Spain: Thirst, Drought and Desertification This summer Spain suffered one of its harshest droughts ever recorded in what has been identified as the hottest year for the Mediterranean country in more than a century. "Thirsty agriculture", a Mediterranean climate, rapid expansion of tourism and construction, over-exploitation of aquifers and ignorance of or indifference to environmental issues are the key factors contributing to Spain's acute lack of water supplies. Studies have shown that Spain is the developed country most at risk from drought and desertification. link on text