Anyone interested in living in Spain, or investing in Spanish property, should know at least a little about the country:
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 a constitutional monarchy. Madrid is the capital of Spain and the largest city in the country. Spanish is the official language nationwide, but several regional languages are also recognised. 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. and was then called Hispania. In 412 A.D., the region came under the rule of the Visigoth leader Ataulf, who ruled first in the name of the Roman Empire, and later independently. Muslims gained control of the country in 711, then gradually, Christians came into power in Spain, and 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, until in the twentieth century, a civil war left Spain under the rule of an authoritarian government, in the person of General Franco. Democracy was restored to the country upon his death in 1978, and in 1986 Spain joined the European Union.
Geography
Spain is 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.
Spain’s mainland consists of many high plateaus and mountain ranges, while several major rivers run through the country, including the Tagus, the Ebro, and the Duero rivers. Alluvial plains are found along the coast. Spain’s climate is diverse, with 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 kilometre.
Features
Spanish art and architecture are 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.
Music
Flamenco music is popularly believed to be the only Spanish music. However, although this type of music is widespread outside of the Andalusia region from whence it came, a variety of folk music styles are popular throughout the country; each area has its own special style, as well as Spanish and international pop, rock, hip-hop and heavy metal.