Reino de España
- Kingdom of Spain (English)
- Capital » Madrid
- Current Time
- Weather
Facts
- Population » About 48 million
- Languages » Spanish (known as Castilian) is the official language.
- There are several regional languages, such as Catalan, and English is widely spoken and understood.
- Religions » Catholicism. Other religions include Islam, Buddhism, Judaism and other Christian denominations.
- Electricity » 220 or 225 volts, 50Hz. European-style plugs with two round pins are used. (World Standards)
- Life expectancy » 79 years (men), 85 years (women)
- Currency » Euro (EUR)
- International dialing code » +34
- Internet domain » .es
- Emergency numbers » 112 (general emergencies)
Geography
- Area » 505,988 sq km (195,363 sq miles)
- Shares borders with France, Gibraltar, Andorra, as well as its Iberian Peninsula neighbour, Portugal, with whom they share the longest uninterrupted border within the EU, measuring 754 miles.
Maps
Tourism
- Overtourism » Barcelona
- Spain is the second most visited country in the world after France.
- With its bright blue skies and long coastline with sandy beaches, Spain is a popular destination, despite suffering a harsh economic decline in 2009.
- Locals have a vivacious spirit and have a simple and relaxed lifestyle. Be prepared to slow down.
- If it doesn’t get done today, it’ll get done tomorrow, or maybe the day after. Stressing about it will not get it done any faster.
- Don’t let the overly bureaucratic systems get you down which can be especially prevalent in rural areas.
- Isla de las Palomas is the most southern point on mainland Europe.
- Morocco can be seen from here
- Hike: » Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela (Map)
Overland
- Road Traffic » Drives on the right
- Unlawful to use a mobile phone, walkie-talkie, or other handheld communication device while driving
Climate
- Spain is a large country and the climate varies across the different regions.
- The north coast is the coolest and wettest region with an average annual temperature of 14°C (57°F).
- The central plateau has seasonal extremes with temperatures ranging from 8°C (46°F) in winter to 23 C (73° F) in summer.
- The south has the most hours of sunshine. Its summers can be uncomfortably hot, but winters tend to be pleasantly mild.
Notes
- Spain is really 17 autonomous regions – each having its own geography and culture.
- Spain is the fourth largest economy in the EU.
- Tourism and automotive industries are among the biggest employers.
- Spain was hit hard by the global financial crisis, but the situation is steadily improving. Unemployment rates remain high and jobs are hard to come by.
- The economic downturn means public services may be lacking.
- Education is compulsory for children aged between 6 and 16. The school year runs from mid-September to the end of June. Spain’s public schools have good standard.
- The cost of living in Spain is low compared to other advanced destinations in Europe.
- The various regions of Spain are very diverse.
- Ibiza, the Spanish island in the Mediterranean, has a reputation for very rowdy, hedonistic nightlife, where party-goers often over-indulge and become aggressive.
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This page was updated July 15, 2024