Europe > Spain

Posts about SPAIN

Tenerife

Tenerife had been on my travel list for years—an enchanting, sun-kissed island promising volcanic landscapes, golden beaches, and a delightful fusion of Spanish and Canarian culture...

Puerto Banús

Golden sunlight danced on the polished decks of million-dollar yachts as I stepped onto the promenade of Puerto Banús...

Ibiza

Discover the magic of Ibiza, where sun-drenched beaches and legendary nightlife create an unforgettable travel experience...

Key facts about SPAIN

General Information:

• Official Name: Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España)

• Capital: Madrid

• Population: ~47 million (as of recent estimates)

• Official Language: Spanish (Castellano); regional languages like Catalan, Galician, and Basque are also spoken.

• Currency: Euro (€)

• Time Zones:

  • Mainland & Balearic Islands: Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) / Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2)

  • Canary Islands: Western European Time (WET, UTC) / Western European Summer Time (WEST, UTC+1)

Geography & Climate:

• Location: Southwestern Europe, bordered by Portugal, France, Andorra, and the Mediterranean Sea.

• Climate:

  • Mediterranean (hot summers, mild winters in most regions)

  • Oceanic (cooler, rainy in the north)

  • Semi-arid (dry in the southeast)

• Notable Natural Features:

  • Pyrenees Mountains (northern border with France)

  • Sierra Nevada (southern Spain)

  • Teide Volcano (Tenerife, highest point in Spain)

Culture & History

• Famous Landmarks:

  • Sagrada Familia (Barcelona)

  • Alhambra (Granada)

  • Prado Museum (Madrid)

  • Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route

  • Ibiza’s UNESCO-listed old town

• Cuisine: Known for tapas, paella, jamón ibérico, gazpacho, and churros.

• Festivals:

  • La Tomatina (tomato-throwing festival)

  • San Fermín (Running of the Bulls) in Pamplona

  • Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions

• Sports: Football (La Liga, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid) is the most popular sport.

Government & Economy

• Government Type: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy

• Current Monarch: King Felipe VI

• Prime Minister: (Check for current leader)

• Economy:

  • Major industries: Tourism, agriculture, automotive, fashion, renewable energy

  • Spain is one of the world's top tourism destinations

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