This file is a mirror of EUSKAL HERRIA JOURNAL by Basque Red Net.

Navarre a former kingdom of Europe was the first and only Basque state that ever existed. The kingdom was established in 824 by the Basques of Iruña (Pamplone). Under the reign of the Navarrese King Santxo the Great (999-1035) most of the Basque-speaking territories were consolidated - for the first and only time in their history - under one political jurisdiction. Navarre fought more than 1,200 years to remain independent but in 1512 was invaded and occupied by Castile. The Navarrese monarchs sought refuge in northern Navarre. Although they called themselves "kings" of Navarre, only the rump of that kingdom remained in their hands since Castile had conquered by force the larger portion to the south. Northern Navarre was annexed to the French crown in 1620. Castile transformed southern Navarre into a viceroyalty and, in 1839, into a foral province.

The Basque Country (Euskal Herria in the Basque language) is divided politically between France and Spain. The Basque Country is composed of seven provinces: three in France, Iparralde or Northern Basque Country, and four in Spain, Hegoalde or Southern Basque Country.

The three northern provinces in France are: Lapurdi, Behe-Nafarroa (Lower-Navarre) and Zuberoa. Together with Bearn, they are part of the Pyrenees Atlantiques department within the region of Aquitaine.

The four southern provinces in Spain are: Araba, Bizkaia, Gipuzkoa and Nafarroa (Upper-Navarre, referred to as Navarre). Araba, Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa are also known as the `Baskongadak,' and `Euskadi.'

After Franco's death, limited regional autonomy was applied to the entire Spanish state. The 1978 Spanish constitution established a "Nation of Autonomous Regions" made up of 17 areas. The Baskongadak and Navarre each were granted its own statute of autonomy. Baskongadak adopted the name of Basque Autonomous Community (BAC), and Navarre was given the name of Autonomous Community of Navarre (CAN).