Kingdom of Spain

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Spain

Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southwestern Europe with territories in North Africa. It features the southernmost point of continental Europe. It is the largest country in Southern Europe. It is also the fourth-most populous European Union member state.

Spanning across the majority of the Iberian Peninsula, its territory also includes the Canary Islands, in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, the Balearic Islands, in the Western Mediterranean Sea, and the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, in Africa. Peninsular Spain is bordered to the north by France, Andorra, and the Bay of Biscay; to the east and south by the Mediterranean Sea and Gibraltar; and to the west by Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean. Spain’s capital and largest city is Madrid, and other major urban areas include Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Zaragoza, Málaga, Murcia and Palma de Mallorca.

Capital: Madrid

Area: 505,990 km²

Population: ~47 million

Language: Spanish (Castilian)

Top 10 Tourist Attractions:

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Alhambra, Granada
Park Güell, Barcelona
La Rambla, Barcelona
Plaza Mayor, Madrid
Costa del Sol
Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower
Camino de Santiago
La Boqueria Market, Barcelona
Madrid’s Prado Museum

Timeline of History:

711-1492: Moorish rule influences Spanish culture and architecture.

1492: The Catholic Monarchs (Ferdinand & Isabella) complete the Reconquista and sponsor Columbus’s voyage to the Americas.

16th-17th Century: Spanish Empire becomes one of the most powerful global forces.

1936-1939: Spanish Civil War leads to Francisco Franco’s dictatorship.

Culture: Known for its rich artistic heritage, from Picasso and Dalí to Pedro Almodóvar. Flamenco dance & music, Tapas & wine culture, Passion for football (La Liga: FC Barcelona & Real Madrid).

Politics: Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. King Felipe VI and Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez (as of 2024). Lastly, Spain has 17 autonomous communities.