Spain
Spain, located on the Iberian Peninsula in Europe, is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. From the beaches of the Costa del Sol to the architectural wonders of Barcelona and the historic streets of Madrid, Spain offers something for everyone.
The country is famous for its flamenco music and dance, world-class gastronomy, passionate sports culture, and iconic festivals like La Tomatina and Running of the Bulls.
Key Facts:
Travel Info
Climate: Mediterranean climate; hot summers and mild winters, with cooler temperatures in the mountainous regions.
Capital City: Madrid
Main Airport: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Top Airline: Iberia
Major Attraction: Sagrada Família, an iconic basilica in Barcelona designed by Antoni Gaudí.
Cultural Info
Local Greeting: “Hola” (Hello) or “¿Qué tal?” (How’s it going?)
Language: Spanish (official), with regional languages like Catalan, Basque, and Galician
Soccer Teams: Spain National Football Team (“La Roja”), Real Madrid, and FC Barcelona
Nicknames: “La Madre Patria” (The Motherland)
Popular Athlete: Rafael Nadal (tennis player) and Andrés Iniesta (footballer)
Personality: Salvador Dalí (artist) and Penélope Cruz (actress)
Economic Info
GDP/Per Capita: Approx. $31,000 (USD, 2023 estimate)
Top Export: Automobiles, wine, and olive oil
Population/Rank: Approx. 47 million; ranked 30th globally by population
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Iconic Grub:
Top Grub: Paella (a traditional rice dish often made with seafood, chicken, and vegetables)
Recipe: https://www.daringgourmet.com/seafood-paella/
Try this Grub! Tapas (small savory dishes like patatas bravas, jamón, and tortilla española)
Recipe: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/tapas-recipes
Popular Beverage: Sangria (a fruit-infused wine cocktail) and Cava (Spanish sparkling wine)
Where to Grub: https://www.botin.es/ (Sobrino de Botín in Madrid, the oldest restaurant in the world)