Almería, located in the south-east corner of Spain, boasts an exceptional climate and an ideal geographical position. Spanning 8,774 square kilometres, the province of Almería offers an unusual and varied landscape; from the arid Tabernas desert to the snow-capped mountains of Sierra Nevada. Its coastline, with spectacular volcanic beaches and reefs, is the place with the lowest annual rainfall and the highest annual sunshine hours in Europe.

The province has a long history. The oldest remains date back to the Third Millennium B.C. They come from the first "city" to emerge in the Province, Los Millares. Almería, known as a crossroads between Europe and Africa has much Eastern Mediterranean influence. Its history features several civilisations which settled in the Almerian territory over centuries; Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans to name just a few. Portus Magnus, where the capital is located today, was founded by the Romans. After the Romans, new civilisations arrived: the Vandals, the Byzantines and the Visigoths. It has been the Islamic civilisation, however, that has most influenced the culture of the region.

Almería was founded by Abderamán III in 955 A.D. and it quickly became the major port of the Caliphate of Al-Andalus. During the 11th century, Almería grew wealthy from the trade of silk and became the capital of the Taifa Kingdom. The link between Almería and the Mediterranean Sea has always been strong, to such an extent that some researchers believe that Almería means "Sea Mirror", while others say that it means "Watchtower", due to an old tower from which the guards could watch over the sea.

As well as its long history and its incredible landscape, the environment is also remarkable in the province. The Mediterranean Village lies within the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, a volcanic massif and wetland of outstanding ecological importance. Also, Almería boasts a national park and three natural parks as well as a jagged mountain range with mountains such as Chullo (2,600 m), Almirez (2,519 m) and Calar Alto (2,168 m), where the second most important astronomical observatory in Europe is situated.

The desert landscapes and unspoilt beaches have made Almería a popular choice for filming American box office hits which include "Patton", "Lawrence of Arabia", "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" as well as spaghetti westerns and films directed by important European directors.

The economy of Almería is one of the most dynamic in Andalusia. The economic boom experienced over the last few decades can be said to be thanks to three important factors: intensive agriculture based on plastic greenhouse farming; a high-quality tourist industry based largely on sun and beaches; and the extraction and production of marble.

This new development has brought about a considerable change in migratory flows. During most of the 20th century, Almería suffered a real diaspora, with many Almerians living and working in America, North Africa and Europe. Since the 1980s and as a result of the important increase in farming production, the province has become the promised land for thousands of immigrants from North Africa, Eastern European countries and Latin America.

The province of Almería has a population of over half a million inhabitants, of which 180,000 live in the capital city, also named Almería. This population is made up of a dynamic, enterprising and open-minded society, which is currently experiencing a remarkable demographic and economic growth. As part of the programme for hosting the XV Mediterranean Games Almería 2005, the capital city -Almería- and the six subvenues -El Ejido, Roquetas de Mar, Vícar, Huércal, Gádor and Cuevas del Almanzora- are heavily investing in infrastructure. The Mediterranean Village, the Mediterranean Stadium and the Mediterranean Sports Palace are examples of their commitment to offer the best facilities for the Games.

In 2005, Almería and its past as a crossroads of Mediterranean cultures will meet again. The province and the city are looking towards a future in which the links between the two shores of the Mare Nostrum will become increasingly important. For ten days, Almería will be the Mediterranean host to the great sports and cultural fiesta.