The northern waters of peninsular Spain are also of some interest. Most of the maritime traffic that supplies Spain and almost all the sea lines of communication that constitute the umbilical cord of Western Europe converge there. The first and more significant is the Cadiz-Canaries-Azores triangle. On the Atlantic side of the country, there are two areas of strategic importance. The part of the Mediterranean which is obviously of most importance to Spain is the western region in which the Balearic Islands occupy a dominating position. Consequently, her international orientation has always emphasized the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. More than 90 percent of Spain's exports go by sea, and a majority of imports - particularly raw materials and hydrocarbons - reach Spain by sea. Trade continues to be dependent on sea routes. Spain's population and industry are concentrated along her coasts, which also form 83 percent of her international boundaries. The Spanish Navy was the strongest in the world since the 16th century until mid- or late 17th and until well into the 19th century remained among the first three. Among the great achievements of the Navy are the discovery of America, the first around the world with Juan Sebastián Elcano and the discovery of the maritime route between Asia and America by Andrés de Urdaneta. The Spanish Navy has had a decisive role in the history of Spain, particularly in logistical and defensive areas during the time of the Spanish Empire. Its beginning dates back to the late 15th century and early 16th century, when the large Spanish kingdoms of Castile and Aragon were United under the Catholic monarchs. It is one of the oldest naval forces in activity in the world. The Spanish Navy is the maritime branch of the Spanish armed forces.

Naval fleet armada