Spain, officially known as the Kingdom of Spain, is a vibrant country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It shares borders with France and Andorra to the northeast, Portugal to the west, and has coastlines along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Covering an area of approximately 505,990 square kilometers (195,364 square miles), Spain is one of the largest countries in Europe. The capital city, Madrid, is not only the political center but also a cultural hub known for its rich history, art museums, and lively atmosphere. With a population of around 47 million people, Spain is known for its diverse culture, languages, and traditions.

The geography of Spain is incredibly varied, featuring mountain ranges such as the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada, extensive plains like La Mancha, and beautiful coastlines dotted with beaches and charming towns. Spain’s cultural heritage is a blend of influences from various civilizations that have inhabited the region over millennia, including Romans, Visigoths, Moors, and Christian kingdoms. This rich tapestry of history contributes to Spain’s unique identity and makes it a popular destination for travelers seeking history, art, gastronomy, and natural beauty.

Explore Spain

• Common Misconceptions – Spain
• Currency Guide – Spain
• Popular Cities To Visit In Spain
• Popular Foods In Spain
• Safety Guide For Travelers To Spain
• Spain [Country Info]

History of Spain

The history of Spain dates back thousands of years and is marked by significant events that have shaped its national identity. The Iberian Peninsula was inhabited by various peoples long before recorded history; archaeological evidence suggests human presence as far back as 1.2 million years ago. The region saw early colonization by the Phoenicians and Greeks around 1000 BC.

In 218 BC, during the Second Punic War, Roman forces began their conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. By 19 BC, Rome had fully integrated the region into its empire as Hispania. Roman rule brought significant cultural and infrastructural development; remnants of Roman architecture can still be seen in cities like Córdoba and Seville.

Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, various Germanic tribes invaded the region. The Visigoths established a kingdom that ruled until the early 8th century when Muslim forces invaded and created Al-Andalus—a period marked by significant cultural flourishing.

The Christian Reconquista began in 722 AD and lasted for nearly eight centuries as Christian kingdoms gradually reclaimed territory from Muslim rule. This culminated in 1492 with the capture of Granada by Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile. That same year marked Christopher Columbus’s first voyage to the Americas, leading to Spain’s establishment as a global colonial power.

The following centuries saw Spain become one of the world’s foremost empires during its Golden Age in the 16th and 17th centuries. However, this period was followed by decline due to military conflicts such as the Spanish Armada’s defeat in 1588 and economic challenges stemming from costly wars.

In the early 19th century, Spain faced invasions by Napoleon’s forces leading to widespread unrest and eventual independence movements in its colonies across Latin America. The loss of these territories significantly weakened Spain’s global influence.

The 20th century was tumultuous for Spain; after a brief republican period following World War I, civil unrest led to the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), resulting in Francisco Franco’s dictatorship that lasted until his death in 1975. Following Franco’s regime, Spain transitioned to a constitutional monarchy under King Juan Carlos I and established democratic governance.

Since then, Spain has experienced significant economic growth and modernization while becoming an integral member of international organizations such as NATO and the European Union.

Landscapes of Spain

Spain’s landscapes are diverse and offer a wide range of natural features that attract visitors year-round:

Mountain Ranges

Spain is home to several prominent mountain ranges:

• Pyrenees: Forming a natural border between Spain and France; they offer stunning vistas and opportunities for skiing.
• Sierra Nevada: Located in southern Spain; it includes Mulhacén (3,479 meters or 11,414 feet), the highest peak on mainland Spain.
• Cordillera Cantábrica: A mountain range in northern Spain known for its lush greenery.

Plains and Plateaus

The central region features extensive plains such as:

• La Mancha: Famous for its windmills and vineyards; it is also associated with Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote.”
• Meseta Central: A high plateau that dominates much of central Spain.

Coastal Areas

Spain boasts a long coastline along both the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea:

• Costa del Sol: Known for its sunny beaches and resorts.
• Costa Brava: Features rugged cliffs and picturesque coves.
• Basque Coast: Renowned for its unique culture and cuisine.

Rivers

Spain’s major rivers include:

• Ebro: The longest river in Spain flowing through northeastern regions.
• Tagus: The longest river on the Iberian Peninsula flowing through Madrid before reaching Lisbon.
• Guadalquivir: Known for flowing through Seville; it is navigable for ships.

National Parks

Spain has numerous national parks that protect its natural heritage:

• Picos de Europa National Park: Known for dramatic limestone peaks.
• Sierra de Guadarrama National Park: Offers hiking trails near Madrid.
• Doñana National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its wetlands and biodiversity.

Top 20 Cities in Spain

1. Madrid
2. Barcelona
3. Valencia
4. Seville
5. Zaragoza
6. Málaga
7. Murcia
8. Palma de Mallorca
9. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
10. Bilbao
11. Alicante
12. Córdoba
13. Valladolid
14. Vigo
15. Gijón
16. L’Hospitalet de Llobregat
17. A Coruña
18. Granada
19. Elche
20. Oviedo

See Popular Cities To Visit In Spain

Currency Used

The currency used in Spain is the euro, which has been the official monetary unit since January 1, 2002, replacing the former peseta. The euro is represented by the symbol € and the currency code EUR. It is divided into 100 cents, with coins available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as €1 and €2 coins. Euro banknotes come in various denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500, although larger notes like €200 and €500 are rarely used in everyday transactions. The design of euro coins varies by country; for instance, Spanish coins feature notable cultural icons such as King Felipe VI and landmarks like the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The euro is also significant on the global stage as it is the second most traded currency worldwide.

See Currency Guide – Spain

See World Currencies

Travel Safety

Spain is generally a safe destination for travelers, but tourists should remain vigilant about potential safety concerns. Pickpocketing and petty theft are the most common issues, particularly in crowded tourist areas, major cities, and during peak travel seasons. Travelers should take precautions such as using crossbody bags with zippers, keeping valuables secure, and maintaining awareness of their surroundings. Specific high-crime neighborhoods to be cautious of include Lavapiés and parts of Usera in Madrid, and El Raval and the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona.

The country also faces potential terrorism risks, with authorities maintaining a high alert level for possible attacks. Terrorist groups may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, public events, and other crowded areas with little to no warning. To stay safe, travelers should exercise increased caution, avoid demonstrations, follow local authority instructions, and remain aware of their environment. Additional safety recommendations include carrying copies of important documents, avoiding unlit areas at night, and being cautious of common tourist scams like fortune telling or fake charity solicitations.

See Safety Guide For Travelers To Spain

Emergency Contact Numbers

In Spain, the primary emergency number to call for urgent assistance is 112, which connects callers to police, fire, and ambulance services. This number is available throughout the country and is free of charge from any telephone, including mobile phones without a Spanish SIM card. When calling 112, operators can communicate in multiple languages, ensuring that both locals and tourists can receive help. The service is designed to handle a variety of emergencies, including medical crises, accidents, fires, and crimes. In addition to 112, specific emergency numbers are available for particular services:

• All Emergencies: 112
• National Police: 091
• Local Police: 092
• Health Emergencies (Ambulance): 061
• Fire Brigade: 080
• Guardia Civil: 062
• Maritime Sea Rescue: 900 202 202
• Red Cross: 902 222 292
• Tourist Helpline: 902 102 112
• Road Accidents and Traffic Jams: 011
• Free Legal Assistance: 900 150 000
• Citizen Information Line: 012
• Crime Victim Support Service: 900 150 909
• Power and Gas Emergencies: 900 171 171
• Emergency Doctor (for non-emergencies): 1003

For more specialized situations, additional numbers can be utilized. For example, the local police can be reached at 092, while the Civil Guard operates at 062, particularly in rural areas. In case of domestic violence or gender-based issues, individuals can contact 016 for support. Travelers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these numbers and some basic Spanish phrases related to emergencies, such as “Socorro” (Help) and “Necesito una ambulancia” (I need an ambulance), to ensure they can effectively communicate their needs in critical situations.

Interesting Facts about Spain

1. Cultural Diversity: Spain has multiple official languages including Catalan, Basque, Galician, and Valencian alongside Spanish (Castilian).
2. UNESCO Sites: The country boasts numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Alhambra in Granada and Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
3. Flamenco Music: Flamenco dance and music originated in Andalusia; it is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
4. Cuisine: Spanish cuisine features dishes like paella (rice dish), tapas (small plates), jamón ibérico (cured ham), and churros (fried dough).
5. Festivals: Major festivals include La Tomatina (tomato fight) in Buñol and Running of the Bulls during San Fermín in Pamplona.
6. Artistic Heritage: Notable artists include Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Francisco Goya who have left a lasting impact on art history.
7. Architectural Marvels: Antoni Gaudí’s works such as Park Güell and Casa Batlló are iconic landmarks in Barcelona.
8. Natural Parks: Over 15% of Spain’s territory is protected as national parks or nature reserves.
9. Sports Culture: Football (soccer) is hugely popular; La Liga features famous clubs like FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.
10. Emergency Services: The emergency number for police assistance is 091; for medical emergencies it’s also 112.

Customs and Norms in Spain

Understanding local customs can significantly enhance your experience while visiting or living in Spain:

Greetings

When meeting someone:

• A firm handshake accompanied by direct eye contact is customary.
• Friends may greet each other with kisses on both cheeks.

Dining Etiquette

When invited to someone’s home:

• It’s polite to bring a small gift such as wine or dessert.
• Meals typically begin with a toast—saying “Salud!” (Health!) before drinking.

Dress Code

Spaniards tend to dress smartly:

• Casual attire is acceptable during daytime activities; however, dressing appropriately for formal occasions or upscale restaurants is expected.

Public Behavior

Spaniards value politeness:

• Maintain personal space during conversations; loud conversations should be avoided in public spaces.
• Punctuality varies; being slightly late is often acceptable during social gatherings.

Environmental Awareness

Spain has a growing emphasis on environmental protection:

• Recycling is encouraged; bins are provided for sorting waste.
• Many initiatives aim at preserving natural beauty while promoting sustainable tourism.

These customs reflect Spanish values such as hospitality, respect for tradition, and community spirit; being aware of them will help foster positive interactions with locals during your visit to this culturally rich country known for its historical depth amidst stunning landscapes.

External Resources:

• CIA World Factbook – Spain:
  https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/spain/
• Wiki Travel – Spain:
  https://wikitravel.org/en/Spain
• US State Department Travel Advisory – Spain:
  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/spain-travel-advisory.html