SPAIN

LOCATION AND LANDFORMS

• Southwestern Europe, bordering the Mediterranean sea
• Pyrenees Mountains
• Iberian Peninsula

MAP OF SPAIN

TOURISM

Granada's Alhambra Palace is Europe's favourite tourist destination. In 2012, a total of 2.26 million visitors went to explore this spectacular Arab complex which dates back to the Mediaeval era in Spain – an increase on the 2.18 million in 2011, which shows that the recession is no barrier to enjoying this historical gem.

Protected from strong winds by steep cliffs and islands, La Concha in San Sebastian is said by many to be one of the best city beaches in Europe, let alone Spain. Here you can go surfing, walk along the promenade in search of good restaurants and enjoy the beautiful views of the beach.

HISTORY

Spain remained neutral in World War I and II but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39). A peaceful transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco FRANCO in 1975, and rapid economic modernization (Spain joined the EU in 1986) gave Spain a dynamic and rapidly growing economy and made it a global champion of freedom and human rights.

LANGUAGE

RELIGION

CULTURE

The culture of Spain is known for its folklores in different regions of Spain. A mixed culture has emerged in the recent time in Spain with the increasing migration of Europeans to Spain. The primitive traditions of the time of medieval age are matters of pride for the culture of Spain

FESTIVALS/HOLIDAYS

The San Fermin Festival, where the Pamplona Bull Run takes place, runs for one week in early July. It takes place in the he city of Pamplona, capital of the Navarra region, near the Basque Country (north Spain). It is when the Pamplona Bull Run is a week-long bull running and bullfighting festival. Every morning at 8am, the city's brave and the world's foolhardy run ahead of a group of angry bulls. The rest of us look on in amazement.

The Tomatina Tomato Fight takes place on the fourth Wednesday in August. The battle happens in the small town of Buñol, an hour outside Valencia. The Tomatina Tomato Fight is probably the world's biggest food fight. Thousands of people gather in the streets of the tiny town of Buñol to fling tomatoes at each other.

SPORTS

The most popular sport in Spain is soccer. Some teams are the Real Madrid, and the Valencia.

FACT

Spain produces a large amount of renewable energy, including wind power and solar power.