About Spain

Spain, also known as the Kingdom of Spain, is a European country established in the fifteenth century. It is a democracy formed of a parliamentary government under constitutional monarchy. Madrid is the capital and largest city in the country. Spanish is the official language nationwide, but several regional languages are also recognized. Spain is a developed country with the eighth-largest economy in the world and is currently a member of NATO and the European Union.

History

Spain became part of the Roman Empire in 206 B.C. It was then called Hispania. In 412 A.D., the region came under the rule of the Visigoth leader Ataulf. He ruled first in the name of the Roman Empire and later independently. Muslims gained control of the country in 711. Gradually, Christians came into power in Spain. They finally extinguished the last of Muslim rule in 1492. Spain became the strongest European country throughout the sixteenth and into the seventeenth centuries. France invaded Spain in the nineteenth century, and internal struggles left the country torn. In the twentieth century, a civil war left Spain under the rule of an authoritarian government. Democracy was restored to the country in 1978, and in 1986 Spain joined the European Union.

Geography

The Canary Islands

Spain is located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It is bordered by Portugal to the west, Gibraltar and Morocco to the south and Andorra to the northeast. Spain also includes the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and several uninhabited islands on the Strait of Gibraltar.

Features

Mountains in Almeria, Spain

The country's mainland consists of many high plateaus and mountain ranges. Several major rivers run through Spain including the Tagus, the Ebro and the Duero rivers. Alluvial plains are found along the country's coast. Spain's climate is diverse, with areas of continental Mediterranean climate, Mediterranean climate, oceanic climate and subtropical climate.

Size

Spain is the fifty-first largest country in the world at 195,884 square miles. It boasts a population of 45,200,737. The population density stands at 90 people per square kilometer, or 231 square miles.

Effects

Classical building in Coruna, Galicia, Spain

Spanish art and architecture is influential and important throughout Europe. A great number of influences are exhibited due to the historical, geographical and generational diversity of the country. Spain's extensive history of many different cultural influences due to its location has also led to unique cuisine.

Misconceptions

Flamenco music is popularly believed to be "Spanish music." However, this type of music is not widespread outside of the Andalusia region from whence it came. A variety of styles of folk music are popular throughout the country as well as pop, rock, hip-hop and heavy metal.

Resources

• Pearson Education: Spain--History, Geography, Government and Culture
• Wikipedia: Spain