Spain" side are Bilbao, San Sebastián, Vitoria, and Pamplona. Additionally, these capitals have Basque names and Spanish names. For instance, Vitoria (spanish) / Gasteiz (Basque), San Sebastián (Spanish), Donostia (Basque). Why are they not Spanish? Despite being in the country of Spain, long ago they were a separate region, obviously with a separate language, and many different traditions. Now, although in "spain' these provinces only pay taxes to the Basque region and not to Spain. They have their own police, basque government, and local governments. Basque is taught in all schools as well. So, why aren't they autonomous? Politics obviously; which I will refrain from taking a position on considering I have no skin in the game, but hopefully one day there will be an independent Basque Country. More to come on my travels to Bilbao, Vitoria, the Rioja-Alavesa region, and San Sebastián.