a brief study of spain

8/11/2019 A Brief Study of Spain

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Name: Abhishek Das

Course: MAMM

Semester: 1st

Course Code: MAM146

Presented To: Ms. Neha Sharma

Date: 16thSeptember, 2013

Enrolment No:A2000413047

Topic : A study of Spanish Culture


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A brief study of Spain & its CultureSpainis 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 of mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands in

the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic. Three main rivers span the country,

namely Ebro in north-east, Tajo in central Spain and Guadalquivir in the south.

Fast Fact about Spain:

Area: 504,780 square kilometers.

Population: 40,341,462 (approx)

Currency: Euro, formerly Peseta.

Government: Parliamentary Monarchy

Language: Official language is Castilian Spanish, however many other language dialects

are also in use.

Religion: Roman Catholicism

Visa: Visa is not required for any EU national staying in the country for three months.

Other nationals however require 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.

The variety of cultures in Spain derives from the seventeen autonomous regions located

within the country. These regions include: Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, the Balearic Islands, the

Basque Country, the Canary Islands, Cantabria, Castile La Mancha, Castile and Len, Catalonia,

Valencia, Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja, Comunidad de Madrid, Murcia and Navarre. Through

the eyes of some, the intense diversity of Spain provides a source of pride; through others

eyes, however, the many regional differences surface as a source of friction due to lack of

overall unity. Spain is sometimes even referred to as The Spains.


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Spanish Art

Early Works

Aside from important prehistoric remains, including cave paintings at Altamira and at Cogul,

near Lleida (see Paleolithic art), the earliest monuments date from the Roman occupation (3d

cent. B.C.5th cent. A.D.). Little remains of the works of the Visigothic period (6th7th cent.),

although crude classical motifs were used, especially in the decorative sculpture. Such

Visigothic monuments as the Church of San Juan de Baos in the province of Palencia (A.D. 661)

suggest a possible Middle Eastern influence in the use of a flattened horseshoe arch.

Moorish and Asturian Influences

The full horseshoe arch introduced by the Moors (8th

cent.) and extensively employed in the famous mosque

at Crdoba (8th10th cent.). In their palaces and

mosques the Moors developed certain architectural

features that have remained part of the Spanish

tradition down to the present day.

Moorish interiors, subdivided into isolated units, are

cool and graceful and utilize intricate effects of light

and shadow, as in the famous Court of the Lions in

theAlhambra (Granada).

By 850 the Moors had conquered all Spain except the Asturias region. Characteristic of Asturian

churches (9th cent.) is a basilican plan with square apses, rounded arches, and balustered

windows.

The Romanesque Period

During the Romanesque period (11th12th cent.) Christian

Spain in general exhibited characteristics common to the Romanesque

style of Europe, but with traces of Middle Eastern influence. The

cathedral at Santiago de Compostela (11th12th cent.) reveals striking

analogies in both architecture and sculpture to Burgundian works.
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The Gothic Period: Art

Early Gothic sculpture was predominantly influenced by French

models. In the 15th and early 16th cent. there were strong Flemish

and German trends.Retables and choir stalls were elaborately

sculptured and polychromed, the former being sometimes made of

alabaster. Remarkable examples include those in the cathedrals of

Tarragona, Seville, and Toledo. At the end of the 15th cent. Gil deSiloe executed the magnificent retable and royal monuments in the

church of Miraflores (near Burgos), representative of a late Gothic

realism.

A successful combination of Moorish and Flemish elements

was developed in the works of the painter Fernando Gallego.

The Renaissance and Mannerism

In the 16th cent. Italian sculptors working in Spain, such as Jacopo

Fiorentino, Domenico Fancelli, and Pietro Torrigiano, did much to

popularize Renaissance motifs, which were combined with Gothic

and Mudjar in works of theplateresque style. An outstanding

monument of the plateresque style is the cathedral of Granada by

Diego Siloe. Typical of the more ornamental plateresque are the

facade of the Univ. of Salamanca (c.152030) and that of the

Convent of San Marcos (Len). A more developed High

Renaissance style appears in such works as the unfinished palace

of Charles V (Granada), designed by Pedro Machuca, and

theEscorial,designed by Juan Bautista de Toledo and finished byJuan de Herrera.

The Baroque Period

The baroque period (17thmid 18th-

century) was marked by decisive

affirmation of native taste and individual

genius in all the arts. Polychrome religious

sculptures by Juan Martnez Montas,

Alonso Cano, and Pedro de Mena

exemplify characteristic effects of extremerealism and an inward spirituality. Similarly

in painting, sobriety of color and insistent

naturalism, as well as dramatic contrasts of

light and shade, were typical of such

masters as Ribalta, Ribera, Navarrete, and

Zurbarn, who are sometimes linked with Caravaggio and the Italians known for their dark

palettes, termed tenebrosi [gloomy]. However, the outstanding master of the period was

Velzquez, one of the greatest figures in the history of art.
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Spanish Architecture

The Gothic Period

With the gradual unification of the Spanish kingdoms, there was increasedprosperity and artistic activity during the Gothic period (13thmid-16th

cent.). Castilian architecture was basically French-inspired, although a

distinctly native taste can be felt in the proportions and more ornate

decorative features. Outstanding examples include the cathedrals of

Burgos, Toledo, and Len, the last remarkable also for its stained glass.

Moorish & Austrian Influences

By 850 the Moors had conquered all Spain except the

Asturias region. Characteristic of Asturian churches (9th

cent.) is a basilican plan with square apses, rounded

arches, and balustered windows. In Santa Maria de

Naranco (mid-9th cent.) is found one of the earliest uses

of barrel vaulting in the Middle Ages. The art and

architecture of the Mozarabs (9th11th cent.), combining

Asturian and Moorish features, produced some of the

most original and interesting European buildings of the

time.

Baroque Architecture

In architecture an extreme reaction against the severity and restraint of

Renaissance forms manifested itself in the Churrigueresque style, which was

characterized by animation of surface, play of light and shade effects, and an

exaggeration and sumptuousness of ornament. Examples of

Churrigueresque architecture include the Transparente in Toledo cathedral

and the sacristy of the Cartuja (Granada).


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Spanish Cuisine

Andalus ia, a mel ting po t o f cul tu res and cuis ines

The Romans taught the Andalusian how to cultivate wheat and vines and used the fish from the seas toproduce the best "garum" in the empire. The Arabs taught the Andalusians how to grow fruit and

vegetables. They used irrigation systems and improved the cultivation of olive trees and the production ofoil. Furthermore, the Greeks, Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Visigoths left their mark on the art, science,culture and gastronomy of Andalusia.

Regional Favorite Dishes:Andalus ian fried f ish, Smal l cut tlefi sh wi th broad beans

Region of Murc ia, the market garden of Spain

The Region of Murcia serves authentic Mediterranean cooking: cereals, vegetables and olive oil are thebase of this cuisine, which finds its source of inspiration in the market garden - natural, authentic, tastyand with a character all of its own. The roasts, salted fish, fish and shellfish from the Mar Menor areequally appreciated. However, the Region of Murcia is also well-known for its rice, sausages, preservedfoods, nuts, aromatic plants, fruit and confectionery.

The most important ingredient used in Murcian cuisine is the vegetable. Vegetables are found innearly every dish. Fresh broad beans are fried with onion; dry broad beans are cooked in the famous"michirones" (ham and chorizo stews); sweet young garlic is present in nearly every casserole or can beserved with scrambled eggs, with lightly fried onion and tomato and chard or in a potato omelette; thistlein almond sauce; "zarangollo" (pumpkin, onion and tomato); sweet broad beans to accompany saltedmeat, fish or sausage as a starter or side dish; artichokes with pine nuts; roast pepper salad; cauliflower,

green beans, artichokes and peppers... are vital ingredients to prepare the typical rice and vegetable dish,a must for all visitors to Murcia.

Regional Favorite Dishes : Rice in the pot, Paparajotes.

Astu rias, a natural and cu linary parad ise

Without a doubt, Asturias is a magnificent natural sea, mountain and country paradise with a very diverseenvironment. Protected on one side by the Bay of Biscay and on the other by the Picos de Europamountain range, this region has always been isolated and protected from possible invasions andtherefore has many deep-routed traditions and rituals. The typical Asturian is friendly and open, alwayswilling to receive outsiders who wish to get to know their land. Its cuisine is based on cider, fabada (beanstew) and cheese, together with shellfish and fish.

If Asturian cuisine had to be described in few words, it could be defined as slow cooking over lowheat. The Asturians do not use many spices or other condiments in their dishes which could distort thenatural taste of the ingredients. The kitchens use old-style stoves which conjure up an atmosphere fromanother era, contrasting strongly with the stress of modern day life. Asturians delight in their stews, the"fabada" being the queen of them all.

Regional Favorite Dishes : Caldereta de pescado' (fish stew), Rice pudding

The Basque Country, a culinary paradise

With regards food, the Basque Country is probably the most important tourist destination in Spain. Acoastal and border region, whose very varied culinary delights are due to the mixture of sea and mountaincultures with modern top-quality cooking. This trend emerged over the last decades with the appearance


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of the so-called Basque Nouvelle Cuisine. But most importantly, the good food is a reflection of thecharacter of the Basque people, a people devoted to tradition and good food, the centre of any socialoccasion. The Basque Country, a culinary paradise

Due to its geographical position in the Bay of Biscay, the Basques have been avid sailors for manycenturies. Its constant fishing on the shore of Terranova has resulted in the consumption of cod on mass.The cod is a fish which in the past was consumed on the mainland to fight off the famine and which todayhas been converted into a delicacy, forming part of numerous recipes. The sauces which have emergeddue to this fish - "pil pil" (garlic), Biscay sauce, green sauce, "ajoarriero" (eggs and garlic) - have becomereal institutions over the years and are proof of the region's age-long capacity of producing sophisticated

meals with the excellent raw materials at hand.

Regional Favorite Dishes :'Marmitaco' (fish and potato stew), Eels 'Bilbana' style.

Catalonia, maximum expression of cul inary character

As with nearly all cultures, Catalonian cooking has great character. Its innovative cooking often lookingback to history for inspiration. Although ultimately Mediterranean, Catalonia has been influenced byvarious cultures over the centuries: the Greeks, Romans, the Italians in the eighteenth century and theFrench have all left their mark on this complex cuisine. Catalonia has absorbed the best of each countryand created a culinary package which forms part of the popular wisdom of the region.The Catalonian cuisine uses the same ingredients as in other Mediterranean regions: tomatoes, garlic,fresh herbs, olive oil (particularly those of the Denomination of Origin Garrigues and Siurana, prepared

using the variety of olive called the "arbequina"), onions, cod The traveller is sometimes reminded ofdishes from Provence, Rosellon, Naples or Sicily: cities which invaded the Kingdom of Aragon of whichmodern Catalonia formed part.Regional Favorite Dishes : 'Escalivada' (Roast aubergine and peppers), Cod esqueixada

The Region of Valencia... the Mediterranean Diet

The cuisine from the Region of Valencia enjoys great prestige at both a national and international level.Its traditional recipes are prepared using natural ingredients such as oil, vegetables, spices, fruit, freshmeat or fish and has come to be known as "the Mediterranean Diet". The incredible variety of rice dishesand desserts is outstanding. All this without forgetting the great variety of fruit which the Region ofValencia produces in abundance. Its traditional soft drinks have also become well-known, such as tigernut milk ("horchata de chufa"). Its long wine-growing tradition has given rise to a delicious range of wineswith their Denominations of Origin, which when added to the local soups comprise some of the mostexquisite recipes of Valencian cooking.

Regional Favorite Dishes :Fideu, Eels in 'all i pebre'


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Spanish Dances

Jota Aragonesa:This typical dance hails from the north of Spain,

namely Aragn, and features a fast tempo as couples dance with

their hands raised high above their heads playing castanets. Moorish

influences are probable, as it is loosely attributed to a Moorish poet

who was kicked out of Valencia during the 12th century

Sardana:Several couples join hands and dance in a closed circle inthis traditional dance from Catalonia.

Mueira: Danced in twos or alone along to the music of bagpipes,

this traditional "Miller's Dance" is typical throughout Galicia and

Asturias.

Zambra: The zambra began as a Moorish dance, but with monarchs

Fernando and Isabel's reconquista of Spain, the Moors were able to

conserve the dance by adapting it to Spanish dance customs.

Bolero: One of the oldest and most traditional dances of the history of

Spanish dance, the bolero is a quick Spanish dance boasting sudden

pauses and sharp turns.


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Fandango:At one point the most famous dance of Spain, the fandango is

a lively, happy Spanish danced in two's.

Paso doble:A quick one-step Spanish dance.

Flamenco:A passionate dance hailing from gypsies, flamenco is internationally

famous.

Sevillana: Lively and joyous dance typical of Seville and reminiscent of flamenco that features four

distinct parts.


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Spanish Festivals

La Tomatina - Valencia Tomato Fight Festival

August. Bunol. Valencia.

Every year around 30,00 people descend on the Spanish town of Bunol (in the Valencia region of Spain)

to throw more than 240,000 pounds of tomatoes at each other as part of the La Tomatina festival.

Tamborrada de San Sebastian/The San Sebastian Drum Festival.January. San Sebastian, Basque Country.

A march to the deafening sounds of drums, as groups of drummers parade through the city on the nightof the first day of the year. The next morning, the "Tamborrada Infantil" (Child Drummer's Ceremony) iscelebrated.

La Endiablada/The Disguised Devils February. Cuenca, Castilla y La Mancha.People of this village celebrate disguised as devils in this festival of prehistoric origin. The young boys ofthe town dressed as devils - wearing pants and jackets painted in bright designs, with large cowbells tiedto their waists, and multicolored paper hats, which are replaced later on with cardboard bishop mitres -run through the streets, dance at the entrance and inside the church, pretend to wash the statue of SanBlas, and march in procession with it to the uninterrupted sound of the cowbells.

Fallas de San JoseMarch. Valencia.This Fiesta dates from the Middle Ages, but it did not acquire the personality we know today until themiddle of the last century. The festivites include a nighttime parade; a procession of the old towns ofValencia; the offerings of flowers to Nuestra Senora de los Desamparados (Our Lady of the Forsaken),patroness of the city; and the famous "Nit del Foc" (Night of the Fire), on which all the "fallas" (grotesqueand humorous scenes made up of carboard figures) are burned.

Feria de Abril/Apr il FairApril. Sevilla, Andalucia.Shortly after Holy Week, the Seville Fair opens, brimming over with joy and full of spectacularity. Morning,evening and night - the height being at midday during the long cavalcade of riders, and late at night whenthe spirit takes over the thousand throats of the "cantaores" (flamenco singers) and the legs and arms ofthe "bailaoras" (dancers) with their four sevillanas - the Real de la Feria blazes with multicolored tents,wreaths and paper lanterns outlined against the sky.

Fiesta de Moros y Crist ianos (Moors and Christians)April 22 to April 24. Alicante, Valencia.Starting with the feast of the Holy Christ, in Valverde del Jucar (Cuenca) in January and ending with the"Moorish King" in Agost (Alicante) in December, almost one hundred and fifty celebrations of "Moors andChristians" take place over the length and breadth of the country. The majority are found in Alicantewhere the festivities become livelier and more numerous as the days pass. As early as the 17th century,groups of Moors and Christians drove through the town accompanied by noisy bands, after which a"battle" ensues, ending with the triumph of the followers of the Cross, who surround the Moors and defeatthem. Everything goes on amidst the noise of fireworks and the ringing of bells.

Festival de los Patios Cordobeses/The Cordoba Patio Festival.

May. Cordoba, Andalucia.This centuries-old festival includes the pilgrimage of the conquering Virgin of the Linares Sanctuaryacross the countryside with horsemen and richly decorated coaches, a competition of Mary Crosses anda Patio, Iron Grille and Balcony Contest in which the patios, small side street and plazas so typical of thecity are filled with flowers.

Corpus ChristiMay 29. Toledo, Castilla y La Mancha.The nun Juliana of Liege used to have a strange vision every time she began to pray, in which a full moonappeared with its center darkened by shadow. Finally, Jesus himself told her of the significance of thevision: the bright circle signified all liturgical celebrations and these were only darkened by the absence ofa feast day dedicated to the exaltation of the actual presence of Christ in the Eucharist (which was
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Spanish Music

The Music of Spain has a vibrant and long history which has had an important impact on music

inWestern culture. Although the music of Spain is often associated with traditions likeflamenco and

theacoustic guitar, Spanish music is in fact incredibly diverse from region to region. Flamenco, for

example, is anAndalusian musical genre, which, contrary to popular belief, is not widespread outside that

region. In contrast, the music ofGalicia andAsturias, in the north, which has ancient celtic roots, hasmore in common with the music ofIreland andFrance than with the uniqueBasque music right nearby.

Other regional styles of folk music abound in Aragon,Catalonia,Valencia,Castile,Llin andAsturias.

Spain has also had an important role within the history ofclassical music fromRenaissance composers

like Toms Luis de Victoria to thezarzuela ofSpanish opera to the passionateballets of Manuel de

Falla and the guitaristPepe Romero. The contemporary music scene in Spain, centered

inMadrid andBarcelona, has made contributions to contemporary music within the areas

ofPop,rock,hip hop,andheavy metal music.

Traditional Music

About 1000 BC. Celtic people settled in northwest Spain. The Celtic culture and society established many

musical traditions. Most commonly used are the gaita (bagpipes), drums, flutes, clarinet, and harps.

Also along the northern region of Spain there are the Basques. Basque music uses a lot of vocals,

specifically choir-singing, in their music. They have some unique musical instruments: the Txalaparta (a

wooden instrument played with sticks), and the Txistu (a one-handed shepherd's flute), and the Alboka (a

horn-clarinet). They also use various trumpets and drums.

From the northeastern part of Spain we get the Jota-music style. It has spread over all of Spain and has a

relatively up-beat, rhythmic style, characterized by repeating patterns and tonality. Castanets, flutes,

tambourines and other instruments (like the guitarro) are used along with vocals. In other parts of Spain

the Jota style changes. Sometimes it has a slower beat.

The Flamenco was born in Andalusia (southern Spain), and is known worldwide by its exotic personality.

As it spread to the other Andalusian provinces each added to it. The blend that stuck is mostly from the

nomadic gypsies influence, however, some might claim that the Moors introduction of a guitar-like

instrument ('al Khitara') is just as significant, as today, the guitar is very important in the Flamenco. The

strings of the guitar are played one at a time - plucked interchangeably. The dance, drums, and hand-

clapping, are a part of the modern Flamenco as well.

Other styles that are well-known for their music and dance styles are: Bolero, Fandango, Mueira, Paso

Doble, Sardana, Sevillanas, and the Zambra.

Popular Music of Today

The influences of traditional music can definitely be seen today, especially in the rising popularity of Celtic

music. And now the influence of modern music has brought rock, hip-hop, and rap into the mix.

Famous Spanish Art ists: Enrique Iglesias, El Fary, Charo
http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_culturehttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flamencohttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acoustic_guitarhttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acoustic_guitarhttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acoustic_guitarhttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andalusiahttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galicia_(Spain)http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asturiashttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtichttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irelandhttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francehttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basque_musichttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aragonhttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataloniahttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valencian_Communityhttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castile_(historical_region)http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Le%C3%B3nhttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asturiashttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_musichttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissancehttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom%C3%A1s_Luis_de_Victoriahttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zarzuelahttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_operahttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balletshttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuel_de_Fallahttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuel_de_Fallahttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepe_Romerohttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madridhttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcelonahttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pop_musichttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_musichttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hip_hophttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_metal_musichttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_metal_musichttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hip_hophttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_musichttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pop_musichttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcelonahttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madridhttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepe_Romerohttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuel_de_Fallahttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuel_de_Fallahttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balletshttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_operahttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zarzuelahttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom%C3%A1s_Luis_de_Victoriahttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissancehttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_musichttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asturiashttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Le%C3%B3nhttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castile_(historical_region)http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valencian_Communityhttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataloniahttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aragonhttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basque_musichttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francehttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irelandhttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtichttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asturiashttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galicia_(Spain)http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andalusiahttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acoustic_guitarhttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flamencohttp://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_culture


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Spanish Sports

Dominated by football a varied number of sprang up in the country in the age of twenties. Various

other popular sports include tennis, cycling, formula one etc.

Football

The Spanish football team is currently the giant of the game and is reigning in their age ofsupremacy. They have been successful and have qualified for the FIFA World Cup tournament thirteen

times since 1930. They have also won the tournament for the first time in 2010, defeating Netherlands.

La Liga is the or Premiera Division is considered one of the most toughest of the game with the lights of

teams like FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Tennis

Rafael Nadal is considered the greatest Spanish tennis player of all time. He has won the French

Open for four consecutive times, twice, and altogether won eight Roland Garros titles surpassing Bjrn

Borg's record of six French Open titles. After defeating then world number #1 Roger Federer, Nadal

claimed the Wimbledon trophyand became only the second Spaniard to do so. He also won the 2009

Australian Open, the first male Spaniard to do so. In 2009, he became the first player ever to

simultaneously hold Grand Slam titles on clay, grass, and hardcourt. In addition, Nadal is the Gold

Medalist at 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. As of now he has won 13 grand slam trophies;

constituting eight French Open titles, two Wimbledon titles, two US Open title and one Australian Open

title.

Formula One

In Formula One the two world championships of Fernando Alonso, in 2005 and 2006, have made the

sport popular in Spain. It was, until 2012, the only country to host two Grands Prix, the Spanish Grand

Prix in Barcelona and the European Grand Prix on the Valencia Street Circuit, which was discontinued

for 2013. Since 2013 the Spanish Grand Prix alternates annually between Circuit de Catalunya in

Barcelona and the Valencia Street Circuit, with Catalunya beginning the cycle.

a brief study of spain

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