Spain is a country in Southwestern Europe. It is one of the largest countries in the European Union, located on the Iberian Peninsula and occupying more than two-thirds of its territory. Spain borders Portugal to the west, France and Andorra to the north, and Gibraltar and Morocco to the south. The country consists of 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities and is a constitutional monarchy.
Spain (Kingdom of Spain)
Spain (Spanish: España) is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The country is famous for its beaches and seas, cuisine and nightlife, unique atmosphere, and the friendliness of the locals. Interestingly, Spain ranks just behind Italy and China in the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Additionally, it is a country with great geographical and cultural diversity. Here, you can find almost everything: from lush meadows and snowy mountains to marshes and deserts.
Useful Information About Spain
| Population | 46.7 million |
| Area | 505,370 square kilometers |
| Official Language | Spanish (in some autonomous communities, local dialects are also recognized as official languages) |
| Currency | Euro |
| Visa | Schengen |
| Time Zone | Central European Time (UTC +1, UTC +2 in summer) |
| Economy | Spain is among the top 30 most developed countries in the world. |
| Special Features | In Spain, some shops and establishments may close during the day (Siesta). Some restaurants and cafes do not serve dinner before 8-9 PM. Tips are included in the bill. If you enjoyed the food or service, you can leave an additional 5-10%. |
| Flag of Spain | Two equal horizontal red stripes at the top and bottom, with a yellow stripe in between that is twice the width of each red stripe. The Spanish coat of arms is placed on the yellow stripe, one-third from the hoist side. |
Geography and Nature
Spain occupies 80% of the Iberian Peninsula. It also includes the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, and a tiny part of the North African coast. The Iberian Peninsula is located in the extreme southwest of Europe.
Spain’s terrain is incredibly diverse, dominated by mountains and plateaus. The country is one of the most mountainous in Europe. Major mountain ranges include the Pyrenees, the Baetic Cordillera, the Iberian Mountains, the Catalan Mountains, and the Cantabrian Mountains. The largest plain is the Andalusian Plain in the south, while the Aragon Plain is located in the northeast. The highest peak in mainland Spain is Mount Mulhacén (3,478 m). The country’s highest peak is on the island of Tenerife—Mount Teide (3,718 m), a volcano.
The largest rivers are the Guadalquivir, Tagus, Douro, and Ebro. Spain is known for its long coastline, home to thousands of beaches. Major resorts include Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz, Costa Blanca, Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, and the Canary and Balearic Islands.
Due to its geographical diversity, Spain has a rich variety of flora and fauna. The north resembles Central Europe, while the south is similar to North Africa. The northwest has broadleaf forests, the south features deserts and semi-deserts, and the coast is characterized by Mediterranean flora.
Climate and Weather
Spain is one of the warmest, even hottest, countries in Europe. However, its varied terrain creates several climate zones. The Mediterranean climate dominates, with a maritime influence on the coast and a drier climate inland. Most regions have hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Frosts are not uncommon in central areas during the colder months.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Spain is April-May and September-October. July and August can be extremely hot in most regions. The colder months may bring frequent rain.
History and Interesting Facts
In the third millennium BC, the Tartessian civilization existed on the territory of the modern Iberian Peninsula. By the second millennium BC, Iberian tribes arrived, later mixing with Celts. In ancient times, the Pyrenees were called Iberia. The Iberians quickly spread across Castile and built fortified settlements. Around the same time, Phoenician and Greek colonies were established along the coast.
Interestingly, the most widely accepted theory is that the country’s name comes from the Phoenician “i-spn-ya,” meaning “the land of rabbits.” The Romans later used this term to refer to the entire peninsula.
In the 3rd century BC, Carthage controlled most of the Iberian Peninsula. By 206 BC, Carthage lost control, and over the next two centuries, the Romans gradually conquered the region. The last free tribes were subdued in 19 BC under Emperor Augustus. Spain became one of Rome’s most prosperous provinces, with roads, fortresses, and over 300 cities established by the end of the 1st century.
In the 4th-5th centuries, Germanic tribes entered Spain but were soon displaced by the Visigoths. Christianity also arrived during this period. The Visigoths established a kingdom with its capital in Barcelona and later Toledo. In the 6th century, Byzantine Emperor Justinian attempted to reclaim Spain for the empire.
In 711, Arabs and Berbers from North Africa, later called Moors, invaded the Iberian Peninsula. Interestingly, they were invited by a Visigothic faction. Within a few years, the Moors conquered most of the peninsula and established the Umayyad Caliphate. The Moors were relatively tolerant, preserving local property, language, and religion.
Around the same time, the Reconquista movement began, aiming to reclaim the peninsula from Muslim rule. In 718, the Moors were halted in the Asturian mountains. By 914, the Kingdom of Asturias included Galicia and northern Portugal. After the fall of the Umayyad Caliphate in 1031, the caliphate fragmented. By the late 11th century, Christians captured Toledo, Madrid, and other cities. In the 12th century, the Spanish Empire was proclaimed after the union of Castile and Aragon but dissolved in 1157. Despite divisions, the kingdoms continued fighting the Moors. By the 13th century, only the Emirate of Granada remained.
Despite Castile’s power, the country faced unrest. Aragon, in contrast, granted more freedoms to its estates. In 1469, the marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile united the two kingdoms. The Spanish Inquisition, established in 1478, targeted Muslims and Jews. In 1492, Granada fell, marking the end of the Reconquista.
In 1519, the Habsburg dynasty came to power. By the 16th century, Spain was one of Europe’s strongest nations, ruled as an absolute monarchy. The Spanish Empire annexed Portugal and numerous colonies in South and Central America. However, constant wars and high taxes led to economic decline by the mid-16th century. The capital was moved from Toledo to Madrid during this period.
In the early 18th century, the War of the Spanish Succession broke out after the death of Charles II. The Bourbon dynasty emerged victorious, aligning Spain with France. In 1808, a popular uprising led to the king’s abdication. The French were eventually expelled, and the Bourbons were restored. The 19th century was marked by unrest, and Spain lost its American colonies. In 1931, the monarchy was overthrown, leading to a civil war won by Franco. Francisco Franco established a dictatorship that lasted until 1975, when Juan Carlos I of the Spanish Bourbons was crowned.
Administrative Divisions
Spain consists of 17 autonomous communities, two autonomous cities, and 50 provinces.
Autonomous Communities:
- Asturias
- Canary Islands
- Castile and León
- Galicia
- Balearic Islands
- Valencia
- Cantabria
- Castilla-La Mancha
- Catalonia
- Andalusia
- Extremadura
- Navarre
- La Rioja
- Basque Country
- Madrid
- Murcia
- Aragon
Population
The native population includes Spaniards (Castilians), Catalans, Basques, Galicians, and others. Spanish is the official language, but regional languages or dialects are spoken in autonomous communities. Nearly 80% of the population is Christian, with 75% identifying as Catholic. Spain has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, averaging 83 years. Spaniards are known for being friendly, open, and emotional—a lively and passionate people who can sometimes be unpunctual and laid-back.
Tips for Interacting with Spaniards:
- Spaniards are very patriotic about their country or region. Avoid topics like “Is Catalonia part of Spain?”
- Most Spaniards are Catholic, so avoid words or actions that might offend religious sensibilities.
- Avoid discussing colonial history or Franco’s regime.
- Spaniards do not start eating until all guests are seated and do not leave until everyone has finished.
- Close friends or family greet each other with hugs or cheek kisses; otherwise, a handshake is appropriate.
Transportation
Information about transportation in Spain.
Major Airports:
Spain has an extensive high-speed rail network connecting major cities. Long-distance and commuter trains are also available. Many cities are linked by regular bus services. Highways connect major cities, but tolls apply.
Speed Limits:
- 120 km/h on highways and motorways,
- 100 km/h on conventional roads,
- 90 km/h on other roads,
- 50 km/h in urban areas.
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/L. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
Spain is Europe’s second-largest cruise destination. Major ports include:
- Málaga
- Bilbao
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Valencia
- Barcelona
- Palma de Mallorca
- Cádiz
- Las Palmas
Cities of Spain
Spain has hundreds of historic and fascinating cities. The most popular include:
- Madrid — the vibrant capital, known for modernist architecture, wide boulevards, museums, and nightlife.
- Barcelona — Spain’s second-largest city and the capital of Catalonia, famous for Gaudí’s architecture.
- Bilbao — a major industrial city.
- Cádiz — considered the oldest city in Western Europe.
- Granada — a stunning southern city surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Córdoba — an ancient city with rich Moorish heritage.
- Toledo — the former capital with landmarks from various historical periods.
- Seville — the capital of Andalusia and one of Spain’s most beautiful cities.
- Valencia — one of Spain’s largest cities, home of paella.
- Alicante — the resort capital of the eastern Costa Blanca.
Southern Spain’s Andalusia region is rich in ancient history. Cádiz, one of Western Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, features Roman ruins. Nearby, Ronda is a picturesque town perched on cliffs. Córdoba and Granada preserve Moorish heritage, while Seville, Andalusia’s cultural heart, boasts stunning landmarks, including the world’s largest Gothic cathedral.
Traveling north through La Mancha to central Spain, visit picturesque Toledo, the ancient capital perched on a hill. Near the Portuguese border, Mérida showcases Roman ruins. For beach vacations, head to Alicante, Málaga, or the Canary and Balearic Islands.
Popular Tourist Destinations:
- Costa Blanca—200 km of coastline with charming seaside towns.
- Costa Brava—a coastline dotted with seaside resorts.
- Costa del Sol—the sunny southern coast.
- Ibiza—famous for its nightlife and clubs.
- Mallorca—the largest Balearic Island.
- Sierra Nevada—the highest mountain range in the Iberian Peninsula, with ski resorts.
- Tenerife—lush nature, volcanoes, and beautiful beaches.
Landmarks
Historically, Spain was a crossroads between the Mediterranean and Atlantic, North Africa and Europe. Thus, it boasts an incredible collection of unique landmarks, including numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Most Famous Landmarks in Spain:
- The old town of Toledo.
- The historic center of Salamanca.
- Burgos Cathedral.
- Moorish heritage in Granada and Córdoba.
- Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces in Barcelona.
- Seville’s Gothic cathedral and Mudéjar architecture.
- Prehistoric cave paintings in Altamira.
- Historic centers of Ávila, Cuenca, Mérida, Cáceres, Zaragoza, and Segovia.
- Romanesque churches in Lleida.
- Ancient Roman walls in Lugo.
Famous festivals:
- Feria de Abril—the best fair in the Pyrenees, featuring folklore, flamenco, and wine (April-May).
- Las Fallas—Valencia’s festival.
- Dia de Sant Jordi—Catalonia’s celebration.
Accommodation
Spain is an extremely popular tourist destination, so book accommodations in advance. Prices rise during peak season. Most cities, even small ones, cater to tourists, offering lodging for all budgets.
Cuisine
Spaniards love food, wine, and take pride in their cuisine. Spanish cuisine is light, featuring vegetables and a wide variety of meats and fish. Traditional dishes rely on high-quality ingredients rather than heavy spices. Meal times differ from other cultures: breakfast is light, lunch is served between 1-3 PM, followed by siesta, and dinner is late.
Traditional foods and products: paella, jamón (cured ham), tapas, chorizo (spicy sausage), bocadillo de calamares (fried squid sandwich), boquerones en vinagre (anchovies with garlic), churros (Spanish doughnuts), empanadas gallegas (meat pies), fabada asturiana (stew), gazpacho (cold soup), and tortilla de patatas (potato omelet). The main alcoholic drink is wine, which is of excellent quality. The most popular non-alcoholic drink is coffee.
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