“Spain is Different” goes the phrase from the national tourist board … “Europe ends at the Pyrenees” is another well quoted phrase from the guidebooks. Although not factually correct, there is a some truth in this phrase as this fun loving country in south-western Europe bears little resemblance to any of its European neighbours. Below you’ll find a selection of useful links which provide some general background information about Spain as well as useful information for visitors. For specific information about how to get around once you arrive take a look at Travel in Spain.
Basic Facts & Information
Facts About Spain
The total population of Spain is about 46 million people with 3.5 million living in the capital city of Madrid.
Population of Spain
The Spanish people are a mixture of the indigenous peoples of the Iberian Peninsula with the successive peoples who occupied the peninsula over extensive periods.
Economy of Spain
The production of wine and olive oil are key agricultural products. The manufacturing and mining sectors have declined heavily whilst tourism represents the major income earner.
History of Spain
The history of Spain dates back to the cave paintings at Altamira from 15,000 BC. It is a story of indigenous Iberian peoples and successive conquerers, of discovery and wealth, of fascism and democracy.
Geography of Spain
Geography of Spain
Spain makes up 85% of the Iberian Peninsular with Portugal representing the rest. Almost 90% of its periphery is surrounded by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
Map of Spain
Spain is the fourth largest country in Europe after Russia, the Ukraine and France.
Regions of Spain
Excluding Spain’s North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, the country is divided into 17 autonomous communities. Each of these regions contains a number of provinces. There are 50 provinces in total which make up the political and administrative map of Spain.
Useful Information for Visitors
Miscellaneous
Goldcar Car Rental
In can be a difficult decision deciding which car hire company to book with when visiting Spain. This article explains why you should avoid booking with a company called Goldcar who seem to offer excellent online prices but disguise all the hidden extras that they’ll charge you when you collect your car.
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