Facts about Spain

Fact about Spain

A predominant country on the Iberian Peninsula, which occupies almost 85% of its area, has some unique facts of its own. The Strait of Gibraltar separates Spain from the African continent.

The Cantabrian Mountains clearly separate the country into two distinct halves: the rainy north and the dry south. The country comprises mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic. Three main rivers span the country, namely the Ebro in the northeast, Tajo in central Spain, and Guadalquivir in the south.

• Area:

  504,780 square kilometers.

• Population:

  46.80 million

• Currency:

  Euro, formerly Peseta

• Government:

  Parliamentary Monarchy

• Language:

  The official language is Castilian Spanish, with Castellano, Català, Galego, Euskara, and Valencià as co-official languages.

• Religion:

  Roman Catholicism

• Visa:

  Visa is not required for any EU national staying in the country for three months. Other nationals however require a visa.

• Geography:

  Spain is Europe’s fourth largest country including the Canary and Balearic island groups.

• Time:

  It follows the Central European time which runs 1 hr behind GMT.

Interesting Fact about Spain:

• Business:

  Normal working hours for shops across the country are from 9 am to 8 pm from Monday to Saturday. During the afternoon, shops normally stay closed. However, large business houses stay open throughout the day. Restaurants and bars, especially in the city of Madrid, stay closed during the holidays in August.

• Museums:

  Generally remain closed on Mondays and public holidays but stay open on Sunday mornings. Museum hours vary with each season.

• Banks:

  They function on all days throughout the week till Saturday from 9 am till midday or 1 pm. Banking hours are however longer in summers.

• Taxis:

  Taxis for hire are easily identifiable with the green light overhead but tourists should be careful with the meter. Late-night journeys demand extra payment.

• Tipping:

  The people of Spain are not used to big tipping but if one is satisfied with the food one can leave a few coins which will be appreciated.

• National Holiday:

  Spain observes its national day on the 12th of October, because significantly, on the same date in 1492 Columbus set foot in the Americas.

• The Flag of Spain :

  It depicts a Coat of Arms which is the exact replica of the original Coat of Arms worn by King Ferdinand.

• Airports in Spain:

  Spain has almost 61 airports with unpaved runways.

• International Disputes:

  These disputes with the U.K. And Portugal actually date back almost 200 years in history. Dispute with the U.K. Exists over the Rock of Gibraltar and over Olivenza with Portugal.

• Coastline:

  Spain’s vast stretches of coastline serve as the largest area for narcotics trafficking in Europe.

• Foreigners:

  Spain has almost 3.7 million foreigners residing within its territory, almost one-third of the nation’s population.

• Economy:

  Spain’s economy is the 7th largest in the world and this is one of the important Facts about Spain which anyone will admire to know.

Gastronomical Delights:

Olive oil is used in all dishes all over Spain and the food is incomplete without Sherry. Paella, a rice dish of Spain, is renowned throughout the world. Each region serves a specialty of seafood.