Political Overview
Spain is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with Madrid as its capital, seat of both the head of state (King Felipe VI) and the head of government (the Prime Minister). The Spanish Parliament (Cortes Generales) comprises two houses: the Congress of Deputies and the Senate, reflecting a decentralized system that grants significant autonomy to 17 autonomous communities such as Catalonia, Andalusia, and the Basque Country. Since the restoration of democracy in 1978, Spain has been a stable member of the European Union and NATO, playing an active role in European affairs and maintaining strong diplomatic and economic ties worldwide.
Cultural Heritage and Identity
Spain’s cultural identity is celebrated globally for its diverse traditions, from flamenco music and dance in Andalusia to the Basque language and folklore in the north. Spanish cuisine from tapas and paella to regional specialties has earned UNESCO recognition, as have festivals like La Tomatina (Bunyol) and the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona. Spain is also renowned for its contribution to the arts: the works of painters such as Velázquez, Goya, Picasso, and Dalí grace major museums worldwide, while architectural marvels by Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona draw millions of visitors every year.
Geographical Landscape, Area, and Climate
Covering approximately 505,990 km² on the Iberian Peninsula (plus the Balearic and Canary Islands, and two autonomous cities in North Africa), Spain’s terrain ranges from the snow-capped Pyrenees in the north to the sun-drenched beaches of Costa del Sol in the south. The mainland exhibits a Mediterranean climate along the coast warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters while interior regions like Madrid experience hot summers and cold winters. Spain’s varied geography, encompassing mountains, plains, and coastline, underpins its rich biodiversity and makes it one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors to landmarks such as the Alhambra in Granada and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
