SPANIA

SPAIN is a country situated in southwestern Europe, occupying most of the Iberian

Peninsula and the Balearic Islands and the Mediterranean Pityuse and the Canary
Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, and a member of the European Union. Has exit to the
Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea; to the West it borders with Portugal, and
to the North-East with France and Andorra. The Strait of Gibraltar (14 miles)
separating the territory of Gibraltar of Africa, being in possession of Great Britain.
Has an area of 504.750 km2 (including the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands) and
a population of 39.6 mil. inhabitants.

Its capital is Madrid, with a population of 2.060.000 place and the languages
spoken is Spanish (Castilian). Spain has 15 regions as administrative divisions and
50 provinces, and the most important cities are: Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Bilbao,
Malaga, Murcia, Saragosa.
History. Since the 9th century BC, Celts, Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians
entered the Iberian Peninsula, followed by the Roman Republic, which ended up in
the 2nd century BC. Now Spain language, religion and the legal system endures in
the Roman period. Conquered by the Visigoths in the 5th century a.d. and attacked
several times in 711 by Moors North African Islamic, modern Spain began to form
after the Reconquista, the efforts to eliminate the Moors who remained here until
1492. In the 16th century, Spain became the most powerful nation in Europe, thanks
to the wealth derived from Spanish colonization of the Americas. But a series of
lengthy and costly wars and riots began the decline of Spanish power in Europe. A
period of dictatorship (1923-1931) ended with the establishment of the second
Spanish Republic. However, in the 1960s and 1970s, Spain was gradually
transformed into a modern industrial economy with a growing tourism sector. After
the death of dictator General Franco in November 1975, his designated successor,
Prince Juan Carlos assumed the titles of King and head of State. He played an
important role in guiding Spain to a modern democratic State.Spain joined NATO in
1982, and became a member of the European Union in 1986. After the death of
Franco, the old historical nationalities-in the Basque country, Catalonia and Galicia-
were given great autonomy, which has been extended to all Spanish regions.
The relief is predominantly mountainous, with Plains and plateau occupying only a
10% share of territory. The central part of Spain is formed by Meseta plateau,
surrounded by mountain chains: the Cantabrici Mountains to the North, parallel with
the shore Bay of Biscay, North-Eastern Mountains all Iberians, South Cordiliera
Betica with Sierra Nevada Mountains, southwest of Sierra Morena, and inside
Cordiliera. In the north-eastern edge lie the Pyrenees (3478 m atop the Little d '
Aneto). More active there are Plains along the river Guadalquivir (the Andalusian
Plain) and Ebru (the plain of Aragon).
The climate is influenced by the extent of
teritorului, the existence of massifs, the position
towards the Atlantic Ocean and extending in
altitude from North to South. Thus, most of the
teritorului has a continental climate, with high
temperatures and low rainfall. The Northwest has
an oceanic climate, and the Mediterranean a
Mediterranean climate. Add to this a climate with
subtropical plain shades of Andalusia. The
average temperature in Madrid in July is 30 c in
February to 8 oC.
Religion. Catholicism is the predominant religion in Spain. A percentage of 94% of
the population is of the Catholic religion. After Catholics, other minority religions
represent only 6% of the population.
Culture of Spain is a European culture is based on a variety of historical
influences, mainly that of ancient Rome, but also celtic pre-Roman and Iberian
culture, as well as that of the Phoenicians and the Arabs (781 years-from 711 to
1492. The further course of Spanish history added other elements to the culture and
traditions of the country.
Artists: Pablo Picasso, Diego Velzquez, Salvador Dal;
Architects: Antoni Gaud, Santiago Calatrava;
Writers: Miguel de Cervantes, Arturo Prez-Reverte, Manuel Vzquez Montalbn,
Jorge Semprn, Federico Garca Lorca, Flix Lope de Vega, Camilo Jos Cela,
Pascual Madoz Ibez, Miguel Delibes.
Holidays: those who arrive for the first time in Spain will have the surprise to
discover many fascinating places and habits, this country being one of the ideal
tourist destinations, full of curiosities and traditions is hard to beat. Spain is
interesting for its history, culture, people, geography, the arts, and his personality.
In December, Christmas comprises the whole Spain. The celebration lasts until
January 6, but perhaps the most important day is December 24, Noche Buena when
families come together to enjoy Christmas. In new year's day, Noche Vieja, parties of
all kinds cover the whole country, to move into a new year and beyond. One of the
traditions require that before the new year each to eat 12 grapes, beans in order to
have good luck in the next year. On 6 January in Spain takes place on the feast of
the three kings, in memory of the three Magi, being its main streets of crowd of
people, and children receive gifts, sweets and toys.