Understand the basics of Spain’s geography, history, economy, climate, security and politics at a glance…
Spain is a country situated in the south west of Europe. Along with neighbours Portugal, Andorra, Gibraltar and an area of France, it forms the part of Europe known as the Iberian Peninsula.
Spanish is the official language of the country. Many regions have their own co-official language such as Catalan/Valencian in Catalunya, the Balearic Islands and the Valencian Community, Galego in Galicia and Euskara in the Basque country. There are other unofficial regional languages: Aranese, Asturian, Aragonese, Leonese, Extremaduran and Fala.
Apart from the area surrounding Madrid, the most populated areas lie in the coastal regions of the country. Spain’s population officially reached 46 million in 2008.
