The olive was one of the first trees to be domesticated in the history of mankind,probably some 6000 years ago. A Mediterranean emblem par excellence, it is of vital importance to the Spanish and other regional economies (Italy, or Greece and Portugal). In fact,Spain is the main producer of olive oil in the world. Every year, nearly three million tons of oil are produced, and for local consumption and export. Spain produces one third of this total.
Source: phys.org