Category: Spain

Spain is a Southwestern European country, and the country is bordered by Mediterranean Sea, France, Andorra, Portugal, Bay of Biscay, and Atlantic Ocean. Madrid is the capital of Spain. The Iberian peninsula was inhabited Celts and Iberian during prehistoric times. Spain was ruled by Roman Empire during 210 BC – 205 BC and then the Gothic Kingdom. Iberian peninsula was then conquered by the Moorish Muslims in 8th century. Spain became unified in 15th century after the completion of re-conquest of Iberian peninsula in the year 1492. The unification of Castile and Aragon crowns through marriage led to the formation of modern Spain and Spanish Empire.

Spain became a constitutional democracy in the year 1978. Spain is a constitutional monarchy with parliamentary system of government. Head of the state is the Monarch and head of the government is the President. Government has the control of executive power and two chambers of the parliament are responsible for the legislative power. The judicial system is vested on judges and magistrates. Supreme court is the highest court in Spain. Spain has a capitalist economy. Automobile industry is the largest employer of the country and tourism sector also plays a major role in the economy of Spain. The tourism industry of Spain is the second biggest of the world.

The total population of Spain reached more than 46.6 million. About 88% of the Spanish population consists of native Spaniards. Other ethnic groups present in the country are Russians, Bosnians, Croatians, Serbians, Albanians, Ukrainians, Algerians, Nigerians, Cameroonians, Senegalese, Lebanese, Syrians, Indians, Chinese, Pakistanis and others. Majority of Spanish population is following Roman Catholicism. Other religious groups are Islam, Judaism, Protestants, Jehovah’s Witnesses and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The official language of the country is Spanish. Other languages spoken in Spain are Catalan, Galician, Basque, Aranese, Aragonese and Asturian-Leonese.

Madrid is a place worth visiting as it is popular for castles and museums. In Madrid, you can visit Prado Museum and Parque del Buen Retiro. Pyrenean Mountains and Monteserrat Mountains are popular for their scenic beauty. Alhambra or Red Fortress in Granada is a famous tourist destination as it was the shelter of Moorish Kings. Guggenheim Museum allures several tourists because of the great art pieces displayed in the museum. Aqueduct of Segovia is an excellent monument of Roman era. Sagrada Familia is a popular unfinished cathedral in Barcelona which displays the beauty of Gothic architectural style.

Cordoba city is a great destination for tourists as it consists of historical treasures such as Calahorra Fort and Jewish Synangogue. Picos de Europa is a mountain range popular for hiking and climbing, and the mountain also possess some caves which are the deepest caves of the world. Toledo is the city of Spain which attained the status of World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Some of the tourist attractions in Toledo are Tagus River, Alcazar fortress, Gothic cathedral of 13th century Spanish artworks. Gothic cathedral of 13th century, mosques, churches, and synagogues. Reina Sofia National Art Center Museum is famous for the 20th century Spanish artworks.