Location

Sanlúcar de Guadiana's current nucleus has its origin in the second part of the 13th century, when Sancho II of Portugal conquered the land of Muslims.

The town's strategic position because on the navigable river Guadiana has contributed to its historical role as a trade center as well as its turbulent history. The town has also been affected by the river's flooding.

Sanlúcar de Guadiana is situated at the border with Portugal, at the Eastern side of the river Guadiana. It is the westernmost part of the Huelva province and occupies 96.5 km². It is 34 m.a.s.l.

Climate

Annual and monthly rainfall, air temperature and potential evapotranspiration (ETo) is the same as Western Andévalo.

Geology and topography

The town of Sanlúcar de Guadiana is situated on carboniferous material of volcanic origin (tuff, lavas, acid breccias, quartz). The surrounding area is of carboniferous origin but consists of shale, slates and greywacke of fluvial origin.

The largest part of the area (65%) has a 15% angle, with 32% having a 30% angle. Soils are of primarily sedimentary (66%) or metamorphic origin (34%).

Land use

Land cover changes since 1980s have been significant due to the increase in the categories Other Trees (generally attributed to irrigated citrus orchards) and Pasture with Trees.

Population and land ownership

The population has been stable at around 400 inhabitants since 1991 (down from 845 in 1981). The dependency ratio is rater high, with 76.6 percent of the population is dependent on 21.4 %. Population seems to be growing while foreigners are more than locals. An 88% of the population has not received secondary or higher education.

Sanlúcar de Guadiana is governed by a city council of seven. Land ownership is predominantly private property (95.85%). Most farms are small and generally owned by older people, with 42.3% of agricultural holdings smaller than 5 ha.

Infrastructure

Sanlúcar de Guadiana has a local educational center (Public College San Blas) and one health centre. Medical emergencies have to be addressed in Villanueva de Castillejos approximately 25 km away. The nearest hospital is in Huelva, 80 km away.