Here's a breakdown of their location:
* Spain: They primarily reside in the Basque Country (País Vasco), which is an autonomous community in northern Spain. This area includes provinces such as:
* Álava
* Bizkaia
* Gipuzkoa
* Navarre (partially Basque, with the northern part considered part of the Basque Country)
* France: They also live in the French Basque Country (Pays Basque), located in the southwestern part of France. This includes the department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
The language they speak is Basque, also known as Euskara. It is a language isolate, meaning it is not related to any other known language family. It is considered to be one of the oldest languages in Europe.
Here are some interesting facts about Basque:
* Prehistoric origins: Basque is believed to have been spoken in the region for thousands of years, predating the arrival of Indo-European languages.
* Unique grammar and vocabulary: It has a distinct grammatical structure and vocabulary compared to other European languages.
* Dialectal diversity: Basque has several dialects, with significant variations in pronunciation and vocabulary.
* Endangered language: Although Basque is experiencing a revival in recent years, it is classified as an endangered language due to the influence of Spanish and French.
In conclusion, the Basques live in a unique region spanning across the border between Spain and France. Their language, Basque or Euskara, is an ancient language isolate with a rich history and cultural significance.