Murcia is the capital city of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia, located at the river Segura in south-eastern Spain. Its population is 433,850 (2008) ranking seventh in Spain, and the population of its metropolitan area is 743,326 ranking ninth between the largest metropolitan areas of the country.

Murcia is built nearly in the centre of a low-lying fertile plain known as the huerta (orchard or vineyard) of Murcia, which includes the valleys of the Segura and its right-hand tributary, the Guadalentin or river Sangonera. The Segura is one of the most highly polluted rivers in Europe. The Region is surrounded by the Sierra de Orihuela and Cresta de Gallo mountains.

Despite the proximity of the sea, the climate is subject to great variations: the summer heat is severe while frosts are occasionally experienced in the capital during the winter. Precipitation in Murcia is scarce with less than 200 mm (7.9 inches) registered in the hydrological year October 2004 through September 2005.

Murcia-San Javier Airport (MJV) is located on the edge of the Mar Menor close to the towns of San Javier and Santiago de la Ribera, 45 kilometres (28 mi) southeast of Murcia. The airport at Alicante is frequently used by travellers to Murcia as well.

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