Spain

General Information about Spain

Spain has about 50% of its territory as high plateaus and mountains with the rest spread across the range of grasslands, desert zones and plains. Its capital is Madrid and the population is 45 million. Its sits on the Atlantic Ocean to the West, and the Mediterranean Sea to the Southeast. Countries on its borders include Portugal to the West, France and Andorra to the North, Gibraltar to the South and Morocco across the Straits of Gibraltar.

With Spanish history dating back to the first human inhabitation in 800000 BC Spain's many museums have preserved the archeology, history and art of this country. One of the richest museums is the Prado Museum in Madrid which houses one of the finest collection of art by artists such as Goya, Ruebens and El Greco. Spain still has 2500 castles remaining in varying conditions as testament to the building skills of the early conquerors. Almodovar in the Cordoba region is one of Spain's best preserved castle, was built in 740 AD and is open to the public. Spain is famous for its bullfighting and bullrings can be found in most Spanish towns.

There are numerous opportunities for the outdoor enthusiasts with the varied terrain offering hiking and walking trails, white water rafting, plentiful fishing options and of courses the ski fields of the mountain regions in the winter time.

Accommodation is available from five star hotels, apartments, hostels, camp sites and rural farm houses suitable for all budgets.

Spain Photo Gallery (8 of 476 Photos)

View of Magic Fountain of Montjuic and beyond	View of Barcelona from MNAC museum	Central Towers and old Bull Fighting Ring	National Museum of Catalunya
Monument in Placa Espanya	MNAC museum from waterfall area	Central Towers at Placa Espanya	Port Vell in Barcelona

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Climate

Find out about the annual climate in Spain

Spain is known for its warm Mediterranean climate where you can enjoy over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. Spain is one of the warmest countries in Europe where you can experience dry summers and winters with balanced temperatures. Mention should be made to the Canary Islands which faces the coast of Africa where they boast mild temperatures all year round with an average of 22'C. On the other hand if you are traveling to some of the higher parts of the country you will experience some harsher weather. For example Pyrenees, Nevada, the mountains of Sierra and the Cantabrian Mountains it is common to see snow from the beginning of winter to the end of spring.

Economy

Find more about the economy of Spain

Spain is the world's largest producer of olive oil, lemons, oranges and strawberries. They also produce large crops of wheat, tomatoes, olives, sugar beets, grapes and cork. The renown wine regions are Rioja in the upper Ebro valley, Malaga and Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia. Fish canning is also a major industry particularly on the Atlantic coast. Sardines, cod, anchovies and tuna are all important sources of the countries livelihood. They also produce Motor vehicles, diesel and electric motors in addition to consumer products like shoes, toys, radios, televisions and home appliances in addition to iron, steel, and chemicals.

Geography

Geographical information about Spain

To the north of Spain you will find Bay of Biscay, France and Andorra, on the east side is the Mediterranean Sea and on the south is the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean on the west by Portugal. In the south west Spain is separated from Africa by 13 km wide Strait of Gibraltar. Spain is occupied by around 85 percent of the Iberian Peninsula and is surrounded by 88 percent of ocean. Spains Mediterranean coast is 1,660 km (1,030 miles) long, and the Atlantic coast is 710 km (440 miles) long.

Festivals and Events

Festivities of Spain

When travelling in Spain you are sure come across a festival or event at any time of the year. If you are a music lover July is the month to visit where you can enjoy the Festival de Cordoba the international guitar festival. Make sure you don't miss the running of the bull festival San Fermin. If its food fights your into you must go to the Tomatina Tomato Fight the worlds biggest food-fight where around 3,000 people descent on the Spanish town of Bunol to throw more than 240,000 pounds of tomatoes at each other. The festival is held on the last Wednesday of August.

Spain Destinations

Travel Guides for Destinations in Spain

Apartments in Spain

Attractions, Activities and Tours in Spain

Car Rentals in Spain

Guesthouses in Spain

Hostels in Spain

Hotels in Spain

European Explorer would like to wish you an enjoyable stay in Spain.