Skip to content
« Back to Glossary Index

Spain: Overview

Spain (officially the Kingdom of Spain) is a country located in southwestern Europe, occupying the majority of the Iberian Peninsula, along with Portugal. It is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and influential contributions to art, music, and global history.

Key Facts

  • Capital: Madrid
  • Official Language: Spanish (Castilian)
  • Population: Approximately 48 million (2023 estimate)
  • Area: 505,990 square kilometers (195,364 square miles)
  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Government: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
  • Monarch: King Felipe VI
  • Prime Minister: Pedro Sánchez (as of 2025)

Geography

  1. Borders:
  • Shares land borders with France, Portugal, Andorra, and Gibraltar (a British Overseas Territory).
  • Maritime borders with the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
  1. Regions:
  • Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities (e.g., Catalonia, Andalusia, and Galicia) and 2 autonomous cities (Ceuta and Melilla in North Africa).
  1. Landscape:
  • Mountain ranges: Pyrenees, Sierra Nevada.
  • Plateaus: Meseta Central.
  • Coastal areas: Famous beaches along the Costa del Sol and Costa Brava.

History

  • Ancient Era: Inhabited by Iberians, Celts, and Phoenicians before becoming a significant part of the Roman Empire.
  • Middle Ages: Dominated by Visigoths and later by Muslim Moors, who ruled parts of Spain for centuries.
  • Reconquista: Christian kingdoms gradually reconquered the territory, culminating in 1492 with the fall of Granada.
  • Golden Age: Spain became a global empire during the 16th and 17th centuries, colonizing vast areas in the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
  • Modern Era: Transitioned to democracy after the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.

Culture

  1. Art:
  • Artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Diego Velázquez have defined global art movements.
  1. Architecture:
  • Famous landmarks include Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and the Alhambra palace in Granada.
  1. Cuisine:
  • Renowned for dishes like paella, tapas, gazpacho, and jamón ibérico.
  • Wine regions like Rioja and cava producers are internationally acclaimed.
  1. Festivals:
  • La Tomatina, Running of the Bulls, and Flamenco festivals showcase Spain’s lively traditions.

Economy

  • Key Sectors: Tourism, agriculture (olives, wine, citrus fruits), manufacturing, and services.
  • Tourism: Among the top global destinations, with iconic cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville, along with islands such as Mallorca and the Canary Islands.

Famous Attractions

  1. Sagrada Família (Barcelona)
  2. Alhambra (Granada)
  3. Park Güell (Barcelona)
  4. Prado Museum (Madrid)
  5. Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

Spain is a vibrant, historically significant country with a mix of old-world charm and modern innovation, making it a global cultural and economic powerhouse.

Additional Insights

« Back to Glossary Index