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● Capital: Madrid
● Language: Spanish
● Currency: Euro
● Population: 47,450,795 inhab (2020)
● Surface: 505,370 km²
(Image: Map of Spain; source: Own work)
Spain is a country located in southern Europe which, together with Portugal, forms the Iberian Peninsula. The Balearic Islands, the cities of Ceuta and Melilla (in Africa) and the Canary Islands also belong to Spain. Ruled by a parliamentary monarchy, its capital city is Madrid. It comprises 17 autonomous regions and 2 autonomous cities and its population exceeds 47 million inhabitants.
Spain’s complex, exciting history has been marked by various civilisations (Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs), and it once became the largest empire in the world after the discovery of America. All those cultures left their legacy, providing this country with huge cultural wealth and plenty of contrasts.
(Image: Navarra Bardenas Reales; source: Pixabay)
Regarding heritage, it boasts more than 40 natural parks and biosphere reserves. Likewise, 20 of its cultural expressions and practices have been listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
As for its economy, Spain is ranked as one of the world’s leading countries in the field of renewable energies and has one of the best high-speed rail networks, also being the second European country with the highest rate of optical fibre penetration in households. It owns one of the largest fishing fleets and ranks first in global fruit and vegetable exports. It is additionally the world’s largest producer of olive oil and offers more than 100 genuine products with Designation of Origin. It stands out both as the second most visited country and as one of the international gastronomy hubs, with several restaurants and chefs that are considered world referents.
From a social point of view, it has one of the most advanced public health systems in the world and enjoys one of the highest life expectancy rates, to which must be added its status as a world leader in organ donations and transplants.
(Image: Windmills of Consuegra; source: Pixabay)