How to relax / 26.02.2023

Spain is a short description of the country for schoolchildren. Interesting facts about Spain. State structure and political system of Spain

Brief information about the country

Foundation date

Official language

Spanish

Form of government

Parliamentary monarchy

Territory

504,782 km² (51st in the world)

Population

47 370 542 people (26th in the world)

Timezone

CET (UTC+1, summer UTC+2)

Largest cities

Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville

$1.536 trillion (13th in the world)

Internet domain

Telephone code

A colorful, cheerful, sunny country located in the southwest of Europe. It occupies approximately 85% of the territory of the Iberian Peninsula, as well as the Balearic and Pitius Islands in the Mediterranean Sea and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. In Spain, there are many cities with a history of more than one millennium, works of architectural art and pristine beaches, which attract travelers from all over the world to this fertile land. The heights of the Pyrenees, the Sierra Morena and the Andalusian mountains do not leave indifferent outdoor enthusiasts: ski resorts with equipped slopes and magnificent landscapes welcome hundreds and thousands of tourists every year. The country of flamenco and bullfighting, as it is also called, is visited annually by an average of 30 million tourists. Canary and Balearic Islands can be called a real paradise for a beach holiday.

Airfare low price calendar

in contact with Facebook twitter

Spain - the most detailed information about the country with a photo. Attractions, cities of Spain, climate, geography, population and culture.

Spain

Spain is a state in Southwestern Europe. This is one of the largest countries of the European Union, located on the Iberian Peninsula and occupying more than 2/3 of its territory. Spain borders Portugal to the west, France and Andorra to the north, Gibraltar and Morocco to the south. The state consists of 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities and is a constitutional monarchy.

Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The country is famous for its beaches and the sea, cuisine and nightlife, special atmosphere and friendliness of the locals. Interestingly, in terms of the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Spain is second only to Italy and China. In addition, it is a country with great geographical and cultural diversity. Here you can find almost everything: from lush meadows and snowy mountains to swamps and deserts.

Useful information about Spain

The population is 46.7 million people.
The area is 505,370 square kilometers.
The official language is Spanish (in some autonomous communities, the local dialect is also considered the official language).
Currency - euro.
Visa - Schengen.
Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
Spain is among the 30 most developed countries in the world.
In Spain, during the daytime, some shops and establishments may be closed (siesta). Some restaurants and cafes do not serve dinner before 8-9 pm.
Tips are included in the bill. If you liked the food or service, you can set aside 5-10% of the bill.

Geography and nature

Spain occupies 80% of the territory of the Iberian Peninsula. It also includes the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and a very tiny part of the North African coast. The Iberian Peninsula is located in the extreme southwest of Europe.

The relief of Spain is extremely diverse. Mountains and plateaus play the main role in it. The country is one of the most mountainous in Europe. The largest mountain systems: the Pyrenees, the Cordillera Betica, the Iberian, Catalan and Cantabrian mountains. The largest plain is the Andalusian lowland, located in the south. In the northeast is the Aragonese plain. The highest peak in continental Spain is Mount Mulasen (3478 and). The highest peak of the country is located on the island of Tenerife - it is the Teide volcano (3718 m).

River Tahoe

The largest rivers: Guadalquivir, Tajo, Duero, Ebro. Spain is known for its long coastline. There are several thousand beaches along the coast. The largest resorts: Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz, Costa Blanca, Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, Canary and Balearic Islands.

Due to geographical features, the flora and fauna of Spain is very diverse. The north of the country is similar to Central Europe, and the south resembles North Africa. Broad-leaved forests are found in the northwest, deserts and semi-deserts in the south, and Mediterranean flora is characteristic of the coast.

Climate

Spain is one of the warmest, even hottest countries in Europe. Although due to the relief here you can find several climatic zones. The Mediterranean climate prevails, which is maritime on the coast, and arid in the central part. In most regions of the country, summers are dry and hot, winters are quite warm and humid. In the central regions, frosts are not uncommon in cold weather.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Spain is April-May and September-October. July and August are very hot in most areas. During the cold season it can be quite rainy.

Story

In the third millennium BC, the Tartess civilization existed on the territory of the modern Iberian Peninsula. But already in the second millennium BC. Iberian tribes came here, who later mixed with the Celts. In ancient times, the Pyrenees were called Iberia. The Iberians quickly settled in the territory of Castile and built fortified settlements. Around the same millennium, Phoenician and Greek colonies were founded on the coast.

Interestingly, according to the most common theory, the name of the country comes from the Phoenician "i-spanim", which translates as "shore of darmans". The Romans used this word to refer to the territory of the entire peninsula.

In the 3rd century, almost the entire territory of the Iberian Peninsula was subjugated by Carthage. In 206, Carthage lost control of the Pyrenees. From this period, for almost two centuries, the Romans tried to subdue these lands. The last free tribes were conquered by Rome in 19 BC under Emperor Augustus. Spain was one of the most prosperous and important Roman provinces. The Romans built expensive fortresses here. By the end of the 1st century, more than 300 cities were founded here, trade and crafts flourished.

In the 4th-5th century, Germanic tribes penetrated the territory of Spain, which were soon completely replaced by the Visigoths. Even earlier, the first Christians appeared here. The Visigoths established their kingdom here with its capital in Barcelona and then in Toledo. In the 6th century, the emperor of Byzantium, Justinian, tried to return Spain to the rule of the empire.

In 711, Arabs and Berbers from North Africa came to the territory of the Iberian Peninsula, who were later called the Moors. Interestingly, they were called to help by the Visigoths themselves (or rather, one of their factions). In just a few years, the Moors conquered almost all of the Pyrenees and formed the Umayyad caliphate. It should be noted that the Arabs were quite merciful, preserving the property of the people, the language and religion of the conquered territories.

Around the same time, the Reconquista movement arose, the goal of which was the liberation of the Iberian Peninsula from the Muslims. In 718, the Moors were stopped in the mountains of Asturias. By 914, the Kingdom of Asturias included the territories of Galicia and Northern Portugal. After the end of the Umayyad dynasty in 1031, the caliphate collapsed. At the end of the 11th century, Christians captured Toledo and some other cities. In the 12th century, the Spanish Empire was proclaimed, which arose after the unification of Castile and Aragon and existed until 1157. In the future, despite the division, the kingdoms fought together with the Moors. By the 13th century, only the emirate of Granada remained on the Iberian Peninsula.

Despite the power of the Castilian kingdom, the country was tormented by unrest and unrest. Dominance belonged to knightly orders and powerful nobles. In Aragon, on the contrary, there were many concessions to the estates. In 1469, a dynastic marriage between Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile contributed to the unification of the two kingdoms. In 1478, the Inquisition was established, which served as an impetus for the persecution of Muslims and Jews. In 1492, the conquest of Granada and the end of the Reconquista took place.

In 1519 the Habsburg dynasty came to power. In the 16th century, Spain became one of the strongest powers in Europe. The absolute monarchy was established as a form of government. The Spanish kingdom captured Portugal and numerous colonies in South and Central America. Already by the middle of the 16th century, constant wars and high taxes led to economic decline. During this period, the capital of the kingdom was moved from Toledo to Madrid.

At the beginning of the 18th century, with the death of Charles II, the War of the "Spanish Succession" broke out. As a result, the Bourbon dynasty reigned, and Spain became "pro-French". In 1808, a popular uprising broke out, which led to the abdication of the king. Subsequently, the French were expelled from the country and the restoration of the Bourbons took place. In the 19th century, Spain was tormented by unrest and unrest. The state lost all American colonies. In 1931, the monarchy was overthrown and a civil war began, in which Franco won. Francisco Franco established a dictatorship that lasted until 1975. This year was crowned Juan Carlos I of the Spanish Bourbon dynasty.

Spain consists of 17 autonomous regions, two so-called autonomous cities and 50 provinces.

Autonomous communities:

Andalusia
Aragon
Asturias
Balearic Islands
Basque Country
Valencia
Galicia
Canary Islands
Cantabria
Castile - La Mancha
Castile and Leon
Catalonia
Murcia
Navarre
Rioja
Extremadura

Population

The indigenous population of the country is the Spaniards (Castilians), Catalans, Basques, Galicians, etc. The official language is Spanish. In autonomies, the ethnic language or dialect is often spoken. Almost 80% of the population professes Christianity, of which 75% are Catholics. Interestingly, the average life expectancy in Spain is one of the highest in the world. She is 83 years old. The Spaniards themselves are quite friendly, open and emotional. These are noisy and temperamental people. They are often unpunctual, a little lazy and irresponsible.

Tips for communicating with Spaniards:

Spaniards are very patriotic towards their country or autonomy. You should not raise such topics: "is Catalonia Spain" and so on.
The vast majority of the population are Catholics, so words and actions that can offend the feelings of believers should be avoided.
Avoid talking about the colonial past and the Franco regime.
During lunch or dinner, the Spaniards do not start eating until all the guests have sat down. They also don't leave until everyone has finished eating.
Close people or good friends hug or kiss each other on the cheeks when they meet. Otherwise, they are limited to a handshake.

Transport

Information about modes of transport in Spain.

Major airports:

Barcelona
Palma de Mallorca
Malaga - Costa del Sol
Gran Canaria
Alicante / Elche

Spain has an extensive network of high-speed trains that connect the major cities. The rail service also includes long-distance trains and a commuter train network. There are regular bus services between many cities. Major cities are connected by high-speed highways. Motorways are tolled here.

Speed limits:

120 km/h on freeways and motorways,
100 km/h on normal roads,
90 km/h on other roads,
50 km/h when driving in populated areas.

The blood alcohol level must not exceed 0.5 g/l. The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts.

Spain is the second country in Europe in terms of the number of cruise ship calls. Main ports of Spain:

Barcelona
Palma de Mallorca
Las Palmas
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Malaga
Bilbao

Spain cities

Spain has hundreds of old and interesting cities. But the most popular are:

- a noisy and vibrant capital that will amaze you with modernist architecture, wide streets and squares, museums and vibrant nightlife.
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and the capital of Catalonia. Famous sights, masterpieces of modernist architecture and art nouveau Gaudí are concentrated here.
Bilbao is a large industrial city.
Cadiz is considered the oldest city in Western Europe.
Granada is a stunning city in the south, surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada.
Cordoba is an ancient city with a rich Moorish heritage.
Toledo is an ancient capital with sights from various periods.
Seville is the capital of Andalusia and one of the most beautiful cities in Spain.
Valencia is one of the largest cities in the country. The place where paella was invented.
Alicante is the resort capital of the east coast and the Costa Blanca region.

In the south of Spain in Andalusia, you can find a lot of evidence of antiquity. Cadiz is located here - one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe with the remains of a Roman settlement. Nearby is Ronda - a beautiful city located on steep cliffs. The cities of Cordoba and Granada have preserved a rich Moorish heritage. Seville, the cultural center of Andalusia and all of southern Spain, has a dazzling collection of sights and the largest gothic cathedral in the world.

Crossing the north through the plains of La Mancha into Central Spain, it is worth visiting picturesque Toledo. This ancient Spanish capital and the most beautiful ancient city located on a hill. Not far from the Portuguese border is Merida with an impressive Roman heritage. If you are interested in relaxation and beaches, then you should go to Alicante, Malaga, the Canary and Balearic Islands.

Popular tourist destinations:

Costa Blanca - 200 km of coastline, beaches and charming seaside towns.
Costa Brava is a coastline with many seaside resorts.
Costa del Sol is a sunny beach in the south of Spain.
Ibiza is one of the Balearic Islands, famous for its clubs and discos.
Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands.
Sierra Nevada - the highest mountain range of the Iberian Peninsula with ski slopes.
Tenerife - lush nature, volcanoes and great beaches.

Attractions

Historically, Spain has been an important crossroads between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, North Africa and Europe. As such, fantastic collections of unique attractions can be found here. The country impresses with the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historical and cultural monuments.

The most famous sights of Spain

Old city of Toledo.
Historic center of Salamanca.
Burgos Cathedral in the city of the same name.
Moorish heritage of Granada and Cordoba.
Architectural masterpieces of Gaudí in Barcelona.
Gothic cathedral in Seville and architecture in the Mudéjar style.
Rock paintings in Altamira cave
The historical centers of the cities of Cuenca, Merida, Cáceres, Zaragoza, Avila and Segovia.
Romanesque churches in Lleida.
Ancient Roman walls in the town of Lugo.

Notable festivals:

Feria de Abril is the best fair in the Pyrenees. If you love folklore, flamenco and wine, then you will definitely like this event. It takes place in April-May.
Fallas is a festival in Valencia.
Dia de Sant Jordi is a Catalan holiday.

Accommodation

Spain is an extremely popular tourist destination, so you need to look for accommodation in advance. When traveling here in the high season, accommodation will cost more. Many cities, even small ones, are tourism oriented. Therefore, it is not a problem to find accommodation for any groups of tourists and financial possibilities.

Kitchen

Spaniards love to eat, drink wine and are very proud of their cuisine. Spanish cuisine can be described as fairly light, with lots of vegetables and a huge variety of meats and fish. Interestingly, traditional cuisine does not use a lot of spices, but relies entirely on the use of high quality ingredients and their taste. Spaniards' meals are slightly different from ours. Their breakfast is light. Lunch is served at 13.00-15.00. Lunch is followed by a siesta. Dinner is late.

Traditional food and products: paella, jamon, tapas, Chorizo (spicy sausage), Bocadillo de Calamares (fried squid), Boquerones en vinagre (anchovies with garlic), Churros (Spanish donuts), Empanadas Gallegas (meat pies), Fabada asturiana (stew), various varieties of gazpacho (soups), Tortilla de patatas (egg omelet with fried potatoes). The main alcoholic drink is wine, which is of very good quality here. The most popular soft drink is coffee.

Everything you need to know about Spain

Official language
Spanish;

The official name of the country
The Kingdom of Spain;

Location
Spain is a country located in the southwest of Europe and is considered a member of the European Union. A well-known fact about Spain is that the state occupies most of the Perinean Peninsula. Almost 80% of the territory of Spain includes the Iberian Peninsula, the Canary and Balearic Islands. Spain is the fourth largest country in Europe after Russia, Ukraine and France. Not every tourist interested in all the facts about Spain knows that it is the most mountainous country in all of Europe;

State structure
The form of government is a constitutional monarchy.
The King is the head of state.;

Capital of Spain
the city of Madrid;

Currency
Remembering all the known facts about Spain, the first thing that comes to mind is that the country is a member of the European Union. In this regard, the official currency is the EURO (€), equivalent to 100 cents.;

Difference in time
Spanish time is 3 hours behind Moscow time;

electrical voltage
220V.

All tourists, as a rule, are interested in collecting information about the country, which states the kingdom borders on and which sea is in Spain. Spain has received a rather interesting location - in the north and west it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, and in the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea.

And here are all those land borders that Spain has:

in the west - with Portugal;
in the south - with Gibraltar;
in the north - with France and Andorra;
in northern Africa - from Morocco.

Everything you need to know about the climate in Spain

We can safely talk about Spain as the warmest country in Western Europe.
The number of sunny days in a year is 260 - 285 days. Everything, of course, is changeable and changeable, but basically (according to statistics) it is so.
The average annual air temperature is +20ºС.

The climate of Spain is very interesting relative to the territory of the country:

in winter, the air temperature in the northern and central regions can drop below zero degrees;
in summer, at the very height of the season in the central and southern regions of the Mediterranean coast, the temperature can rise to 40ºС, and in the northern part of the coast it can be no more than +25ºС.

All this information gives, albeit a brief, but quite understandable idea of Spain as a resort country for heat-loving tourists.

All the most interesting facts about the population of Spain

According to the census of October 2011, the population of Spain is 46.16 million people.
All almost 76% of the population are urban residents - this is evidenced by statistics from the same period.
95% of the inhabitants of Spain are Catalic, which did not prevent 67% of them from expressing their consent on the issue of legalizing same-sex marriages.
9% of the population are emigrants.

All about the resort cities of Spain

The largest cities in Spain

Madrid - ;
Barcelona - ;
Valencia - ;
Seville;
Zaragoza;
Malaga.

Resorts in Spain

The place where the country is located is not stingy with the resorts it has in Spain. Any tourist will find where to relax in Spain, given their preferences. Whether it's just a sightseeing or beach holiday.

Barcelona;
Costa Brava;
Costa del Maresme;
Costa Dorada;
Gran Canaria;
Mallorca - ;
Tenerife -

By visiting one of the resorts in Spain, you can get some ideas about it, as about the country as a whole. Although in fact it is difficult to judge Spain by one part of it.

Some more interesting information about Spain

Store hours are from 10:00 to 20:00. Break - from 14:00 to 17:00;
Bars and bakeries open at 8:00;
Shopping is better to arrange in major cities in Spain, because all the boutiques of famous brands are located there;
Spain will be reminded of pottery, leather goods, fans, olive oils and wines brought from there;
It is not necessary to leave tips in Spain, because they are already included in the cost of services and amount to 10-15% of it. If you liked the service so much and you want to thank the establishment, then it is customary to leave a tip in the amount of 5%;
The national holiday is celebrated on October 12 and is called the "Day of the Spanish Nation".

Flag of Spain	Coat of arms of Spain

Visa to enter the country

All citizens of the Russian Federation are required to know whether they and their fellow travelers need a visa to Spain.
Tourists wishing to go on holiday to Spain must be aware of this before the trip without fail. A visa is issued at the Consular Section of the Spanish Embassy in Moscow.

Spain is the very country that you want to know as much as possible about, but you can never know absolutely everything! Spain opens up in a new way every time. This is evidenced by the fact that the number of tourists returning to the country is growing every year.

And Galis. Reino de España, cat. Regne d "Espanya, Basque Espainiako Erresuma, ox. Reialme d" Espanha) is a state in southwestern Europe with its capital in the city of Madrid. Spain occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula. According to one version, the name of the country comes from the Phoenician expression "i-spanim" - "coast of rabbits". It occupies 4/5 of the territory of the Iberian Peninsula, the Canary and Balearic Islands with a total area of 504,782 km² (together with small sovereign territories on the African coast, the cities of Ceuta and Melilla), being the fourth largest country in Europe after Russia, Ukraine and France. The average height of the surface of Spain is 650 meters above sea level. The country is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe.

Physical and geographical characteristics

Relief

The relief of Spain is very diverse. The center of the country is located at a distance of 300 kilometers from the sea. The relief is dominated by systems of mountain ranges and high plateaus.

Plateaus and mountains make up about 90 percent of its territory. Almost half of the country's surface is occupied by the vast, the largest high in Europe - with an average height of 660 meters - Meseta plateau. It is distinguished by the alternation of plateaus, fold-block ridges and mountain basins. The Central Cordillera divides Meseta into two parts: northern and southern.

The Pyrenees are several parallel ranges stretching from west to east for 450 kilometers. This is one of the most inaccessible mountainous countries in Europe. Although on average they are not very high (a little over 2500 meters), they have only a few conveniently located passes. All passes are at an altitude of 1500-2000 m. Therefore, only four railways go from Spain to France: two of them bypass the Pyrenees along the coast from the northwest and southeast, and two more railways cross the Pyrenees in the Aerbe-Oloron- Saintes Marie and Ripoll - Prades, through a system of tunnels. The widest and highest part of the mountains is the central one. Here is their main peak - Aneto Peak, reaching 3405 meters.

From the northeast, the system of the Iberian mountains adjoins Meseta, the maximum height (Mon Cayo peak) is 2313 meters.

Between the eastern Pyrenees and the Iberian mountains stretch the low Catalan Mountains, the southern slopes of which break off in ledges to the Mediterranean Sea. The Catalan Mountains (average heights are 900-1200 meters, the peak is Mount Caro, 1447 meters) follow for 400 kilometers almost parallel to the Mediterranean coast and actually separate the Aragonese plateau from it. The areas of coastal plains developed in Murcia, Valencia and Catalonia north of Cape Palos to the border with France are highly fertile.

The entire southeast of the Iberian Peninsula is occupied by the Cordillera Betica, which is a system of massifs and ridges. The mountains of the Sierra Nevada serve as its crystalline axis. In height, they are second only to the Alps in Europe. Their summit, Mount Mulasen, at 3,478 meters, is the highest point in peninsular Spain. However, the highest mountain peak in Spain is located on the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands) - this is Teide volcano, whose height reaches 3718 meters.

Most of the territory of Spain is located at an altitude of about 700 meters above sea level. It is the second highest country in Europe after Switzerland.

The only large lowland - Andalusian - is located in the south of the country. In the northeast of Spain in the valley of the river. The Ebro stretches the Aragonese plain. Smaller lowlands stretch along the Mediterranean Sea. One of the main rivers of Spain (and the only navigable one in the lower reaches) flows through the Andalusian lowland - Guadalquivir. The rest of the rivers, including the largest ones: Tajo and Duero, the lower reaches of which are located on the territory of neighboring Portugal, Ebro, Guadiana, are distinguished by sharp seasonal level fluctuations and rapids.

Large areas of the country suffer from lack of water. Related to this is the problem of erosion - millions of tons of topsoil are blown out every year.

Climate

Spain is one of the warmest countries in Western Europe. The average number of sunny days is 260-285. The average annual temperature on the Mediterranean coast is 20 degrees Celsius. In winter, the temperature drops below zero, usually only in the central and northern regions of the country. In summer, the temperature rises to 40 degrees and above (from the central part to the southern coast). On the northern coast, the temperature is not so high - about 25 degrees Celsius.

Spain is characterized by very deep internal climatic differences, and it can only conditionally be attributed entirely to the Mediterranean climatic region. These differences are manifested both in temperature and in annual amounts and precipitation patterns.

On extreme northwest the climate is mild and humid with little temperature variation throughout the year and high rainfall. Constant winds from the Atlantic bring a lot of moisture, mainly in winter, when foggy and cloudy weather prevails with drizzling rain, almost without frost and snow. The average temperature of the coldest month is the same as in northwestern France. Summers are hot and humid, with average temperatures rarely below 16 degrees Celsius. Annual rainfall exceeds 1070 mm, and in some places reaches 2000 mm.

Completely different conditions internal parts countries - on the plateau of Old and New Castile and the Aragonese plain. In these areas, the influence of the plateau-mountain-hollow relief, considerable height, and local continental air is felt. They are characterized by relatively low precipitation (no more than 500 mm per year) and sharp temperature fluctuations by season. In Old Castile and the Plain of Aragon there are rather cold winters, with frosts and strong, harsh winds; summers are hot and rather dry, although the maximum precipitation falls on this season of the year. In Nueva Castile, the climate is slightly milder, with warmer winters but also low rainfall. Agriculture in all these areas needs artificial irrigation.

The soil

In the north-west of Spain, brown forest soil is developed on the coastal plains and windward slopes of the mountains. The interior of the country - Old and New Castile, the Iberian mountains and the Aragonese plateau - are characterized by brown soil; in the driest treeless areas, there is a thin calcareous gray-brown soil with areas of solonchaks in relief depressions. Serozems are developed in the arid landscapes of Murcia. They are non-gypsum-bearing and not saline; when irrigated, they give high yields of fruit and other crops. The heavy clay barros soil stands out on the flat ancient alluvial plains, especially favorable for the cultivation of rice.

Flora and fauna

A variety of climatic conditions - from humid in the north to arid in the south - determines the heterogeneity of the flora and vegetation of Spain. In the north, similarities with Central Europe appear, and in the south - with Africa. Traces of forest vegetation in Murcia, La Mancha and Granada indicate that in the past a significant part of the territory of Spain was afforested, but now forests and light forests occupy only 30% of the country's area, with only 5% falling on full closed forest stands.

Evergreen oak forests grow in the northwest of the country. There are more deciduous oak species in the mountain forests, along with beech, ash, birch and chestnut, which is typical of Central Europe. In the hinterland of Spain, in places, small tracts of dry evergreen forests are preserved, dominated by oak, interspersed with pine forests and shrubs. In the most arid areas of New Castile, the Aragonese plateau and Murcia, there are fragments of semi-deserts (usually on salt marshes).

In areas of southern Spain where there is more rainfall, especially along the coast, typical Mediterranean shrub-grass communities such as garrigue and tomillara are present. Garriga is characterized by the participation of local species of gorse and cornflowers, for tomillara - the presence of aromatic labiales (shrub species of thyme, rosemary, etc.), as well as rockrose. A special variety of garriga is made up of scattered thickets of dwarf fan palm, very characteristic of Andalusia, as well as communities dominated by tall alpha grass, or esparto, a hardy xerophyte that gives strong fiber.

In the fauna of Spain, Central European and African connections are obvious. Among European species, two varieties of the brown bear deserve mention (a large Asturian and a smaller, black suit found in the Pyrenees), a lynx, a wolf, a fox, a forest cat. There are deer, hares, squirrels and moles. The imperial eagle is found in Spain and North Africa, and the blue magpie found in the Iberian Peninsula is also found in East Asia. On both sides of the Strait of Gibraltar, there are genets, Egyptian mongooses and one species of chameleon.

Minerals

Minerals of Spain: The bowels of Spain abound in minerals. Especially significant are the reserves of metal ores, the deposits of which are associated with outcrops of the folded base of the Meseta or with volcanic rocks of mountain structures. Along the northwestern outskirts of the Meseta, within the Gallic massif, in the Caledonian and Proterozoic granite intrusions, there are tin, tungsten, and uranium ores. A strip of lead-zinc-silver deposits stretches along the southern outskirts of Meseta. There is also a large mercury deposit of global importance - Almaden. Iron ores are found in the north and south of Spain. They are confined to the structures of the Mesozoic and Alpine magmatic cycles. These are the well-known deposits of the Bilbao region on the northern slope of the Biscay Mountains and in Almeria on the southern slope of the Cordillera Beta. In the north, in the Carboniferous deposits that fill the foothill depression of the Asturian Mountains, there is the largest coal basin in the country. In addition, there are small deposits of coal on the southern slopes of the mountains and in some other areas. The Cenozoic deposits of intermountain and intramountain depressions contain strata of salts and brown coal. Significant reserves of potash salts are located within the Ebro plain.

It is worth noting, however, that most of the mineral deposits in the country are very modest in size and rather heavily depleted, like many deposits in other European regions, which makes Spain dependent on mineral imports, mainly from North Africa.

Economy

Airports in Spain are subordinate to the public organization Spanish Airports and Air Navigation (Aeropuertos Españoles y Navegación Aérea (Aena)), which in turn is subordinate to the Ministry of Development (Ministerio de Fomento de España). Under the Catalan Autonomy Act of 2006, three Catalan airports were placed under the control of the Generalitat de Catalunya, which manages them jointly with the NGO Aerocat. Madrid Airport (Barajas) with 50.8 million passengers in 2008 is one of the busiest airports in the world. Barcelona Airport (El Prat) served 30 million passengers in 2008. Less busy airports are in Gran Canaria, Malaga, Valencia, Seville, Mallorca, Alicante and Bilbao.

Spanish airlines are: Air Europa, Air Nostrum, Air Pullmantur, Binter Canarias, Iberia LAE, Iberworld, Islas Airways, Spanair, Vueling Airlines.

Spain aims to have one million electric vehicles by 2014 as part of the government's plan to save energy and improve the environment.

Light industry

food industry

In the food industry, winemaking stands out (in terms of the production of grape wines, Spain in Europe is second only to France and Italy), the production of vegetable oil (1.7 million tons in 1996; Spain is the world leader in the production of olive oil (about 0.5 million tons per year). ), fruits and vegetables and canned fish. Spain is among the top ten world manufacturers of cars, ships, forging and pressing equipment and gas compressors, machine tools, petroleum products and chemical products. Half of industrial production is concentrated in the northeast (Catalonia), the north of the country (Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country) and in Greater Madrid.

Agriculture

The leading branch of agriculture is crop production (it gives St. 1/2 of the cost of production). They grow wheat (about 20% of the cultivated area), barley, corn (in the central and southern regions of the country), rice (on the irrigated lands of the Mediterranean coast; its yield in Spain is one of the highest in the world), potatoes and sugar beets, legumes, tomatoes, onions, peppers, eggplants and other vegetables (vegetables occupy 60% of the cultivated area), olives - (the leading place in the cultivation of olives in the world) - (Andalusia, Castile-la-Mancha, Extremadura), citrus fruits and tobacco. Viticulture - on the Mediterranean coast and in the regions of Castile-la-Mancha, Extremadura. In the very south of the country, almonds are grown (the leading export place in Western Europe), dates and sugar cane (in Europe they grow only in Spain), figs, pomegranates, cotton.

fishing

Spain is among the top ten countries in the world in terms of catching fish and seafood (1.1 million tons in 1996) and their processing, and is a major exporter of fresh fish and canned fish.

The main part of the fishery is carried out off the coast of the Basque Country and Galicia. The most caught are sardines, hake, mackerel, anchovies and cod. Every year, 20-25% of the total catch is processed into canned food.

Banking sector

Banks in Spain need to recapitalize 59.3 billion euros, according to the results of stress tests posted on the website of the Spanish central bank. The financial crisis in Spain led to an explosion of separatism. The economic crisis in Spain is gradually turning into a political one. On the one hand, regions with their extremely weak banks need help from the government. On the other hand, some territories, in particular Catalonia, believe that without the guiding and guiding hand of Madrid, they would feel much better.

The crisis was not limited to the financial sector. Property prices fell, which in turn increased unemployment. Spanish construction company Martinsa-Fadesa has filed for bankruptcy after failing to refinance a €5.1 billion debt. In the second quarter property prices in Spain fell by 20%. In the Castile-La Mancha region, approximately 69% of all buildings built in the past three years are still unsold. Deutsche Bank expects a 35% fall in property prices in Spain by 2011. Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Zapatero has blamed the European Central Bank for aggravating the situation by raising interest rates.

Population

Population dynamics:

city - 6.5 million people;
city - 4.5 million people;
city - 6 million people;
city - 11.3 million people;
city - 6.2 million people;
city - 11.55 million people;
city - 18.6 million people;
city - 24.1 million people;
city - 29.9 million people;
city - 36.3 million people;
city - 45.97 million people

The population of Spain is 46.16 million people (October 2011).

According to genetic studies of the University of Leeds, conducted in 2008, 20% of the modern population of Spain has Jewish roots, and 11% have Arabic and Berber roots.

Story

On the southwestern coast of Iberia, a culture arose in the Bronze Age, from which, at the end of the 2nd millennium, the Tartess civilization was formed, which traded metal with the Phoenicians. After the depletion of the mines, Tartessus falls into decay.

Along the east coast of Spain in the III millennium BC. e. Iberian tribes appeared; some hypotheses link their ancestral home to North Africa. From these tribes comes the ancient name of the peninsula - Iberian. In the middle of the II millennium BC. e. Iberians began to settle in fortified villages on the territory of modern Castile. The Iberians were mainly engaged in agriculture, cattle breeding and hunting, they knew how to make tools from copper and bronze. The Iberians used the Paleo-Spanish script created earlier by the Tartessians. The Iberian language was not related to Tartessian.

There is Roman evidence that Ligures previously lived in Spain, but nothing is known of their existence in the historical period.

In the late Bronze Age, the culture of the fields of funerary urns (the remnant of which in the historical period were probably the Lusitanians) penetrated into Iberia, and at the beginning of the 1st millennium BC. e. most of Iberia is colonized by Celtic tribes. Part of the Celts, who lived next to the Iberians, fell under their influence and created the Celtiberian culture; the Celts, who lived in the western part, maintained a relatively conservative way of life, were unliterate. The Celts of Iberia became famous as warriors. It was they who invented the double-edged sword, which later became the standard weapon of the Roman army and used against their own inventors.

20th century

XXI Century

In March 2004, 13 explosions rocked the approaches to the Atocha railway station in Madrid, killing 191 and injuring 2,050 people. This attack was organized by an underground Islamist organization that followed the ideology of Al-Qaeda. The explosions took place three days before the parliamentary elections and were the terrorists' response to the participation of the Spanish military in the military operation in Iraq. Most Spaniards blamed the attacks on the government of Prime Minister José María Aznar, who sent Spanish troops to support the US and Britain. The Aznar government made this decision unilaterally, without coordinating it with the Parliament (Cortes) and despite the massive protests of civil society, which spoke at thousands of demonstrations against the participation of the Spanish army in the war. In addition, mass surveys of the population, conducted by a state agency, indicated that about 80% of the country's population was against Spain's entry into the war. Aznar's People's Party lost the March 14, 2004 elections.

In early 2004, the new socialist government of José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero made a sharp turn in Spanish foreign policy: from support for the US course to solidarity with most of the EU countries. After winning the elections on March 14, 2004, the socialist government withdrew Spanish troops from Iraq, thus fulfilling an important item in the electoral program of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE). In the subsequent parliamentary elections held in 2008, the PSOE won again. New parliamentary elections in Spain took place on November 20, 2011.

In 2005, same-sex marriage was legalized in Spain. Thus, Spain became the third state in the world, after Holland and Belgium, to recognize the legal equality of marriage unions, regardless of the sex of the spouses. Currently, same-sex marriage is recognized in many countries, as well as in some US states.

One of the problems of modern Spain is the problem of immigration. Basically, residents of the Maghreb countries and Latin America come to Spain. At the beginning of the new century, there were an estimated 2.5 million Latin Americans in the EU countries, 800,000 of whom were in Spain. However, after the terrorist attacks of 2004, the attitude of the Spaniards towards immigrants has changed significantly.

Political structure

Administrative division

50 provinces, included in 17 autonomous regions. Also within Spain are 2 so-called autonomous cities (ciudades autónomas) in Africa - Ceuta, Melilla and the sovereign territories of Spain.

Andalusia (Spanish) Andalucia)
Aragon (Spanish) Aragon)
Asturias (Spanish) Principado de Asturias)
Balearic Islands (Spanish) Islas Baleares, cat. Illes Balears)
Basque Country (Spanish) Pais Vasco, bask. Euskadi)
Valencia (Spanish) Comunidad Valenciana)
Galicia (Spanish) Galicia, gallis. Galiza)
Canary Islands (Spanish) Islas Canarias)
Cantabria (Spanish) Cantabria)
Castile - La Mancha (Spanish) Castilla-La Mancha)
Castile and Leon (Spanish) Castilla y Leon)
Catalonia (Spanish) Cataluna, cat. Catalunya)
Madrid (as an autonomous region) (Spanish) Madrid)
Murcia (Spanish) Region of Murcia)
Navarre (Spanish) Navarra, bask. Nafarroa)
Rioja (Spanish) La Rioja)
Extremadura (Spanish) Extremadura)

Cities

The largest cities in Spain are:

culture

Spain is rightfully considered an open-air museum. The vastness of this country carefully preserves cultural and historical monuments that are world famous.

The most famous museum in Spain - the Prado Museum - is located in Madrid. Its vast exposition cannot be viewed in one day. The museum was founded by Isabella of Braganza, wife of King Ferdinand VII. The Prado has its own branch, located in Cason del Buen Retiro, which houses unique collections of Spanish paintings and sculptures of the 19th century, as well as works by English and French painters. The museum itself presents large expositions of Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Flemish and German art. The Prado owes its name to the Prado de San Jeronimo alley, where it is located, laid back in the Enlightenment. Currently, the funds of the Prado Museum are 6,000 paintings, over 400 sculptures, as well as numerous treasures, including royal and religious collections. During several centuries of its existence, the Prado was patronized by many kings.

It is believed that the very first collection of the Prado Museum was formed under Charles I, known as the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. His heir, King Philip II, became famous not only for his bad temper and despotism, but also for his love of art. It is to him that the museum owes priceless acquisitions of paintings by Flemish masters. Philip was distinguished by a gloomy outlook, it is not surprising that the ruler was a fan of Bosch, an artist known for his bizarre pessimistic fantasy. Initially, Philip bought Bosch's paintings for El Escorial, the hereditary castle of the Spanish kings. And only in the XIX century the paintings were transferred to the Prado Museum. Now here you can see such masterpieces of the Dutch master as the "Garden of Delights" and "Hay Cart". Currently, in the museum you can enjoy not only paintings and sculptures, but also theatrical performances designed to "revive" the famous canvases. The first such staging was dedicated to the paintings of Velasquez and enjoyed great success with the public.

There are many more unique museums and galleries in Spain: the Picasso Museum and the National Art Museum of Catalonialocated in Barcelona, the National Museum of Sculpture in Valladolid, the El Greco Museum in Toledo, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art in Cuenca.

Spanish cuisine

Sport

Football has been the main sport in Spain since the beginning of the 20th century. Basketball, tennis, cycling, handball, motorcycling and, more recently, Formula One are also important due to the presence of Spanish champions in all these disciplines. Today, Spain is the world's leading sports power, the development of sports in the country in particular was spurred by the summer Olympic Games in Barcelona. In 2008, Spain won the European Football Championship, and in 2010 - the victory in the World Football Championship. In 2012, Spain won the European Football Championship over Italy with a score of 4:0.
In general, in the 2000s, the Spanish national teams won the world and European championships in almost all team sports: football, basketball, water polo, field hockey, roller hockey, handball, volleyball and the Davis Cup in tennis.

It is also worth noting that the Real Madrid football club is officially recognized as the best club in the world of the 20th century.

Armed forces

The new doctrine 1/2004 declares terrorism as the main enemy of Spain (both external and internal). It is noted that from now on, Spanish troops will be able to take part in international peacekeeping operations directly approved by the UN or, as was the case in Kosovo, enjoying the obvious support of the world community. In addition, participation in hostilities will require permission from the Spanish Parliament.

In the new military doctrine, the role of the JEMAD Defense General Staff, which is headed by General Felix Sans, has been increased. At the end of October 2004, he made a statement about the need to "balance" the unequal relationship between Spain and the United States, which developed after 1953, when Spain and the United States signed a military agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to which the United States received the right to use several large military bases in Spain.

In 2001, Spain abolished conscription and switched to a fully professional army.

There are no laws in Spain banning openly gays and lesbians from serving in the armed forces. On March 4, 2009, Spanish Defense Minister Carme Chacón (the first woman to hold this post) issued a decree repealing a pre-existing law that banned transgender people from serving in the armed forces.

Spanish foreign policy

The preamble to the Spanish Constitution proclaims the willingness to "cooperate in strengthening peaceful relations and cooperation with all countries of the world." Currently, Spain's foreign policy is mainly based on three directions: Europe (especially the EU), the Ibero-American direction, the countries of the Mediterranean Sea.

To date, Spain has diplomatic relations with all UN countries. Recently, Spain has relations with Bhutan (since October 2010), South Sudan (since independence from Sudan in July 2011) and the state of Karibati (since September 2011).

On April 12, 1994, the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Spain was signed. Currently, bilateral relations between the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Spain have an extensive contractual and legal basis: the basis for interaction in various fields is formed by more than 50 treaties, agreements, protocols and other documents.

Morocco

In the foreign policy of Spain, Morocco occupies one of the key places, for which the Moroccan kingdom is the most important African partner, if only because of its territorial proximity. The main areas of Spanish policy in Morocco are: issues related to the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, the unresolved problem with Western Sahara, problems of illegal migration, issues of stopping drug smuggling, etc.

Relations between Spain and the Maghreb countries began to develop most actively after the Socialist Party came to power in Spain in 1982.

Under the government of the People's Party, headed by Prime Minister H.M. Aznar, who were in power from 1996 to 2004, relations could not be called good and were rather characterized by instability, in particular, the conflict over the island of Perejil (Leila) occupies a bright place in 2002.

The socialists, who came back to power in April 2004, led by José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, were determined to improve relations with their neighbors, and especially with Morocco. Since the meeting between Mohamed VI and Juan Carlos in 2005, relations between the two monarchs have improved markedly. The conflict in Western Sahara, which arose a long time ago, has always had an adverse effect on relations between the two countries. After the aborted quadripartite conference, Morocco in 1975 authorized the "Green March" on Western Sahara with the aim of "cleansing" Western Sahara from Spain. The result was an agreement between Spain, Mauritania and Morocco on the transfer of temporary control over the Sahara to Morocco and Mauritania.

An important component of relations between the two countries are close economic ties. In 1995, the Moroccan government decides to put everything on foreign investors, the most important of which are Spain and France.

Peace missions

The armed forces of Spain, consisting of 3,000 people, took part in 5 peacekeeping missions of the EU, NATO, and the UN. These missions are: International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan; EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina; KFOR in Kosovo; FINUL to Lebanon and UN mission to Darfur (Chad).

Various questions

Transport in Spain

The length of motor roads is 328,000 km. Car park - more than 19 million cars. Roads carry out 90% of passenger and 79% of cargo transportation. The length of railways is 14589 km. About 6.5% of all land transport cargo and 6% of passengers are transported.

About 300 ships with a total displacement of 1.511 million tons are involved in maritime transport. From 30 million tons of foreign trade cargo are transported by ships under the Spanish flag annually. 24 seaports control almost 93% of all traffic.

The leading place is occupied by air transport. Of the 42 airports, 34 carry out regular flights. Madrid International Airport handles 56 million passengers every year. The airport in Barcelona serves about 30 million passengers annually.

Education in Spain

Spain has a system of compulsory free secondary education from 6 to 16 years. About 70% study in public schools, 96.5% - in public universities.

The largest universities in the country: Autonomous University of Madrid, Complutense (in Madrid), Barcelona Central and Autonomous, Santiago de Compostea, Polytechnic University of Valencia.

Media in Spain

Spain has a well developed media network. 137 newspapers and about 1000 magazines are published. The most read daily newspapers are Pais, Mundo, Vanguardia, ABC, Periodiko, Marka. Magazines for women "Patrones", Labores del HOGAR, Moda.

The leading radio stations are SER, COPE, Radio Nacional de España (RNE). The international department of Spanish national radio, known as Radio Exterior de España, broadcasts in Spanish and six foreign languages. The Russian Spanish Foreign Broadcasting Service has been operating (with a short break) since the time of Franco, but is less known than similar broadcasters in Russian from the USA, Germany, and France.

The largest TV channels: TVE (covers the entire territory of the country), private studios "Telesinko" and "Antena 3", as well as round-the-clock news Canal 24 Horas, broadcasting around the world. The Autonomous Communities have their own regional television, which also broadcasts in national languages.

Siesta in Spain

Crime in Spain

In recent years, the proportion of immigrants among Spanish offenders has gradually increased. This is due to increased immigration to Spain (including illegal) from African countries, as well as from Latin America. Among the latter, two gangs from the Dominican Republic became especially active: Dominicans Don't Play (“Dominicans do not joke”) and Trinitarios (“Trinitaria” - named after the underground organization “La Trinitaria”, which fought for the independence of the Dominican Republic from Haiti in 1838 ) .

Real estate market in Spain

The average cost per square meter in Spain for the 1st trimester of 2011 is 1777.6 euros (1793.8 euros - new construction; 1764.8 euros - second-hand). The highest prices (in €/m²) : San Sebastian - 3762.3; San Cugat del Valles - 3282.6; Getcho - 3224.3; Barcelona - 3103.5; Pozuelo de Alarcon - 2964.0; Madrid - 2921.0.

The main real estate in Spain is villas, apartments and apartments. At the moment, buying property in Spain has become more profitable, since on August 20, 2011, the Spanish government temporarily changed the tax - VAT on the purchase of new housing from 8% to 4%.

Telecommunications in Spain

In astronomy

The asteroid (804) Spain, discovered on 20 March 1915 by Spanish astronomer José Comas Sola at the Fabra Observatory in Barcelona, is named after Spain. It was the first asteroid discovered from Spanish territory.

Climate and weather

The climate in different parts of Spain varies greatly. In the Central part it is cold and dry in winter, and in summer there is a scorching sun. In June-August, Madrid turns into a hot frying pan, but city gardens begin to bloom in March, rains are very rare in autumn, and sunny days often occur even in cool winters.

Capital	Madrid
Population	46,162,024 people

Population density	91.45 people/km2
	Spanish
Religion	Catholicism
Form of government	a constitutional monarchy

Timezone	UTC +1, summer +2
International dialing code
Internet domain zone
Electricity

On the north coast, the cold currents of the Bay of Biscay bring moderate temperatures and heavy rains. It is better to carry an umbrella with you, otherwise you are guaranteed an unscheduled shower.

The weather in Barcelona is typical of the Mediterranean coast. The average annual temperature is about +20 ºС. It begins to warm up already in April, the water warms up by June. In winter, due to high humidity, it can be quite cool.

When is the best time to go? From April to early November, pleasant and warm weather prevails throughout almost the entire territory of Spain. The ideal months to visit are May, June and September (plus April and October in the south). In July and August temperatures can exceed +45 ºС. Snowfall in the mountains begins in October, and the highest peaks are covered with snow all year round.

Nature

About 90% of Spain is mountainous. The highest are in the Pyrenees system, known for one of the highest cliffs in Europe - Governors, height of about 1200 m, and the waterfall of the same name with a height of 800 m.

The central part is occupied by the Meset plateau, the average height is 660 m. It includes more than 70 mountain ranges. Here is the highest point of the peninsula - Mt. Mulasen(3478 m). And the highest mountain in the country Teide volcano- located on the island of Tenerife, which is part of the Canary Islands. Its height is 3718 m.

Canary Islands- one of the most unusual and attractive natural areas of Spain. The mere fact that 4 out of 10 National Parks are located here speaks for itself. The volcanic origin of the islands determined the most diverse landscapes - tuff fields, black gorges, calderas of old volcanoes and cones of young ones.

In the south of Spain is the only large lowland - Andalusian. In the north-east of the country in the valley of the Ebro River - the Aragonese plain. Smaller lowlands are located along the Mediterranean Sea.

Main rivers of Spain:

Duero Tajo;
Guadalquivir;
Guadiana;
Ebro.

The landscape of Mediterranean Spain is created by coastal valleys and steep cliffs.

There are over 2,000 beaches on the coast of Spain :

Costa Dorada;
Costa Brava;
Costa de Almeria;
Costa Blanca;
Rias Altas Mar Menor;
Costa del Sol;
Costa del Assar;
Rias Bahas;
Costa Cantabrica;
Costa de la Luz;
Canary and Balearic Islands.

Attractions

Thousands of tourists come to Spain to see with their own eyes the richest historical heritage. And this country conquers everyone, because it really has something to show.

Madrid- one of the most beautiful capitals in the world - ready to boast:

Royal Palace of the 17th century;
the Plaza Mayor and its 136 Baroque buildings;
the chapel of St. Anthony of Florida with murals by Francisco Goya;
the Prado Museum .

Incredibly artistic city Barcelona with the bustling Las Ramblas, the unimaginable creations of the ingenious Gaudí and the Gothic Quarter, it is a magnet for tourists.

From the arches of the ancient Roman aqueduct to Segovia is breathtaking. It literally breathes history.

The pearl of Islamic architecture, Alhambra's palace Granada captivates with its beauty.

And the great Gothic cathedrals in Burgos, Palma de Mallorca And Toledo make you think about eternity.

Nutrition

Spanish cuisine is very diverse. Each region of the country has its own special culinary traditions: from boiled octopus, stewed merlan fish from Galicia in a pot, to roast suckling pig in Segovia and baked cod with garlic from the Basque cuisine.

Be sure to try:

tapas- typical snacks served with beer or wine. Olives in various combinations: with tuna, lemon, almonds; shrimp, cheese and even pies stuffed with seafood, meat, mushrooms.

Jamon- one of the best and famous meat delicacies. Dry-cured ham hanging from the ceiling can be seen in almost any bar. There is a whole culture of its use.

Paella- a rice dish with the addition of meat, vegetables, seafood. There are many recipes for its preparation, the ingredients can be very diverse, but three always remain the same - rice, saffron and a large paella pan.

Gazpacho- a heavily chilled soup made from mashed tomatoes, cucumbers, olive oil and spices.

And for dessert - do not forget about the confectionery made from honey and nuts - turron, a traditional decoration of the Christmas table, although now it can be tasted all year round.

You can get acquainted with Spanish winemaking thanks to specially designed routes, of which there are more than 10. And not only tasting awaits you there - finding the perfect combination of food and wine, visiting a wine cellar, getting to know the production process ... In Spain, all conditions are created to fully least enjoy this drink in a country that is one of the three largest wine producers in the world.

The most famous varieties are sherry And sangria.

Accommodation

Booking a room during the low and middle season is not necessary at all - you can easily find one that you like on the spot. But in the high season it will be very difficult to find a free room.

Accommodation prices vary greatly depending on the region. In Madrid, Barcelona and other popular tourist destinations for a double room you will pay at least 60 € . And, for example, in Murcia, where there are not so many tourists, a room with excellent conditions can be found for 45 € .

A bed in a multi-bed hostel room will cost about 20 € .

You can also live in an apartment or a villa, rent an entire house or a room. Here 45 € for a double room - the lowest price for this type of accommodation. Typically, the cost is up to 80 € and higher.

Entertainment and recreation

At any time of the year, Spain hosts many sporting and cultural events.

Check out the Spaniards' love of dressing up and raucous fun at the many fiestas - each town has events with its own unique traditions.

Carnival is considered one of the main holidays on the coast of Catalonia. You are waiting for colorful parades with the wonders of reincarnation in Sitges, Tarragona and other cities.

The most popular sport in Spain is undoubtedly football. One can not even hope to buy a ticket on the day of the match, especially if Barcelona is playing Real Madrid. The Spanish national football team is the reigning world champion and that says a lot.

Other popular sports in Spain include: basketball, motorcycling, cycling, tennis, Formula 1, golf.

This country has something to offer outdoor enthusiasts:

windsurfing near the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar;
rafting in Catalonia;
diving in Andalusia;
skiing in the Sierra Nevada National Park.

Theme parks and water parks will please not only children, but also adults.

Purchases

In the shops of Spanish cities you can find goods for every taste and budget.

Shop for clothes and shoes in Madrid and Barcelona. Local brands will please you: Loewe, Custo, Zara and others. Be sure to visit one of the outlets - shopping centers that specialize in selling branded items from the previous season at significant discounts. For example, La Rocca Village, located 30 kilometers north of Barcelona, or Las Roza Village- 40 kilometers from Madrid.

The shoe size system matches ours, but the clothes don't. Understanding is not that hard. To the number that you see on the label, add 6 and get the usual size designation for us. For example, 38 (S) corresponds to 44.

Almost all stores accept credit cards. Opening hours from 10:00 to 21:00, with a break for a siesta. Sunday is a day off.

Going to the market is a great opportunity to feel like a local resident. Here you can buy a variety of fruits, vegetables and other products, as well as clothes, shoes, jewelry. Opening hours from 9:00 to 14:00.

Transport

The country's main airport Barajas in Madrid also major airports are located in Barcelona, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca and Valencia. National air carrier Iberia Airlines.

The main transport center of Spain is Madrid. The main railway lines and highways converge in the capital.

The railways are run by RENFE, the state-owned railway company. There are several types of trains depending on the level of comfort and speed. You can buy tickets at the ticket offices of railway stations and stations, as well as at travel agencies.

Along the Mediterranean coast are the main highways: from the French border to Alicante and from the coast of Cantabria to Catalonia. Spanish roads are distinguished by their quality and developed infrastructure. The speed limit in the village is 50 km/h. On the national highway, you can accelerate to 100 km/h, and on the highway - 120 km/h.

Bus stations are located in almost all major cities and resort centers in Spain. You can easily get to the right place.

Ferry service is also developed in Spain. The main carrier, Acciona Transmediterranea, flies to the Canaries, Balearic Islands and North Africa.

If you want to travel around the city by public transport, then keep in mind that bus stops are marked with yellow-green signs with the word bus. You must enter the bus through the front door. Tell the driver the place you need to get to and the number of people, and you will receive a check with the indicated fare in your hands (a ticket for one trip costs about 0,70 € ). There are metros in Madrid and Barcelona.

Connection

The easiest way to call home from Spain is to use the phone booths on the street. They accept coins and phone cards, which you can buy from the post office or from kiosks with the Tabacos sign.

The international code for calls from Spain is 00. To call, dial the international code, wait for a beep, then dial the country code, area code and the desired phone number.

To call from a mobile phone, buy a Vodafone, Orange, Movistar or Yoigo prepaid card. They can be purchased at supermarkets or at The Phone House chain of stores.

Use Wi-Fi hotspots to access the Internet. You can find a free connection at airports, train stations, large hotels, supermarkets, libraries and cafes.

The Wi-Fi network is highly developed in Spain. Only in Barcelona there are 418 free access points.

Safety

In Spain, you should not walk down the street in a beach look. In Barcelona this pleasure will cost you 120-300 € .

Remember: red light - no way. If you forgot this rule, cook 200 € . Crossing in the wrong place will cost 80 € .

Smoking is prohibited in workplaces, in bars and restaurants with an area not exceeding 100 m2, in some hotels and on beaches.

It is forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages in transport and public places.

As in most European countries, Spain has right-hand traffic. Passengers and drivers of vehicles equipped with seat belts must be fastened.

Spanish traffic laws prohibit driving while intoxicated. The maximum allowable blood alcohol level is 0.5 ppm.

If the amount of the fine does not exceed 350 € , the traffic police has the right to take it on the spot.

Theft, especially of valuables, can overshadow any vacation. Unfortunately, in Spain this is quite common. Be especially careful on the central streets of tourist cities.

Business climate

One of the largest exhibition centers in Europe Feria de Madrid is the main platform for organizers of conferences and exhibitions in Spain. The area of the center is 200,000 m 2 , where there are 12 pavilions, a business center, a press club, two congress centers and parking lots for 14,000 cars. It is a meeting place for professionals from various fields.

ArcoMadrid and Cibeles Madrid Fashion Week are the center's most famous and prestigious events.

The largest exhibition centers in Spain in other cities:

Fira de Barcelona (Barcelona);
Feria Valencia (Valencia);
Bilbao Exhibition Center (Bilbao).

In Spain, taxation is carried out at three levels: state, regional, local.

On state level: taxes on income of individuals and legal entities, corporate tax and value added tax.

On regional level: tax on transfer of property, tax on economic transactions and tax on legal documented acts.

On local level taxes are levied on individuals on real estate, motor vehicles, tax on economic activity, construction and engineering work, as well as a tax on the increase in the value of urban land.

VAT rates in Spain are 4%, 8% and 18%.

Real estate

Who doesn't dream of an apartment by the sea? Spain is very attractive in terms of such a purchase.

Buying real estate can be both an individual and a legal entity. All you need is a valid passport, a foreigner's number (N.I.E.) and, of course, financial resources.

For N.I.E. will need:

open visa;
certificate of origin of money;
certificate from the bank on the status of the account;
a contract on giving a deposit for a specific house and copies of documents for it.

The property must be registered with the Registro de Propiedad - Property Registry. Here you can find all the necessary information about the acquired property. When buying, a contract of sale is drawn up, in which all conditions are stipulated. After signing it, as a rule, the buyer pays about 10% of the cost. The remaining amount is paid at the time of signing the bill of sale (Escritura Publica), which is signed by the seller and the buyer in the presence of a notary.

Average property price in Spain — 245 000 € .

If you have not yet decided to buy, then housing can be rented. Most of the rented apartments are furnished. Finding an empty apartment is quite difficult. As well as renting housing for a long time, especially in resort towns. Short-term rentals are easier, but prices can go up a lot during holidays and the holiday season. A mandatory document when renting a home is a short-term or temporary contract. As a rule, rent is charged in advance.

Be aware that many shops and restaurants close during the siesta. In the period from 14:00 to 17:00 in Spain, a traditional afternoon rest.

Tips are usually included in the bill. If not, it is customary to leave 5-10% of the total cost of the order.

You can find toilets in bars and restaurants, airports, train stations, museums, shopping centers. Landmark - signs with inscriptions Servicios or Lavabo. Women's toilet - senoras or damas, male - senores or caballeros.

Many of the locals speak English, but it's good to learn a few phrases in Spanish. It should be noted that in Spain the official language for the whole country is Castilian Spanish, but other languages are also used. In Catalonia, for example, they speak Catalan, while in Galicia they speak Galician.

"Ola" is a universal greeting "gracias"- Thank you, "por favor"- Please.

Visa Information

Spain has long been a member of the Schengen Agreement, so the sequence of actions for obtaining a tourist visa has been worked out literally to automatism.

The maximum stay in Spain on a standard visa is 90 days. However, in some cases, the consulate has the right to issue single or double entry visas valid for 3 months.

Submission of applications for a visa in Moscow is carried out in:

Embassy of Spain (B. Nikitskaya st., 50/8)
Consular section (per. Khlebny, d. 28)
Spanish Consulate General (Stremyanny lane, 31/1)
Visa center (Dubininskaya st., 35).

You can also contact the Consulate General of Spain (Furshtatskaya st., 9) and the Visa Application Center (Shpalernaya st., 54), which are located in St. Petersburg.

Capital of Slovakia, flag, history of the country

School encyclopedia Bulgaria capital

	Portal "Spain"
	Spain in Wiktionary
	in Wikisource
	Spain at Wikimedia Commons

Spain is a short description of the country for schoolchildren. Interesting facts about Spain. State structure and political system of Spain