Spain Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Spain, state of southwestern Europe; 504,782 km², 46.7 million residents (2019).Spain encompasses the Pyrenees peninsula except Andorra, Portugal and Gibraltar, as well as the two islands of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic, as well as the urban enclaves Ceuta and Melilla on the north coast of Morocco, as well as some adjacent islands. The capital is Madrid (3.2 million residents, 2016).

Country facts

Reino de España / Kingdom of Spain
Country abbreviation: ES (S)
Area: 504 782 km²
Population (2019): 46.7 million residents
Capital: Madrid
Main language: Spanish
State: Monarchy
Head of State: Felipe VI (King)
Head of Government: Pedro Sánchez
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 30,524
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 29,450
Currency unit: euro
Currency code: EUR
Country number (telephony): 34
Internet Domain Names: es
Time difference compared to Sweden: 0
National Day: October 12 (Día de la Hispanidad, commemorating Columbus discovery of America)

Nature

Land use: forest (36%), agricultural land (56%), other (8%)
Highest mountain: Pico de Teide (3,718 m asl)

Population

Population density (2019): 93 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): –0.1%; birth rate 8 ‰, death rate 9 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (15%), 15-64 (66%), 65- (19%)
Average life expectancy (2019): 83 years; men 80 years, women 86 years
Infant mortality (2019): 3 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 50 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.891 (place 26 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 80%
Most populous cities (2016): Madrid (3.2 million residents), Barcelona (1.6 million), Valencia (790,200)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (3%), industry (23%), service (74%)
Exports (2017): US $ 313,700 million
Main export products: machines, cars, food
Main exporting countries: France, Germany, Italy
Imports (2017): US $ 338,600 million
Main import products: machinery, fuel, chemicals
Main importing countries: Germany, France, China
Railway network (2017): 15 300 km

Geography of Spain

Location and Size

Spain is located in Southern Europe, occupying the majority of the Iberian Peninsula, which it shares with Portugal. It is bordered to the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea, to the north and northeast by France and Andorra, and to the west and northwest by Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean. Spain’s total land area is approximately 505,992 square kilometers (195,360 square miles), making it the fourth-largest country in Europe and the largest in Southern Europe.

Topography

Spain’s topography is varied, featuring mountains, plateaus, and coastal plains. The country is dominated by the Iberian Mountain Range, which stretches across the northern part of the country. The Pyrenees, which separate Spain from France, rise in the northeast. Spain’s central region consists of a large plateau known as the Meseta, which is framed by the mountain ranges. The south is characterized by the Sierra Morena mountains, and the southern coast features the Guadalquivir River Valley. The Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa, and the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, are Spanish territories that contribute to the country’s geographical diversity.

Rivers and Lakes

Spain’s rivers are essential for its agriculture and hydroelectric power. The major rivers include the Ebro, the Guadalquivir, the Tagus, and the Duero, which all flow across the country’s various regions. The Ebro, Spain’s longest river, flows from the northeast and empties into the Mediterranean. There are also several lakes, with the largest being Lake Sanabria, located in the northwest. Spain’s rivers and lakes support a wide range of ecosystems and play a critical role in the agricultural economy.

Climate Zones

Spain’s climate is largely Mediterranean, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. However, the country experiences a variety of climates due to its diverse topography and geographic location. The coastal regions of the Mediterranean and the Balearic Islands have a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, while the northern areas, such as the Basque Country and Galicia, have a cooler, oceanic climate with more rainfall. The interior and central plateau, such as in Madrid, have a continental climate, with hotter summers and colder winters. The Canary Islands enjoy a subtropical climate, marked by warm temperatures throughout the year.

Population of Spain

Demographics

As of 2024, Spain has a population of approximately 47 million people, making it the 30th most populous country in the world. The population is concentrated in urban areas, particularly in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Rural areas, especially in the interior, have seen a decline in population as people migrate to cities in search of better economic opportunities. The majority of the population is of Spanish descent, though there are significant communities of immigrants, particularly from Latin America, Europe, and North Africa.

Language

Spanish, also known as Castilian, is the official language of the country and is spoken by the majority of the population. However, Spain is a linguistically diverse country, with several regional languages spoken throughout the country. Catalan is spoken in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and Valencia, where it is known as Valencian. Galician is spoken in Galicia, and Basque, an ancient language with no known relation to any other language, is spoken in the Basque Country and parts of Navarre. These regional languages have co-official status in their respective regions and are used in local government, education, and media.

Religion

Spain has a rich religious history, and while it is a secular state today, the majority of Spaniards identify as Roman Catholic. The Catholic Church has had a profound influence on Spain’s culture, traditions, and holidays. Over the years, there has been a noticeable shift towards secularism, especially among younger generations, and religious observance has declined in recent decades. There are also smaller communities of Protestants, Muslims, Jews, and people of other faiths.

Economy of Spain

Economic Overview

Spain has the 14th largest economy in the world and is a member of the European Union, the Eurozone, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the World Trade Organization (WTO). The country’s economy is diverse, with significant contributions from industries such as tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, and services. Spain is known for its strong tourism sector, which attracts millions of visitors annually to its historical cities, beaches, and cultural attractions.

Agriculture and Industry

Agriculture has historically been important in Spain, with products like olive oil, wine, citrus fruits, and vegetables being major exports. Spain is one of the world’s largest producers of olive oil and is famous for its wine production, particularly in regions like La Rioja and Ribera del Duero. The industrial sector includes automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding, and aerospace, with major companies like SEAT, Iberdrola, and Inditex playing a prominent role. Spain also has a significant chemical and textile industry, and renewable energy is becoming increasingly important, particularly solar and wind power.

Services and Tourism

The services sector, including finance, real estate, telecommunications, and retail, is a key driver of the Spanish economy. Spain has a highly developed banking sector, and its cities are home to numerous multinational corporations and financial institutions. The tourism industry, one of the most important economic sectors in Spain, contributes significantly to both GDP and employment. With landmarks like the Alhambra in Granada, Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and the Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain attracts millions of international tourists annually.

Unemployment and Economic Challenges

Despite Spain’s economic strengths, it faces challenges such as high unemployment rates, particularly among young people, and regional disparities in wealth and development. The country has worked to recover from the effects of the 2008 financial crisis, and while the economy has rebounded in recent years, some regions, particularly in the south, continue to face high unemployment and poverty rates.

Government of Spain

Political Structure

Spain is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The King of Spain, currently King Felipe VI, serves as the ceremonial head of state, while the Prime Minister (currently Pedro Sánchez) is the head of government and holds executive authority. The Spanish Constitution of 1978 established Spain as a parliamentary democracy and granted significant autonomy to its 17 regions, or autonomous communities.

Regions and Autonomy

Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities, each with its own government, legislature, and distinct cultural identity. These regions have varying degrees of autonomy, with some, such as Catalonia and the Basque Country, having their own languages, police forces, and education systems. The regional governments have authority over areas like health, education, and transportation. Spain’s decentralization has been a key element of its political landscape, but it has also led to debates over regional independence, particularly in Catalonia, where there has been a strong push for independence.

Legal System

Spain has a civil law system based on the Constitution and the Spanish Civil Code. The judiciary is independent of the executive and legislative branches, with the Supreme Court being the highest judicial authority. Spain also has a Constitutional Court, which is responsible for interpreting the Constitution. The legal system ensures the protection of individual rights and freedoms, although it has faced criticism at times for inefficiencies in the judicial process.

Culture of Spain

Art and Architecture

Spain boasts a rich cultural heritage, and its contributions to art and architecture are world-renowned. The country is home to some of the most famous artists in history, including Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Francisco Goya. Spanish architecture ranges from the Gothic cathedrals of the Middle Ages to the modernist buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, including the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. The Alhambra in Granada and the Mezquita in Córdoba are prime examples of Islamic architecture in Spain, while the palaces of Madrid showcase Renaissance and Baroque styles.

Music and Dance

Music and dance are integral to Spanish culture, with regional traditions adding to the country’s rich diversity. Flamenco, originating from Andalusia, is perhaps Spain’s most famous dance form and is characterized by passionate guitar music, singing, and rhythmic clapping. Other regional musical traditions include jota in Aragón, sardana in Catalonia, and bagpipes in Galicia. Spanish classical music has also contributed greatly to the world, with composers like Isaac Albéniz and Enrique Granados leaving a lasting legacy.

Cuisine

Spanish cuisine reflects the country’s regional diversity, with each area having its own distinct dishes. Olive oil, garlic, seafood, and cured meats are common ingredients. Tapas, small dishes of food served as appetizers or snacks, are popular throughout the country. Some of Spain’s most iconic dishes include paella, a rice dish originating from Valencia; gazpacho, a cold vegetable soup from Andalusia; and jamón ibérico, a type of cured ham from the Iberian Peninsula. Spain is also known for its wine production, particularly in regions like Rioja and Ribera del Duero.

Festivals

Spain is famous for its lively festivals, which celebrate everything from religious traditions to local customs. Some of the most famous festivals include La Tomatina in Buñol, where participants throw tomatoes at each other; the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, during the San Fermín festival; and Semana Santa, the Holy Week processions in cities like Seville and Málaga. Each region also hosts its own local festivals, which feature traditional music, dance, and food.

History of Spain

Early History

Spain’s history dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of early human settlements and cave paintings, such as those in Altamira, found in the Cantabrian region. The Iberians, Celts, and Phoenicians were some of the earliest civilizations to inhabit the peninsula. The Romans invaded in the 2nd century BCE, and under Roman rule, the Iberian Peninsula became a crucial part of the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Visigoths ruled Spain for several centuries until the Muslim conquest in 711 CE.

Muslim Spain and the Reconquista

In 711 CE, Muslim forces from North Africa, led by Tariq ibn Ziyad, defeated the Visigothic king Roderic and began their conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. This period, known as Al-Andalus, lasted for nearly 800 years, with the Muslims establishing a powerful empire in Spain. During this time, Spain saw significant cultural and intellectual advancements, especially in the fields of science, philosophy, and architecture. The Reconquista, a series of Christian military campaigns to reclaim Iberian territory, lasted from the 8th to the 15th century, culminating in the capture of Granada in 1492.

The Spanish Empire

The union of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile in 1469 laid the foundation for the Spanish Empire, which became one of the largest empires in history. The Spanish Empire expanded through the Americas, Africa, and Asia, and Spain played a dominant role in global trade and colonization. The discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus in 1492 was a pivotal moment in Spanish history, marking the beginning of Spain’s vast overseas empire.

Decline and Modern Spain

The Spanish Empire began to decline in the 17th century, weakened by wars, economic difficulties, and political instability. The Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century led to the loss of many Spanish colonies, and the country experienced significant political turmoil, including civil wars and changes in government. The 20th century saw Spain undergo dramatic shifts, including the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), which resulted in the rise of Francisco Franco’s dictatorship. After Franco’s death in 1975, Spain transitioned to democracy, adopting a new constitution in 1978 and becoming a constitutional monarchy.

Recent History

Spain’s recent history has been marked by economic growth, European integration, and political challenges. The country became a member of the European Union in 1986 and the Eurozone in 1999. However, it has faced challenges such as high unemployment, regional independence movements, and economic crises. Despite these challenges, Spain remains a key player on the global stage, known for its rich culture, history, and economic influence.