Spain, located in southwestern Europe, borders Portugal and France, as well as the Mediterranean and Atlantic seas, covers an area of 505,992 km2. It has a population of around 46 million people and is made up of 17 autonomous regions. As far as its geography and climate, Spain has a predominantly Mediterranean climate and is one of the most diverse countries in Europe – it’s a land of mountains, deserts, coastlines and forests. These defining features set it apart from the rest of the European Union and make it a top tourist destination.
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History of Spain:
Spain has one of the longest histories of any nation, having been inhabited since the Stone Age. The Indus Valley Civilization was the earliest Spanish culture that developed around 3000 BC and evolved into an Iron Age Iberian civilization. The Iberian Peninsula was conquered by the Romans in 206 BC and remained under their rule for nearly 600 years. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the area was colonized by the Moors from the 8th century to the 15th century, except for Asturias which managed to remain in Christian hands. With the aid of the Catholic Kings, Isabella and Ferdinand, the Moors were eventually expelled and Christian rule was restored in 1492. -
Spanish Culture:
Spain is known for its vibrant culture and long-standing traditions. Among the most recognizable of these are its flamboyant festivals like El DÃa de la Raza, El DÃa de los Reyes and the Running of the Bulls. Other traditional cultural activities include fiesta dancing, music and the art of flamenco. This method of dancing and music is an integral part of Spanish identity and history.
Other cultural staples include bullfighting, which is a sport that has been practiced in Spain since the Middle Ages. It is seen by many Spaniards as a culturally significant event and has been a part of Spain’s identity for generations.
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Language in Spain:
The official language of Spain is Spanish, which is spoken by around 90% of people in the country. This is followed by Catalan and Galician, both of which are spoken in regions of the country. Castilian Spanish is the dialect most commonly used in Spain but there are many other variations throughout the country. -
Cuisine in Spain:
Spanish cuisine is renowned for its fresh, delicious ingredients and robust flavors. Tapas are the traditional Spanish meal and include a variety of dishes such as patatas bravas, croquettes, chorizo and olives. Seafood is a popular choice, with dishes like paella, a saffron-flavored rice dish, and calamares, fried squid. Other local dishes include gazpacho, a cold tomato soup, and the national dish, habichuelas con chorizo, a bean and sausage stew. -
Religion in Spain:
The predominant religion in Spain is Roman Catholicism, with about 78% of the population belonging to the faith. Other religions present in Spain include Islam, Judaism and Buddhism. -
Politics and Government in Spain:
Spain is a monarchy with a bicameral parliamentary system. The central legislature is divided into two houses: the lower house, the Congress of Deputies, and the upper house, the Senate. The Spanish government is led by a Prime Minister who is nominated by the ruling political party. The political system has been relatively stable since the transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco. -
Climate in Spain:
Spain has a highly varied climate due to a number of geographic regions and geological features. Most of the country has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Northern Spain has a more continental climate, with cooler temperatures and more rainfall, while southern Spain has a desert climate with hot summers and minimal rain.
Spain is a country with a rich and interesting history, culture and geography. It’s a beautiful place to visit, with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, delicious cuisine and hospitable people. With its friendly locals, world-famous monuments and cuisines, Spain is the perfect destination for any traveler.
