España

Where is Spain?• On the Iberian Peninsula

• Comprises of mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic

• The Strait of Gibraltar separates Spain from the African continent.

Mountains and RiversThe Cantabrian Mountains separates the country into 2 distinct halves:• Rainy North• Dry South

There are 3 main rivers:• Ebro in north-east• Tajo in Central Spain• Guadalquivir in the South

How big is Spain?Total Area:505,992 square kilometers

Population:46,464,000 (2014)

Currency

Euro

Government

Parliamentary Monarchy

Official LanguageCastilian Spanish

Other language dialects are also in use

ReligionRoman Catholicism

Visa• A visa is not required for any EU

(European Union) national staying in the country for 3 months.

• Other nationals however require a visa.

Museums• Generally remain closed on

Mondays and public holidays but stays open on Sunday mornings.

• Museum hours vary each season.

Business• Normal working hours for shops across

the country are from 9am to 8pm, Monday-Saturday• During the afternoon, shops normally stay

closed.• Large business stay open throughout the

day.• Restaurants and bars, especially in Madrid,

stay closed during the holidays in August.

Tipping•The people of Spain are not

used to big tipping, but if one is satisfied with the food one can leave a few coins which will be appreciated.

National Holiday

October 12, the same date in 1492 when Columbus set foot in the Americas.

FlagDepicts a Coat of Arms which is the exact replica of the original Coat of Arms worn by King Ferdinand.

Airports

There are 154 Airports in Spain.

Disputes

Disputes with the United Kingdom and Portugal dates back to almost 200 years in history.

Disputes with the U.K. exists over the Dispute with Portugal exists over Rock of Gibraltar. Olivenza.

ForeignersAlmost one-third of the nation’s population are

foreigners.

Food• Olive oil is used in all dishes.

• Paella is a very popular rice dish that is known all over the world.

• A seafood specialty is served in every region of Spain.

Banks

• They function on all days throughout the week until Saturday, from 9am until midday or 1pm.

• Banks have longer hours in the summer.

EconomySpain has the 14th largest

economy in the world.

TaxisTaxis for hire are easily

identifiable with the green light overhead, but tourist should be

careful with the meter.