General Information
Spain is a picturesque country with Mediterranean beaches attracting most of the coastal attention. With a treasure trove of some splendid scenery, Spain offers the most unforgettable journey of your life. The northern snow-capped Pyrenees has some exquisite resorts, like La Molina and Panticosa, known for skiing and other snow-related activities. The rivers and adjoining forests present the bewilderment for the nature lovers. The green forests of Galicia are particularly known for their exquisite flora and fauna.
The entire country has remnants from the past for the curious travellers in this part of the globe. Some of the historically relevant places include Alhambra in Granada, Don Quixote’s windmills in La Mancha, cities of Barcelona, Salamanca, Toledo and the capital city of Madrid. These spots are known for some celebrated museums, galleries and Baroque churches, as well as the modern bars, restaurants, and discos. Some of the mouth-watering Spanish delicacies are on offer at the eateries here.
The cultural treasure of Spain in the form of flamenco, painting, opera, literature, sport, bullfighting and flamboyant and colourful fiestas is a sure head-turner. Spain is extremely well connected nationally and internationally, with low-cost airlines vying with each other to grab their share of the Spanish tourism pie.
Area
Spain spans 505,988 sq. km. (195,363 sq. miles) including the region of Spanish North Africa.
Population and Population Density
According to the official figures of 2005, the population of Spain was 44.1 million with the population density of 87.15 per sq. km.
Capital
The capital city of Madrid has a population of 5.5 million.
Location
West Europe
Time
Mainland Spain and Balearic Isles – GMT + 1(+ 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October)
Canary Islands – GMT (+1 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October)
Geography
Spain and Portugal share Iberian Peninsula, and the Northern Spain and France are separated by the Pyrenees. The Spanish territories also include the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera) situated 193 km. (120 miles) southeast of Barcelona, tiny enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in North Africa, and Canary Islands off the west coast of Africa.
Spain is the second highest and mountainous country in Europe, with an average height of 610 m. (2000 ft.). The highest is, of course, Switzerland. The Pyrenees start from about 400 km (249 miles) from the Basque Country in the west and last up to the Mediterranean Sea, with varying heights and the highest point being 3404 m. (11,169 ft.).
A vast plateau (Meseta), divided by several chains of Sierras, runs across Central Spain. The northern region of plateau comprises Castille and León, and the southern region comprises Castile/La Mancha and Extremadura. Sierra Nevada, a part of the Betic Cordillera and lying southeast of Granada, comprises the highest point on the Spanish peninsula at 3481 m. (11,420 ft.). The coastal Mediterranean stretches from the French borders in the northeast to the Straits of Gibraltar in the south.
Government
Spain observes a Parliamentary Monarchy system of government since 1978 with King Juan Carlos I as the Head of the State since 1975. Presently, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero heads the Government since 2004.
The infamous Madrid bombings of 2004, in which 191 people lost their lives, had a telling effect on the political future of the country. At that time, the country was comfortable with Spain’s right-of-centre Popular Party (PP). But the bombings shifted people’s loyalties towards the Spanish Socialist Workers Party in 2004 elections. However, the Basque region of Spain continues to reel under separatist movement led by Batasuna party.
Language
Spain has four major languages – Spanish, Catalan (in the Northeast), Galician (in the Northwest), and Basque (in the North).
Religion
No official State religion of Spain. Majority people are Roman Catholics.
Electricity
The electricity used in Spain is in the form of 220 or 225 volts AC, 50 Hz. Generally, round two-pin plugs and screw-type lamp fittings are used.
Society
The traditions are slowly making way for the modern lifestyle and conventions. Certainly, the big cities are going modern, while still holding on to some of the old customs and traditions.
The famous Spanish hospitality, chivalry, and courtesy remain intact in the wake of rapid modernism of the country. A handshake is the customary form of greeting in Spain. The social conventions observed in Spain are akin to those observed in other European countries. For instance, if invited to a home for lunch or dinner, a small gift for the hosts is routine. Flowers are reserved only for the special occasions, like wedding anniversary, birth anniversary etc. Routine casual wear is the normal practice, while some restaurants also encourage formal wear. Black tie is sparingly used to grace special occasions only.
The beachwear is confined to beaches and outside resorts only. The evening mealtime is 2100-2200. Spain has a custom of using two family names, but during conversations, only the first name is used. Smoking in public places in Spain is prohibited.
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