This state is located in the southwestern part of Europe and occupies a significant share of the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal borders on the western part of Spain, and Andorra and France on the northern part. With the exception of a small segment, the country is washed on all sides by the waters of the oceans and seas - the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and the Bay of Biscay. It also includes several groups of islands, among which the Canary and Balearic islands are the most significant.
As of October 2011, the population Of Spain amounted to 46, 16 million people, of whom 74% are Spaniards, 5% are Galician, 17% are Catalans, and about 2% are Basques. The British and Moroccans also make up large groups. Spanish is considered the official language, but in the Basque Country they prefer to speak their native Basque, in Catalonia - Catalan, and in Galicia, therefore, in Galician.
In Spain, the euro is used for cash flow. For currency exchange, exchange offices and ATMs are available everywhere. Many tourists pay with credit cards.
Spain is a Catholic country, 95% of its inhabitants confirmed this.
Spain - the capital and major cities
Madrid is the capital of Spain and one of its eight largest cities. Its population is 3.273 million inhabitants. This multinational city-millionaire is not only the economic, but also the cultural center of Spain. It attracts tourists with its centuries-old history, once this city belonged to the Arabs. Its name is translated from Arabic as "source of full water."
Madrid is the second most important industrial center of Spain (after Barcelona) and a serious transport hub.
No less significant cities in Spain are Barcelona, Malaga, Seville, Valencia and Zaragoza.
Spain - holidays and tours
The coast of Spain has more than 2000 beaches, also famous for the resorts of its islands. Winter activities are very popular in this country: due to the special climate, here the ski season lasts for six months a year!
The landscapes of the sultry Spain will serve as an excellent decoration for the wedding ceremony, while the beaches - for the honeymoon. A couple who has recently married should be informed about this at the hotel, as there are a number of special offers and pleasant gifts for the newlyweds.
Spain is just made for family vacations. There is almost always good weather, delicious food, a pleasant warm sea and a wide variety of entertainment. You can visit specialized tours, family resorts, educational and amusement parks, where not only children, but also adults will enjoy.
Now it has become very popular to celebrate Christmas and New Year in Spain. This can be done under palm trees and the hot sun on the islands, at a ski resort or at a street carnival.
Spain - Attractions
There are many reasons to visit this country - the gentle sea and the hot sun, a picturesque combination of golden beaches and soft blue sky. Since Spain is located at the junction of two continents - Africa and Europe, it is natural that such a symbiosis left an indelible mark on the entire face of the country. Every cultured person is simply obliged to one day visit the homeland of passionate carmen and bold toreros. Marvel at the grandeur of the Holy Family Cathedral, once erected by Gaudi. Look at the fiery flamenco dances, bullfight and hear the Spanish guitar. Visit the house of El Greco and the Prado Museum.
Fans of excursions in Spain can find everything that a meticulous local historian can only come to mind. The Salvador Dali Theater Museum, medieval castles, the El Prado art gallery, cathedrals in Seville and Roman monuments, the unique Herald Tower and the Alhambra Palace, the mosque in Cordoba and the royal palaces in La Granja, Madrid and the gardens in Granada Geniralife are simply impossible to list all the wealth of culture and history of this country.
Spain - weather
Spain is conditionally divided into three climatic zones: the north of the country, the southeast coast and the central plateau. The northern part of Spain (Catalonia, Galicia) is influenced by the Adriatic Ocean, it is characterized by moderately warm summers and humid mild winters. On the southeastern coast (Extremadura and Andalusia), the climate is predominantly Mediterranean-type, which is characterized by short, mild winters and hot and dry summers. In this area there is little rainfall, it rains mainly in the autumn-winter period. On the central plateau, the climate is sharply continental, with a tendency to significant differences between the temperatures of night (+ 15 ° C) and day (+ 30 ° C). Winters are cold, dry, while summers are hot and also dry.
The mild and warm climate prevails in the Canary Islands. It has warm water and an average temperature of + 20 ° C throughout the year. The sun shines quite intensely, although it is really hot very rarely.
In general, the subtropical climate of the Mediterranean type can be called dominant in Spain, although it prevails only in the eastern and southern parts of the country.
Weather in Spain now:
Spain - cuisine
The peculiarity of Spanish cuisine is that it is very simple and this is all its splendor. Almost every dish contains sweet peppers, onions, garlic, saffron and herbs. There are at least at least a dozen varieties of each national dish, so the search for the “real” is predetermined to fail. In Spain you should definitely try paella - a rice dish with slices of pork or chicken, vegetables or seafood and tortilla, which is nothing more than a potato omelet with fish, meat and mushrooms. Before lunch or with alcoholic drinks, tapas (light snacks) are served. Also in Spain, sweet cakes, puddings and grilled meat are very popular. Local red wine is in no way inferior to French, so if you can visit the wineries, then pleasant shopping and an informative tour are guaranteed.
Spain - interesting facts
In Spain, it is customary to tip drivers and guides after the tour, in restaurants and bars - 5-10% of the total bill, porters for each seat 1 euro and maid (optional) - 1 euro per day.
Spain - visa application
Spain concluded the Schengen agreement, therefore entry into it is available only to those who have a Schengen visa. The exception is foreigners with a permit for permanent or long-term residence in the EU countries. A visa costs 35 euros.
Spain - Embassy
Moscow, Bolshaya Nikolskaya street, 50/8
tel. 202-21-80, 916-54-34, 916-54-00
Map of spain
