The country of Spain is important information about it. Spain. Holidays and customs

Spain is located in southwest Europe. The coasts of this country are washed in the north and west by the waters of the Atlantic, and in the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to the mainland, Spain includes the Balearic and Canary Islands - popular holiday destinations.

Tours to Spain

When choosing tours to Spain, travelers choose large cities - Barcelona, ​​Granada, Seville, Cordoba. Beach lovers choose the resorts of the Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, Costa del Sol and the island of Tenerife.

In winter, you can ski and snowboard in Spain at the resorts of Sierra Nevada and Pradollano.

Visa to Spain

To visit Spain you need. The tourist's passport must remain valid for at least another 3 months from the end of the trip to Spain. The passport must have 2 blank pages.

Round-trip flights to Spain

Prices for tickets per person departing from Berlin are shown.

March

Climate and weather in Spain

The swimming season on the Mediterranean coast of Spain lasts from June to October. In the Canary Islands you can swim all year round.

July and August are the best months to visit the Basque Country, Galicia, Barcelona, ​​and Malaga. And for walking around Madrid and Toledo, you should choose late spring or early autumn.

Resorts in Spain

While in Barcelona, ​​it is impossible not to look at the most famous long-term construction in the world, the brainchild of the great Gaudi, the fantastic Sagrada Familia - Sagrada Familia. Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi turned Barcelona into the garden of his fantasies. Many people call his style modernism, but all the creations of the genius of Gaudi are so original, fabulous and unique that only one definition suggests itself - “Gaudi style”.

The Sagrada Familia became the architect's main project - he devoted 43 years of his life to creating the drawings and supervising the construction of the grandiose temple. According to Gaudi's plan, the temple was to have three facades: the Nativity, the Passion of Christ and the Resurrection. Each facade should be crowned with 4 towers of enormous height - 120 meters each. These 12 towers symbolize the number of apostles. The central tower - 170 meters high - was to be erected to the glory of Jesus. The Sagrada Familia is open to tourists and visitors every day. You can examine the interior decoration of the temple, stained glass windows and stucco moldings, mosaics and frescoes. The average excursion time is 4 hours.

The huge fountain is located on the Montjuic hill in Barcelona. Water cascades occupy 3 thousand square meters, and the main bowl of the fountain in the form of an ellipse is 65 meters long and 59 meters wide. The fountain is a decoration of the architectural ensemble of Plaza de España and the National Palace of Catalonia. 3620 water jets soar to a height of 54 meters. The play of light and color is provided by 120 spotlights, the spectrum of which includes more than 50 colors. Montjuic dances to classical music.

The amazing Park Guell is another brainchild of Antoni Gaudi. Mosaics, mysterious paths, fabulous “gingerbread” houses - all this is Park Güell, a fantastic garden city in Barcelona. On the roof of the columned hall there is a serpentine bench stretching along the perimeter. It is brightly decorated with mosaics and very comfortable - according to the memoirs, Gaudí asked the builder to sit in soft clay to get a cast that followed the contours of the human body.

In Seville, wander through the labyrinth of the Old Town and visit Plaza de España. Among the columns are panels of tiles, each of which depicts one of the Spanish provinces.

In Valencia you need to eat your fill of paella - it was invented here. It is also worth seeing the legendary Holy Grail and the fantastic City of Sciences and Arts at the bottom of a drained river. Knightly Toledo beckons with its castles and olive groves. And in the restaurants of San Sebastian, in the Basque Country, you need to make an appointment six months in advance - the best establishments with Michelin stars are collected here.

In La Coruña, admire the lighthouse, which was built during the Roman Empire. It rises 55 meters above the ground and is still operating successfully.

What is Spain without mills? You can look at the “monster” with which Don Quixote fought on the Hill of Peace.

The Costa del Sol is beaches, beaches and more beaches, as many as 240 kilometers of uninterrupted beaches with luxurious sand. In Malaga, see the world through the eyes of Pablo Picasso, who was born here.

Costa Dorada, "Golden Coast" is the most beautiful Spanish beach resort. Luxury hotels, pure water and 200 kilometers of golden sand. Families with children like to come here, as in Mallorca: the entrance to the water is gentle, there are no strong waves.

Costa Brava is famous for its wildlife- rocks and pine trees, warm sea and fresh breeze intertwine here into a truly Spanish symphony of relaxation.

The legendary island of Tenerife attracts tourists from all over the world with its amazing beaches with dark volcanic sand.

Useful to know about Spain

Tours to Spain

Prices for tours for 2 people for 7 nights with departure from Moscow are given.

Everything you need to know about Spain

• Official language
  Spanish;


• The official name of the country
  The Kingdom of Spain;


• Location
  Spain is a country located in southwestern Europe and is considered a member of the European Union. A well-known fact about Spain is that the state occupies most of the Perinean Peninsula. Almost 80% of Spain's territory includes the Iberian Peninsula, the Canary and Balearic Islands. Spain is the fourth largest country in Europe after Russia, Ukraine and France. Not every tourist interested in all the facts about Spain knows that it is the most mountainous country in all of Europe;


• State structure
  Form of government - Constitutional monarchy.
  The king is the head of state.;


• Capital of Spain
  city ​​of Madrid;


• Currency
  Remembering everything known facts about Spain, the first thing that comes to mind is that the country is a member of the European Union. Official monetary unit in this regard, EURO (€) is considered equal to 100 cents.;


• Difference in time
  Spanish time is 3 hours behind Moscow time;


• Electrical voltage
  220V.

All tourists, as a rule, are interested in collecting information about the country, which states the kingdom borders on and what kind of sea is in Spain. Spain has a rather interesting location - it is washed in the north and west by the Atlantic Ocean, and in the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea.

And here are all the land borders that Spain has:

• in the west - with Portugal;
• in the south - with Gibraltar;
• in the north - with France and Andorra;
• in northern Africa - from Morocco.

All the most important things about the climate in Spain

One can safely speak of Spain as the most warm country V Western Europe.
The number of sunny days per year is 260 - 285 days. Everything, of course, is changeable and changeable, but basically (according to statistics) this is so.
The average annual air temperature is +20ºС.

The climate of Spain relative to the territory of the country is very interesting:

• in winter, air temperatures in the northern and central regions can drop below zero degrees;
• in the summer, at the height of the season, in the central and southern regions of the Mediterranean coast the temperature can rise to 40ºС, and in the northern part of the coast it can be no more than +25ºС.

All this information gives, albeit a brief, but quite understandable idea of ​​​​Spain as a country. resort country for heat-loving tourists.

All the most interesting facts about the population of Spain

According to the October 2011 census, the population of Spain is 46.16 million people.
All almost 76% of the population are urban residents - this is evidenced by statistics from the same period.
95% of the inhabitants of Spain are Catholics, which did not prevent 67% of them from expressing their agreement on the issue of legalizing same-sex marriage.
9% of the population are emigrants.

All about resort cities in Spain

Largest cities in Spain

• Madrid - ;
• Barcelona - ;
• Valencia - ;
• Seville;
• Zaragoza;
• Malaga.

Resort places in Spain

The place where the country is located is not stingy with its resorts in Spain. Any tourist will find where to relax in Spain, taking into account his preferences. Whether it's just an excursion or a beach holiday.

• Barcelona;
• Costa Brava;
• Costa del Maresme;
• Costa Dorada;
• Gran Canaria;
• Mallorca - ;
• Tenerife -

By visiting one of the resorts in Spain, you can get some ideas about it as a country as a whole. Although in fact it is difficult to judge Spain by one part of it.

Some more interesting information about Spain

• Store opening hours are from 10:00 to 20:00. Break - from 14:00 to 17:00;
• Bars and bakeries open at 8:00;
• Shopping is best done in major cities Spain, because all the boutiques of famous brands are located there;
• The pottery, leather goods, fans, olive oils and wines brought from there will remind you of Spain;
• It is not necessary to leave a tip in Spain, because it is already included in the cost of services and amounts to 10-15% of it. If you liked the service so much and you want to thank the establishment, then it is customary to leave a tip of 5%;
• The national holiday is celebrated on October 12 and is called “Spanish Nation Day”.

Flag of Spain	Coat of arms of Spain

Visa to enter the country

All citizens of the Russian Federation are required to know whether they and their traveling companions need a visa to Spain.
Tourists wishing to go on holiday to Spain must be aware of this before their trip. The visa is issued at the Consular Section of the Spanish Embassy in Moscow.

Spain is the very country about which you want to know as much as possible, but you can never know absolutely everything! Spain opens up in a new way every time. This is evidenced by the fact that the number of tourists returning to the country is growing every year.

Spain is a country in southwestern Europe with amazing nature, temperamental people and a beautiful sea. It is like a bright mosaic, consisting of small regions that are very different from each other. Each town attracts with its unusual traditions, fiery rhythms or the refreshing taste of aromatic sangria. Few countries can boast of such diversity and national flavor. Spain can! It hospitably opens up to tourists, promising a truly interesting holiday.

Geography

More than 85% of the Iberian Peninsula belongs to Spain, and on the map it has a rectangular shape. Most of the surface is occupied by hills and plateaus. From the center to the north and west stretch the Cordilleras and the Pyrenees. The highest point in Spain is Peak Mulancin (3478 m). There are also less high, but picturesque mountains. There are picturesque passes through the mountain ranges and two railway lines.

In the southeast lies the largest Andalusian lowland. In the northeastern part you can see the Aragonese Plain, which comes close to the Ebro River Delta. There are several leaks in the country large rivers, but most of the territory requires artificial irrigation. Due to lack of moisture, several million tons of fertile soil are blown away every year.

Spain boasts a long coastline. It is washed by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. In total, there are about 2,000 beaches and recreational areas in the coastal areas.

Climate

Spain boasts sunny weather, with 280 sunny days a year. Seasonal temperature variations are quite high. In winter, in the center of the country the air cools to sub-zero temperatures; near the coast the climate is milder. Summer is hot, in the south the air temperature can exceed +40 °C, but in the north it is only +25 °C.

Due to the mountainous terrain, separate climatic zones are observed within the country. In addition to the temperature difference, the amount of precipitation also differs. The northwest is characterized by rainier and windier weather. The precipitation level here reaches 2000 mm. The rest of the territory is protected from bad weather by mountain ranges. For example, in the center of the country only 500 mm of precipitation falls per year. The south is characterized by milder temperatures and little precipitation.

Nature

The nature of Spain is very rich. About 8,000 plant species are found here, most of them endemic. The densest thickets are located in the north of the Atlantic coast. There are beech, ash, oak, chestnut and linden thickets. Higher in the mountains, water meadows predominate, while the lowlands are covered with evergreen shrubs.

The thicket of northern Spanish forests is home to deer, wild boars and roe deer, and at the foot of the Cantabrian mountains you have come across brown bears. To the south live foxes, lynxes, wolves and even macaques. Waterfowl live near the reservoirs: ducks, flamingos, storks and geese.

Drier regions are characterized by herbaceous vegetation steppe type, and on the southern coast you can see low-growing palm trees. Only Spain of all European countries boasts wild palm thickets. There are many lizards, snakes and other reptiles in them. Always warm waters abound in sardines, herring, cod, anchovies, as well as crayfish and lobsters.

Population

The population of Spain is approaching 40 million people. The majority of the inhabitants are indigenous settlers and are divided along ethnic lines into Catalans, Basques, Galicians and others. Representatives of different groups practically do not mix with each other. Most of the residents (98%) profess Catholicism and are quite devout.

Once in Spain, you need to know about some behavioral features so as not to find yourself in a dead end:

• Residents of the southern regions tend to be more emotional during conversations. They actively gesture and raise their voices, but this does not indicate aggression.
• Punctuality is not a characteristic of the Spaniards. Arriving up to half an hour late is considered normal.
• The midday siesta is a must for most establishments. The only exceptions are tourist centers.

Kitchen

The cult of food in Spain has become widespread. There are a lot of large restaurants and smaller establishments on the streets. The portions are very large, so it makes sense to order one dish for two. You should definitely try local wines made from grapes grown under the bright Spanish sun.

Tapas bars are especially popular. Small establishments where communication comes first, and only then food. All kinds of snacks are served in small flatbreads (tapas).

The most common dishes of Spanish cuisine are the following:

• gazpacho - cold vegetable soup with pieces of bread and aromatic herbs;
• paella – rice with vegetables, meat, seafood and wine;
• jamon - dried boar meat;
• scallop skewers;
• chicken stewed in wine;
• Turron is a dessert made from nougat with nuts, chocolate and puffed rice.

When coming to Spain, you should say goodbye to diets in advance and submit to aromatic dishes. Hearty seafood delicacies, richly seasoned with seasonings and olive oil, will amaze anyone.

The national drink is sangria. At first, many people note its specific taste, but gradually this refreshing drink becomes one of their favorites. It is prepared from young red wine and fruit. The drink is served chilled or with ice cubes.

Attractions

The central part of Spain is famous big amount interesting places. History has been kind to these lands and most of the sights have been well preserved to this day. Those who are limited in time should go to the capital. This is where most of the museums and religious buildings gather. Definitely worth a visit:

• Prado Museum;
• National Ethnographic Museum;
• National Museum applied arts;
• Reina Sofia Arts Center;
• Plaza de España;
• the monasteries of Descalzas Reales and El Espiral;
• Royal Palace.

Certain regions of Spain have an unusual coloring, so each of them deserves attention. Tourists especially appreciate Gaudi's creations in Barcelona, Cathedral in Valencia, the Moorish fortress in Granada and a host of other natural and man-made monuments.

Entertainment

The country of bright sun and hot men is not a pearl, but a whole scattering of pearls. In its open spaces everyone will find entertainment to their taste. Of course, it’s worth spending at least a few days on the beautiful coasts, where the blue of the sea merges with the same shade of the sky. Picturesque rocks and mountains covered with greenery effectively complement the landscapes.

The beautiful beaches of Spain are very diverse. There are rocky coasts covered with pebbles or snow-white sandy beaches, and there are places with black volcanic sand. All beaches are free with free entry. The most popular resorts in the Mediterranean are:

• Costa del Maresme;
• Costa Dorada;
• Costa Blanca;
• Costa Brava.

To take a break from the scorching sun, you can go to ski resort. Just an hour from the coast, on the Sierra Nevada mountain, there are equipped slopes of any complexity. There are other resorts in the Pyrenees, on the border with France. Located nearby National parks with thermal springs.

How to get there?

In order not to waste a short vacation on the road, it is worth choosing air travel. Spain receives direct flights from various parts of the world. Most often, planes land in Madrid. Domestic air transportation operates within the country.

Before traveling, you should apply for a Schengen visa. It will allow you to get acquainted with the beauties of Spain and neighboring countries without unnecessary hassle.

Spain - a state in southwestern Europe, occupies approximately 85% of the territory of the Iberian Peninsula, as well as the Balearic and Pitius Islands in the Mediterranean Sea and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Total area of ​​the country - near 505 thousand sq. km . Number population 40.45 million people.

Spain borders France, Portugal and Andorra, and an English colony Gibraltar. Spain is a kind of bridge between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic, an important crossroads of sea routes passing through the Strait of Gibraltar.

Spain (tourist map)

Spain, after Switzerland, is considered the highest mountainous country in Europe. Plateaus and mountains make up about 90% of its territory. Almost half of the country's territory occupies the largest in Europe Meseta high plateau(in Spanish - “table”), its average height is 660 m. Meseta - these are huge monotonous dry flat spaces with very hot summers and cold winters.

The entire southeast of the Iberian Peninsula is occupied by the Cordillera Betica, which is a system mountain ranges and ridges. Highest mountain range- Sierra Nevada is second only to the Alps in height in Europe. Here is located highest peak Iberian Peninsula - Mount Mulacin (3478 m). Valleys, basins and lowlands occupy only 11% of the country's territory. The largest plain is the Andalusian plain, through which the Guadalquivir River flows. In the northeast of the country, in the valley of the Ebro River, lies the Aragonese Plain. Lowlands stretch in a narrow strip along the Mediterranean coast.

Madrid. Royal Palace.

Spain is divided into 17 autonomous regions (which unite 50 provinces): Madrid , Catalonia, Valencia, Basque Country, Navarre, La Rioja, Murcia, Aragon, Andalusia, Cantabria, Castile-Leon, Castile-La Mancha, Asturias, Galicia, Extremadura, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands. The capital of country - Madrid. In my own way political system modern Spain is parliamentary monarchy . The country has a bicameral parliament and a multi-party system. . King of Spain since 1975 is Juan Carlos I . Each autonomous region of Spain has its own parliament and government. Members of the provincial municipalities are elected by the communities and, together with the regional parliaments, send their representatives to the Senate of the National Legislative Assembly in Madrid ( Cortes ; Cortes Generales). The second chamber of the Cortes consists of deputies elected by direct popular vote.

Barcelona. Church of the Sagrada Familia. 1884-1926. Architect Antonio Gaudi.

Canary Islands. Resort Playa de las Americas in Tenerife.

Natural conditions

Natural contrasts in Spain are amazing: if the north-west of the country occupies one of the first places in Europe in terms of precipitation, then in the south of Spain, the driest region of this part of the world, you can find almost African semi-desert landscapes with thickets of the dwarf fan palm, the only wild palm in Europe. Approximately 60% of Spain is arid, making water one of the most important issues in the country. Spain's water resources are distributed extremely unevenly: in the northern and northwestern regions there is an abundance of water, while in the Mediterranean and central regions there is a huge shortage of water. The main rivers of the country are the Ebro, Tagus, Guadiana, Duero, Minho, Guadalquivir, Jucar. Most rivers are low-water and become very shallow in summer. They have almost no transport value. The only navigable river is the Guadalquivir, and even then only to the city of Seville.

Spain. View of the Pyrenees.

The climate of Spain can be considered one of its main natural resources. In terms of the number of sunny days per year, Spain, together with Italy and Greece, shares first place in Europe. Almost all of Spain is located in the subtropical zone and, according to its natural conditions in general it is close to other Mediterranean countries, but at the same time it is distinguished by significant originality. This is due primarily to the isolation of the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of Europe, the proximity of the African continent, as well as the complex influence of mountainous terrain and two huge water areas - the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. In most of Spain, especially its east coast The climate is typically Mediterranean, with dry hot summers, mild rainy winters, early spring and long warm autumns. Rain occurs most often in the form of short winter showers.

In summer, Spain is dominated by continental air masses coming from the south - from the tropical latitudes of North Africa and from the north - from the highly heated regions of southeastern Europe. Average temperatures in the hottest month (July) reach 18–20°C in the coastal regions of the north and northwest and 26°C on the Mediterranean coast. In southern Spain, up to 200 days a year the average daily temperature does not fall below 25°C.

Aragon. Montanez Peak near the city of Ainza in the province of Huesca.

Freshness and coolness in the hot season are brought to the coast by breezes - winds that change direction depending on the time of day. During the day, breezes blow from sea to land, and at night - from land to sea. Breezes are typical mainly for summer months, are less common in spring and autumn and even less common in winter. In winter, westerly transport of air masses occurs, so moist sea air from temperate latitudes, coming along with cyclones from the Atlantic, plays a major role. Average January temperatures range from 8–10°C in the northern and middle parts, to 10–12°C in the southern part.

In winter, in the Mediterranean you can experience the scorching breath of sirocco (streams of dry tropical air from the deserts of North Africa and Arabia, sometimes with huge amounts of dust and sand). The relative humidity brought by such winds is very low - only 5–8%, and sometimes even 2%. If the sirocco blows, there is almost always a dusty haze in the air; during the day it appears yellowish, and at sunrise and sunset it appears brownish-red. Passing over the sea, the sirocco is saturated with moisture, so in the northeastern part of the Spanish Mediterranean a warm and humid wind blows - bolhorn. This wind brings cloudy weather with drizzling rain, and sometimes it blows under a cloudless sky, and in both cases it can be very stuffy. Bolkhorn has a depressing effect on people and animals and is considered one of the most unpleasant weather phenomena. Dry sirocco, despite the high temperature, is relatively easily tolerated.

By quantity and distribution Based on precipitation, the entire territory of the country is usually divided into “wet” Spain (north and northwest) and “dry” (central, southern and eastern regions). Precipitation in “humid” Spain (up to 900 mm per year) falls fairly evenly throughout the year, its amount only decreasing slightly in summer. In “dry” Spain, the annual precipitation does not exceed 500 mm, and it falls mainly in spring and autumn. There are also strong differences in the distribution of the number of cloudless days throughout the year in different parts of Spain. The minimum number of sunny days (30 days a year) is observed on the northwestern Atlantic coast, while the Mediterranean coast has sunshine almost all year round (more than 150 days a year).

Economy

Until mid-20th century Spain's economy was almost entirely dependent on agriculture; in the 1950s, after the opening of the country, there was some economic growth. The 1980s became known as the period of the Spanish economic miracle, which, however, did not eliminate the country's three main problems: high unemployment (almost 23%), inflation and large public debts.

Increasing importance For modern Spain, the service sector is gaining ground: 60% of all workers are employed in this area, 31% work in industry and about 10% are engaged in agriculture, fishing and mining. In the service sector, tourism is of national importance. In 1960-1970 foreign tourism concentrated in coastal areas, government policy was to attract as many tourists as possible, which resulted in some negative consequences, including the appearance of many coastal anonymous structures made of concrete and glass, deterioration of the landscape and environmental problems from which they still suffer today some areas of the country. Since the 1980s, the authorities have been trying to take countermeasures: not only seaside resorts, but also areas located inland, and, if possible, throughout the year.

In agriculture In many areas of Spain, manual or weakly mechanized labor continues to play a decisive role. Low-profit small enterprises, which have long been self-sufficient, continue to predominate in Northern and Eastern Spain. Irrigated vegetable and fruit plantations in the coastal provinces of Valencia and Murcia produce abundant harvests. A real abundance of citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, peaches and sweet peppers are sold and exported, while aromatic sweet apples and medlars are rarely exported. In the dry fields, olive trees are planted and sunflowers are grown (for oil production), and almonds and grapes are also cultivated. Spain's fleet of sea fishing vessels is the largest in Europe, but fishermen are struggling with falling EU fishing quotas.

Most developed industrial areas are Barcelona, ​​Valencia(production of automobiles, textiles, chemical products), Bilbao And Gijon(steel production, shipbuilding and ship repair). Madrid is becoming increasingly important (especially thanks to electrical engineering, the development of information technology and mechanical engineering). Shipbuilding and heavy industry are in a difficult situation, which especially affected the economies of Asturias and the Basque Country. On the other hand, companies such as the energy concern Repsol are developing. Over half of the electricity comes from coal and liquid fuel power plants, a third from nuclear power plants and 15% from hydroelectric power plants. Spain's most important mineral resources are coal, iron ore, lead, copper and mercury, and their deposits are located on the northern Atlantic coast.

Story

First archaeological finds evidence of the settlement of the Iberian Peninsula dates back to the Lower Paleolithic period. In the first millennium BC. tribes of Celtoibers are formed, which arose as a result of the mixing of the Indo-European tribes of Celts and Iberians, presumably belonging to the Hamitic tribes. In the 3rd century BC. The Carthaginians took possession of the south of the peninsula, then, after the victories of Scipio, the Romanization of the peninsula began. The name "Spain" is of Phoenician origin. The Romans used it in the plural (Hispaniae) to refer to the entire Iberian Peninsula. In the 1st century BC. The Iberian colonies of Rome are actively developing - aqueducts were built in Segovia, Tarragona, Merida, theaters in Merida, Tarragona and Sagunto.

Spain. Roman aqueducts.

Christianity spread in Spain during the first century AD, but the Romans initially prevented this by persecuting and martyring many Christians. In 409, Spain was invaded by an army of Germanic tribes , and by 419 formed Visigothic Kingdom . Capital of the state the Visigoths becomes Toledo . The period of Muslim Spain begins in the 8th century . In 711 The Arabs, led by Tariq, landed at Tarifa and defeated the troops of Don Rodrigo, the last Visigothic king, in the Battle of Guadalete. In five years, the Arabs occupied almost the entire peninsula with the exception of Cantabria and the Iberian part. They are stopped only by Charles Martel, having won a victory at Poitiers (732 ). In 772 army led by the Visigothic king Pelayo ) inflicted the first symbolic defeat on the Moors at Cavadonga in northern Spain.

This battle marked beginning of the Reconquista- return to Christians of Spanish lands occupied by Muslims. Most of the peninsula was conquered by Christians 1266 . In 1492 Arabs lose their last possession on the Iberian Peninsula - Granada. Completion of the Reconquista and the unification of Spain based on the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon is associated with the names Catholic kings - Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon who entered into a marriage in 1469 .

Granada. View from the walls of the Alhambra.

In 1516, King Ferdinand was succeeded by his grandson Charles, who belonged to the Habsburg dynasty. Madrid became the capital of Spain in 1561 under Philip II. The 16th century, associated with the discovery of the New World, was the time of undeniable maritime dominance of Spain, which was shaken after the defeat of the “Invincible Armada” by the British in 1588. In the 17th century, Spain is drawn into a 30-year war with the Netherlands, France and England, which leads to a serious economic crisis in the country. In 1700, the last Spanish king of the Habsburg dynasty, Charles II, dies childless, and the struggle for the Spanish throne begins between the Austrian branch of the Habsburg dynasty and the French Bourbons, ending with the Peace of Utrecht and the establishment of Bourbon rule. It brings unification to Spain, life begins to follow the French model. This continues until 1808, when Napoleon captures Spain, declaring his brother Joseph Bonaparte king.

After the expulsion of the French from Spain, Ferdinand VII returns to the throne, which, however, does not bring peace. The country's politics of this period are known for the “Carlist Wars” - the rivalry between liberals and conservatives, the proclamation of the First Republic, the putsch and the restoration of the monarchy. At the end of the 19th century, Spain lost its last overseas possessions (Cuba, Puerto Rico, Philippines).

Early 20th century Spain is faced with a painful choice between military dictatorships and the establishment of republican rule. . From 1923 to 1930 the period of war lasts dictatorship of General Miguel Primo de Rivera. After the 1931 elections proclaimed republic, and King Alfonso XIII is forced to leave Spain. After the “two black years” of the right-wing government (1934-1936), the left-wing Popular Front wins the elections, society is divided into two camps - those supporting the Popular Front and those supporting the commander of the garrison in Morocco, General Franco, who opposed the republic. General Franco's nationalists are supported by monarchists, the church, as well as the right wing of the Falangists (Spanish fascists). IN 1936 - 1939 There is a civil war in Spain, which took lives more than 600 thousand people, of which 400 thousand became victims of the political terror of the Franco regime .

Period 1939 - 1975 known as the Franco dictatorship, during this time power in the country belonged to the Catholic Church, the military and large landowners. In 1969, at Franco's proposal, Juan Carlos de Borbón, grandson of Alfonso XIII, was confirmed as his successor as head of state and future king of Spain. After Franco's death in 1975, Spain becomes a parliamentary monarchy led by King Juan Carlos I. On December 12, 1978, a new democratic Constitution of Spain was adopted. After the military coup of 1981, the socialists won the parliamentary elections in 1982, Felipe Gonzalez remained prime minister until 1996 .

. Spain joined NATO in 1982 and became a member of the EU in 1986.

Seville. Panorama of the city. The rapprochement of Spain with the rest of the European community has significantly raised the country's prestige, its political and economic openness and attractiveness for tourists have increased. In 1992, Barcelona hosted the Summer Olympics, Madrid was declared a European City of Culture, and Seville took international exhibition

EXPO-92. The country also widely celebrated the 500th anniversary of Columbus's discovery of America. Spain entered the 21st century as a democratic and rapidly developing state, one of the most interesting and attractive in Europe.

Spain. Beach on the Costa Blanca.

Spain. Coast of the Costa Brava in Catalonia. In the 1980s Spain has experienced an economic boom associated with the development of tourism and the development of the recreational potential of its territory. Various regions coast of Spain, such as Costa Brava, Costa Blanca or Costa Daurada

, have become world-famous resorts, where tens and hundreds of thousands of tourists come from all over the world. Every year, an increasing number of tourists strive not only to soak up the rays of the Spanish sun, but also to get acquainted with the unique culture of the country, tour the picturesque rural landscapes or enjoy the masterpieces of the national cuisine of Spain.

Culture Spain is a country with a long history that has seen the rise and fall of several powerful states. The most ancient cultural monuments in Spain date back to the Paleolithic era. These are cave paintings on the walls of the Altamira cave near the Cantabrian city. From the architecture of the Iberians (the ancient tribes that inhabited the Iberian Peninsula in the first millennium BC) the ruins of gigantic stone walls in Tarragona remain. The Romans in Spain are mainly reminiscent of civil buildings - aqueducts, bridges, aqueducts, amphitheaters, arches. One of the Roman bridges - Alcantara on the Tagus River - is perfectly preserved. The bridge has six arches and in the middle triumphal arch. The ruins of Roman amphitheaters in Merida and Sagunto for 6,000 spectators and the arches in Medisanelli and Bara, built in 107–102 BC, are magnificent.

The Arabs had a great influence on the development of medieval Spanish art and architecture. A feature of the Moorish style is the rich decoration of the interior with geometric, floral and calligraphic patterns using the azulejo (or azulejos) technique, which is a tile similar to tiles. The horseshoe arches of Moorish structures were borrowed by the Arabs from the Visigoths. The best examples of Moorish architecture are preserved in Southern Spain, primarily in Andalusia. The Alhambra palace-fortress in Granada, the mosque in Cordoba, and the La Giralda minaret in Seville became world famous.

Alhambra. View of the Comares Tower. The myrtle courtyard was the place where official receptions took place and negotiations were held. Part of the Comares Tower, the tallest (45 m) building of the Alhambra, is visible in the background. Hence the second name of the Myrtle courtyard - Patio de Comares.

Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles came from France to Spain. The first Romanesque churches were built in Catalonia and along the route to the shrines of Santiago de Compostela. They are distinguished by semicircular arches and massive walls with a small number of narrow windows. Earlier Christian churches were built in the pre-Romanesque or Mozarabic style. Gothic came to Spain at the end of the 12th century. It is characterized by pointed arches, thanks to which the vaults became higher and the windows wider, and external supports (buttresses), which took on the weight of the vaults. Late (“flaming”) Gothic is distinguished by the richness of its stone carvings. The Moorish masters who remained in Spain created a special mixed Christian-Muslim Mudejar style, distinguished by its highly decorative design. A typical example of a Gothic Spanish cathedral is the 13th century León Cathedral.

By the beginning of the 14th century, the ideas of the Renaissance were spreading in Spain, and with them the Renaissance architectural style appeared, characterized by strict symmetry, the use of a semicircular arch and ancient orders. The early Spanish Renaissance is known as plateresco (from the Spanish "platero" - "jeweler"), and is characterized by fine decoration reminiscent of silver jewelry. A unique Plateresque monument is the San Marcos Inn in León. Baroque brought drama and movement to architecture, extravagance of decoration and splendor of sculptures. The Spanish version of Baroque "Churrigueresco" is named after the family by the architect Churriguera. An example of Spanish Baroque is the university building in Valladolid.

Spain is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, of which Barcelona is rightfully considered the capital. Catalan architects - and, above all, Antonio Gaudi - created their own unique language of forms, in which architects from the countries of the Old and New Worlds still find inspiration. One of Gaudi's most famous creations is Casa Mila in Barcelona.

In Spain, numerous medieval castles have been preserved - paradors, now usually used as hotels. Many paradores are located in picturesque, quiet and cozy corners and provide excellent opportunities for both relaxation and work. Now it is a whole complex of buildings and structures that combine strict architectural lines with modern room interiors.

Of great interest is the folk architecture of Spain, the traditions of which vary greatly in different regions of the country. In the north they built stone houses with awnings and wooden balconies, in Castile they built houses with a wooden frame, and in the south there were houses made of baked and bleached clay, the walls of which reflected the sun's rays. An indispensable architectural attribute of rural areas, especially those where there are few rivers and the winds constantly blow, have become windmills. In villages there are often hermitas - chapels or prayer houses dedicated to a local saint. In the center of any, even small, spanish city located main square- Plaza Mayor, where churches, office buildings, shops and bars usually stand. Celebrations, concerts, folk dances, and bullfights are held on the square.

Toledo. View of the city and Tagus River .

Spain is a country of world famous painting and literature. The influence of the Catholic Church determined the predominance of religious themes in the medieval art of Spain, the most famous representative of which is the artist El Greco, who lived for many years in Toledo. Classical painting in Spain is glorified by the names of Francisco Goya and Diego Velazquez. The three founders were also Spanish contemporary art- Joan (Joan) Miró, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali, who became symbols of the era of modernism. The largest museums of contemporary art are located in Madrid (including the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Art Centre), Barcelona (Picasso Museum, Museum of Modern Art), Bilbao (Guggenheim Museum), Figueres (Dali Theatre-Museum) and many other cities in Spain.

Spanish literature can trace its history back to the ancient Roman writers and thinkers Seneca, Lucan and Martial. The period of Arab rule is associated with the flourishing of literature and philosophy; in Spain, in the largest center of Muslim culture - the city of Cordoba, lived one of the most famous representatives of Arab Aristotelianism, Averroes. In the Middle Ages, the poetry of troubadours (trovadores) developed, the most famous work of this genre was “The Song of My Cid,” as well as religious poetry, known from the poem “The Miracles of the Virgin” by the priest Gonzalo de Berceo. The first major prose works in the Castilian language, which became the basis of the Spanish literary language, date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. In the 16th century, the Golden Age of Spanish literature began, and the genre of picaresque - a picaresque novel - appeared. The work of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra dates back to the same period - his “Don Quixote” was published in 1605.

Cervantes' contemporaries included the satirist-novelist Francisco de Quevedo and the poet Luis de Góngora. The dramaturgy of Spain is glorified by the names of Lope de Vega and Calderon. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Spanish literature was influenced by French. The beginning of the 20th century was marked by the flowering of a new Spanish literature, later associated with pan-European existentialism. Its most important representatives are Miguel de Unamuno, Pio Baroja, Antonio Machado. Ramon Maria del Valle Inclan is considered the founder of modern Spanish theater. Juan Ramon Jimenez won the Nobel Prize in Poetry. The poetry of the poet Federico García Lorca, who was killed by the Nazis in 1936, gained worldwide fame. In the 20th century, Latin American Spanish-language literature was born, which became a global phenomenon - authors such as Jorge Luis Borges and Gabriel García Márquez remain among the most widely read to this day.

Holidays and customs

Spain is a country of cultural traditions, most of them are associated with Catholicism, the main religion of the country, but some have roots in the pre-Christian past. Centuries-old religious traditions are so strong in Spain that the vast majority of Spaniards strictly observe church rituals, fasts, and celebrate holidays. From religious holidays Holy Week is popular in Spain and has been celebrated since the Middle Ages. Brightly decorated religious processions take place throughout all the cities and villages of the country. Separate scenes from the life of Christ are played out - the crucifixion and resurrection. The best processions Holy Week famous Seville, Malaga, Murcia and Valladolid .

Spain. Girls from the outskirts of Malaga.

Granada. Holy Week.

At the end of May or beginning of June, Pentecost is celebrated, the most magnificent celebration takes place in El Rocio. Corpus Christi is also widely celebrated, especially in Valencia, Toledo and Granada. On June 24, bonfires are lit in honor of John the Baptist throughout Spain and especially on the Mediterranean coast; The feast of St. Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, is celebrated on June 29. Traditionally honored holidays are Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) and Christmas Day (Navidad). During Christmas time in Spain, you can find belenes everywhere - similarities to the Bethlehem nativity scene with painted figures of the Holy Family, shepherds and animals. IN New Year's Eve In Madrid, crowds of people gather and congratulate each other in Puerta del Sol. In February or March In Spain there is a carnival similar to Maslenitsa. The largest carnivals take place in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands)- in their scope they are not inferior to the carnival in Rio de Janeiro and Cadiz.

Spanish Maslenitsa ends on the eve or first day of Lent with the funeral of the sardine, symbolizing winter. The end of winter is marked by the great fire festival in Valencia (fallas), where huge papier-mâché figures are burned as a sign that the old must give way to the new. The most striking of the many fiestas in honor of the Reconquista are the costume battles of “Moors” and “Christians” in Alcoy, which take place in the spring. The largest festival in Andalusia is the great April Fair in Seville.

Flamenco. Spain.

Corrida in Madrid.

The tradition of Spain is bullfighting, bullfighting. This is a spectacle that has its roots in the history of the Mediterranean. It was already known in Crete during the heyday of Minoan culture (2000–1450 BC), as evidenced by frescoes depicting dancers and bulls. Bullfighting in Spain is held almost everywhere, but its largest center is Seville. The main character of the bullfight is the matador who kills the bull. The most famous matadors, such as Juan Antonio Ruiz, became national heroes of Spain.

National cuisine

Traditional Spanish cuisine is very diverse - so much so that finding something in common between gourmet seafood cuisine Basque and simple dishes of Castile are quite complex. Over the centuries-old history of the country, the range of products has changed and been replenished with new ingredients due to the influence of the cultures of many countries. From the ancient Romans, Spain inherited olive groves and fields suitable for agriculture, mainly in east coast; seven centuries of Arab rule brought almonds, citrus fruits and aromatic spices into Spanish cuisine, which became an integral part of it. After the discovery of America, tomatoes, sweet and bitter chilli peppers, zucchini, various varieties of beans, potatoes, chocolate and vanilla appeared and became widely used in Spain. The landscape of Spain is heterogeneous - it has mountainous areas, arid plains, fertile lands, cold and wet areas, hot and dry areas. It is not surprising that each region has its own set of dishes and methods of preparing them.

Basque Country rich in fish and seafood from the Atlantic; Some meat and dairy delicacies are also produced there. Dishes are served in large portions, which is generally typical for regions with cold climates, but Basque cuisine cannot be called coarse. Dishes using the aromatic chilindron sauce, based on local red sweet peppers, tomatoes, onions and garlic, are typical of Navarra and Aragon. Trout from the clear mountain streams of the Pyrenees range is a favorite dish of the local residents, especially with ham. Catalan cuisine is varied and very tasty; it is distinguished by unusual sauces, for example, "romesco" or "aglioli", aromatic herbs and a number of dishes that have close analogues in French cuisine, for example, zarzuela - a close relative of French bouillabaisse. The cuisine of Valencia and Murcia, Europe's most populous and richest agricultural regions, has a strong Arab influence.

Oranges and almonds grow there, and in the spacious gardens and rice fields many of the plants included in traditional Valencian paella are grown (fish and shellfish began to be added to it relatively recently). Andalusia is a country of olives, olive oil and roasts, especially local fish and shellfish. In turn, Extremadura is an agricultural region, and the cuisine there is appropriate - simple, all kinds of stews are common. Galicia and Asturias are famous for their high quality fish and seafood. The climate there is relatively cold and damp, which means the appetite is local residents good: they prefer warming, hearty dishes.

Spaniards usually have breakfast in a cafe; breakfast consists of churros, unleavened bread rolls, and a large cup of hot chocolate in which the churros are dipped. For a second breakfast, drink coffee with sweet pastries or eat a light snack. Dinner- near 2 hours day, it is often preceded by tapas - a variety of snacks that, as a rule, Spaniards eat at a bar on the way home or in a restaurant. Around 6 pm- so-called merenda- another light meal, from 8 to 10 pm again tapas, and in 10 o'clock - dinner, not as filling as lunch.

From ancient times to this day tapas consisted of several olives or almonds, sliced ​​cheeses, sausages and ham, sometimes diced flatbread is added to tapas. But nowadays tapas includes almost any dish - cold or hot - that can only be served in small portions. Modern tapas can be quite filling. They are usually displayed along the counter of a bar or cafe for customers to see. Famous paella V good restaurants It takes at least an hour to prepare, so it is better to order this dish by phone by a specific hour. One serving of this dish is enough for two: it is served on a large tray and placed in the middle of the table.

Spain(Spanish España), officially the Kingdom of Spain (Spanish and Galician Reino de España, cat. Regne dEspanya, Basque Espainiako Erresuma, Ox. Reialme dEspanha, Astur. Reinu dEspaña) is a state in southwestern Europe. Occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula. The name of the country comes from the Phoenician “i-shpanim” - “coast of rabbits”.

Borders with:
Portugal in the west of the Iberian Peninsula;
British possession of Gibraltar in the south of the Iberian Peninsula;
Morocco in northern Africa (autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla);
France and Andorra in the north.

Spain is washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the west and north, and by the Mediterranean Sea in the east and south.
The national holiday in Spain is October 12. It's Spanish Nation Day.

Physiographic characteristics

Relief

The relief of Spain is very diverse. The center of the country is located 300 km from the sea. The dominant role in the relief is played by systems of mountain ranges and high-mountain plateaus.

Plateaus and mountains make up about 90% of its territory. Almost half of the country's surface is occupied by a vast high plateau, the largest in Europe - the Meseta, with an average height of 660 m. The Meseta is distinguished by an alternation of plateaus, folded-block ridges and mountain basins. The Cordillera Central divides the Meseta into two parts: northern and southern.

In the north, Meseta is bordered by the powerful Cantabrian Mountains, which stretch along the coast of the Bay of Biscay for 600 km, isolating the interior from the influence of the sea. In their central part there is the Picos de Europa massif (from Spanish - Peaks of Europe) with heights of up to 2648 m. These alpine-type mountains are composed mainly of deposits of the Carboniferous period - limestones, quartzites, sandstones. The Cantabrian Mountains are an orographic and tectonic continuation of the most powerful mountain system Spain - Pyrenees.

The Pyrenees are several parallel ridges stretching from west to east for 450 km. This is one of the most inaccessible mountainous countries in Europe. Although their average height is not very high (just over 2500 m), they do not have conveniently located passes. All passes are at an altitude of 1500-2000 m. Therefore, railways going from Spain to other countries bypass the Pyrenees from the west and east. The widest and highest part of the mountains is the central one. Here is their main peak - Aneto Peak, reaching 3404 m.

The Iberian Mountains system adjoins the Meseta from the northeast, the maximum height (Mont Cayo peak) is 2313 m.

Between the eastern Pyrenees and the Iberian Mountains stretch the low Catalan Mountains, the southern slopes of which drop off into the Mediterranean Sea. The Catalan Mountains (average heights 900-1200 m, peak - Mount Caro, 1447 m) run for 400 km almost parallel to the Mediterranean coast and actually separate the Aragonese plateau from it. The areas of coastal plains developed in Murcia, Valencia and Catalonia north of Cape Palos to the French border are highly fertile.

The entire southeast of the Iberian Peninsula is occupied by the Cordillera Betica, which is a system of massifs and ridges. Its crystalline axis is the Sierra Nevada mountains. In height they are second only to the Alps in Europe. Their peak, Mount Mulacen, reaching 3478 m, is highest point peninsular Spain. However, the highest Mountain peak Spain is located on the island. Tenerife (Canary Islands) is the Teide volcano, whose height reaches 3718 m.

Most of Spain's territory is located at an altitude of about 700 m. It is the second highest country in Europe after Switzerland.

The only large lowland is the Andalusian lowland in the south of the country. In the northeast of Spain in the river valley. The Ebro is the Aragonese plain. Smaller lowlands stretch along the Mediterranean Sea. One of the main rivers of Spain (and the only navigable one in the lower reaches) flows through the Andalusian lowland - the Guadalquivir. The remaining rivers, including the largest: Tagus and Duero, the lower reaches of which are located in neighboring Portugal, Ebro, Guadiana, are characterized by sharp seasonal fluctuations in level and rapids.

Large areas of the country suffer from water shortages. Related to this is the problem of erosion - millions of tons of topsoil are blown away every year.

The capital of Spain, Madrid, is located in the geographical center of the country and is the “highest” capital of Europe.

There are more than two thousand beaches on the coast of Spain: Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, Costa del Assar, Costa de Almeria, Costa Blanca, Mar Menor, Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz, Rias -Bajas, Rias Altas, Costa Cantabric, Canary and Balearic Islands.

Climate

Spain is one of the warmest countries in Western Europe. The average number of sunny days is 260-280. The average annual temperature on the Mediterranean coast is 20 degrees Celsius. In winter, temperatures drop below zero (in the central and northern regions of the country). In summer, temperatures rise to 40 degrees and above (from the central part to south coast). On the northern coast the temperature is not so high - about 25 degrees Celsius.

Spain is characterized by very deep internal climatic differences, and it can only conditionally be entirely classified as a Mediterranean climate region. These differences are manifested both in temperature and in annual amounts and precipitation patterns. In the far northwest, the climate is mild and humid with little temperature variation throughout the year and high rainfall. Constant winds from the Atlantic bring a lot of moisture, mainly in winter, when foggy and cloudy weather prevails with drizzling rain, almost without frost and snow. The average temperature of the coldest month is the same as in northwestern France. Summer is hot and humid, average temperature rarely above +17 degrees. Annual precipitation exceeds 1000 mm, and in some places reaches 2000 mm.

Minerals

The subsoil of Spain is rich in minerals. Of more than 100 types of minerals, only 16 are seriously developed. Among them, iron ore, quartz, pyrites, copper, gold, tin, mercury, silver, tungsten, uranium, and coal can be especially highlighted.

Economy

Today's Spain is a highly developed country. In terms of total industrial production in 1995, the country ranked 10th in the world and 5th in Western Europe. GNP per capita $14,000 (1999). Major successes have been achieved in recent decades. After World War II, Spain was isolated. The United States did not provide the country with economic assistance (according to the Marshall Plan) and Spain began to develop a closed, self-sufficient economy. This entailed a high degree of government intervention in the market and an increase in the share of state ownership.

In the early 1960s, a stabilization plan was adopted, later known as the "Spanish miracle". In 1960-1974. economic performance grew at an average annual rate of 6.6%, which was higher than any other country in the world (except Japan). The discovery of Spain as a world resort center played a major role.

In 1959-1974 more than 3 million Spaniards left the country in search of work, sending the money they earned home. The energy crisis of 1973 hit Spain, due to its dependence on other countries, very hard, unemployment rose to 21% in 1975. But in the 1980s. Economic growth began again in Spain. Although growth figures were lower than those of the 1960s, they were still the highest in Western Europe. But now the growth in production was accompanied by inflation and high unemployment (up to 22% of the working population).

In the 1990s. the country has become one of the leaders of the EU (although it is still a recipient, that is, it receives subsidies to support agriculture and some areas from pan-European funds).

Companies from the USA, France, Germany, Great Britain and Switzerland occupy strong positions in the country's economy. They own more than 50% of mechanical engineering and metallurgy enterprises. About 40% of the share capital falls on the share of the 8 largest Spanish financial, industrial and banking groups (Marchey, Fierro, Urquijo, Garrigues, Ruiz-Mateos, etc.).

In 2004, Spanish exports amounted to over 135 billion euros, imports - about 190 billion euros. The main partners in foreign trade are the EU countries, the USA, and Latin America.

Major ports: Bilbao, Barcelona; oil - Algeciras, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tarragona, coal - Gijon. Spain is one of the largest centers international tourism(62 million hours in 1997, 95% of tourists are from EU countries; the main tourist centers are Madrid and Barcelona), as well as resorts - Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol. In 2004, 53.6 million people visited Spain foreign tourists(2nd place in the world). Industry revenues in 2004 were about 35 billion euros. More than 65% of tourists are from EU countries. 1.3 million people are employed in this area.

A distinctive industry is the harvesting and export of cork bark.

The Spanish banking system is one of the most stable in Europe. Among its distinctive features are the following: a high degree of concentration of banking capital along with a small number of credit institutions (395), a significant level of foreign exchange reserves (13.9 billion euros), an extensive network of branches of private banks and state savings banks. The dominant role is played by national banks with 100% Spanish capital. The leader in the value of market assets is the financial group Banco Santander Central Hispano, which was formed in 1999 as a result of the merger of two large banks.

GDP - 798.67 billion € (2004). Its growth was 2.6%.

Mining industry

The oldest industry is mining. Spain, rich in minerals, is one of the world leaders in the production of mercury (about 1.5 thousand tons per year; the main center is Almaden) and pyrites (about 3 million tons per year, mainly in the Huelva region); in Europe it is distinguished by the mining of polymetallic and uranium ores and silver. Iron (1.4 million tons in 1996; provinces of Vizcaya, Santander, Lugo, Oviedo, Granada, Murcia), lead-zinc, tungsten copper, titanium ores, quartz, gold, potassium salts, etc. are mined. Oil and gas are imported. Annual oil production is about 30 million tons, and covers less than 10% of needs. Spain ranks 9th in the world and 1st among EU countries in the extraction of metal-containing raw materials. In terms of energy resources, it ranks 40th in the world.

Mechanical engineering

Among the branches of mechanical engineering, shipbuilding stands out (old centers are located in the north of the country: Bilbao, Gijon, Santander; new ones are in the northwest: El Ferrol, Vigo, in the east: Cartagena, Valencia, Barcelona, ​​and in the south: Seville, Cadiz) automotive industry (production of automobiles, including Seat of the Volkswagen concern 2.2 million in 1996; centers: Barcelona, ​​Madrid, Valladolid, Vitoria, Pamlona, ​​Vigo) and the electrical industry. The production of equipment for the chemical, light, food and building materials industries has also been developed.

Light industry

Of the light industries, the textile and leather and footwear industries are of greatest importance (Spain accounts for 4% of world footwear exports). In the food industry, winemaking stands out (Spain is second only to France and Italy in the production of grape wines in Europe), vegetable oil production (1.7 million tons in 1996; Spain is the world leader in the production of olive oil, about 0.5 million tons per year) , fruits and vegetables and canned fish. Spain is one of the top ten global manufacturers of cars, ships, forging equipment and gas compressors, machine tools, petroleum products and chemical products. More than 1/2 of industrial production is concentrated in the northeast (Catalonia), the north of the country (Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country) and Greater Madrid.

Agriculture

The leading branch of agriculture is crop production (provides over 1/2 of the cost of production). They grow wheat (about 20% of the sown area), barley, corn (in the central and southern regions of the country), rice (on the irrigated lands of the Mediterranean coast; its yield in Spain is one of the highest in the world), potatoes and sugar beets, legumes, tomatoes, onions, peppers, eggplants and other vegetables (vegetables occupy 60% of the sown area), olives - (the leading place for growing olives in the world) - (Andalusia, Castile-la-Mancha, Extremadura), citrus fruits and tobacco. Viticulture - on Mediterranean coast and in the regions of Castile-la-Mancha, Extremadura. In the very south of the country they grow almonds (the leading export destination in Western Europe), dates and sugar cane (in Europe they grow only in Spain), figs, pomegranates, and cotton.

Fishing

Spain is one of the top ten countries in the world in catching fish and seafood (1.1 million tons in 1996) and processing it, and is a major exporter of fresh fish and canned fish.

Population

Dynamics of population changes:
1900 - 18.6 million people;
1932 - 24.1 million people;
1959 - 29.9 million people;
1977 - 36.3 million people;
1996 - 39.6 million people;
2004 - 40.28 million people;
2006 - 45.13 million people;
2008 - 46.06 million people;
2009 - 46.66 million people.

Urban population - 76%. Population density - 79.7 people/km².

The official language is Castilian; in the autonomous regions, along with Castilian (Spanish), other languages ​​are official (Catalan-Valencian-Balearic in Catalonia, Valencia and Balearic Islands, Basque in the Basque Country and Navarre, Galician in Galicia, Aranese in Catalonia).

95% of believers are Catholics. Despite this, 67% of the Spanish population supported the idea official registration same-sex marriage. Since July 2005, a law legalizing same-sex marriage and giving same-sex couples the right to adopt children came into force in the country.

Over 2.7 million Spaniards live outside the country, including in the Nordic and South America 1.7 million, in Western Europe over 1 million (mainly in France and Germany).

Housing provision

Housing supply: on average in 2000, each Spaniard had 27.5 m² of total housing area. (For comparison: in Russia, each Russian has an average of 21.6 m² (2006), in Ukraine - 22 m², in Belarus - 23 m², in Bulgaria and Hungary - 30 m², in Ireland - 33 m², in Portugal - 29 m² (2000), in France - 40 m² (2008), in Germany - 39 m² (2000), in Denmark - 52 m² (2000), in Luxembourg - 44 m² (2000) , in Sweden - 43 m2 (2000), Belgium - 34.5 m2 each (2000), in the USA - 65 m2, in Norway - 73 m2). The share of homeowners is 87% of the population, according to this indicator Spain ranks first in the European Union [source not specified 51 days].

Story

Modern humans settled in the Iberian Peninsula ca. 35 thousand years ago. Molecular genetic evidence suggests that the Franco-Cantabrian region, where the highest population density was observed during the Paleolithic era, was the source of the genes of the majority of the modern population of Europe, at least in the female line (mitochondrial haplogroup H). It is in this region that numerous monuments of Paleolithic art were found - rock paintings (Altamira Cave, etc.) and figurines. Several types of crops replaced each other. It is possible that modern Basques are descendants of some of the first settlers in Europe after the end of the Ice Age. 1200 BC e. the coast began to be developed by the Phoenicians. The colony they founded, Gades, is now the city of Cadiz. The Phoenicians and Greeks left evidence of local tribes, collectively called Iberians, who had a fairly high culture, but were divided into many small tribes and did not have a single organization. In the 5th-3rd centuries. BC e. the Celts came here and mixed with the Iberians to form the Celtiberian people. After the Punic Wars (3rd-2nd centuries BC), the Romans began the conquest of Iberia, which was completed during the reign of Emperor Augustus.

From the 2nd century. n. e. Christianity began to spread here. From the 2nd half. 5th century n. e. The Visigoths (Visigoths) invaded here and founded a kingdom here. In 711-718 almost the entire territory of Spain was conquered by the Arabs, who included the country in their Caliphate. Soon the Caliphate broke up into a number of states. Cordoba retained the rule of the Umayyad dynasty, which reached its peak in the 10th century. The Christian kingdoms (Castile, Aragon, Leon) waged a continuous struggle to recapture territory from the Moors (Reconquista). In 1492, the united kingdom of Aragon and Castile took last stronghold Moors - Granada. During the same period, Spain sent its ships to the New World and conquered huge colonies. In Europe, during the reign of Emperor Charles V of Habsburg (1516-1556), Spain was the center of the Holy Roman Empire and the largest state, the support of the Catholic Church in the fight against the outbreak of the Reformation. The defeat of the Spanish fleet (the Invincible Armada) in 1588, the loss of the war with England in 1607, and the loss of the Dutch provinces in 1609 marked the end of influence in Europe. The influx of gold from overseas colonies did not contribute to the development of local agricultural and handicraft production. During the reign of Philip III, the era of the decline of Spain began, which was facilitated by the Inquisition, which suppressed all free thought. In the beginning. 18th century The struggle of European dynasties for the Spanish throne led to the War of the Spanish Succession; the Habsburgs were replaced by the Bourbons. In the 19th century There were 5 unfinished revolutions: in 1808-1814, 1820-1823, 1834-1843, 1854-1856 and 1868-1874. The struggle was not so much between monarchists and liberals, but between supporters of modernization and traditionalists. After all the revolutions, a constitutional monarchy was established.

In 1812-1826. Most of the Spanish colonies in Latin America achieved independence by the beginning. 20th century the remainder mostly went to the US and Germany.

XX century

In 1923, with the monarch alive, the military dictatorship of General M. Primo de Rivera was established. The king already during this period did not have any power in the country. In January 1930, after losing support in the army, having failed to improve the situation after the acute economic crisis of the previous year, its dictator left the country. On April 14, 1931, the last of the Bourbons, Alphonse XIII, abdicated his throne - the parties supporting him suffered a crushing defeat in the elections. The government was formed by supporters of a change of system. Soon N. Zamora became the first prime minister of the Republic of Spain. Thus began the Republican period.

The new government’s radical policy towards landowners, the church, the army, and extreme liberalism towards the separatist-minded regions of the north and east met with warm support from one part of the population and a burning feeling of hatred from another. Local uprisings replaced each other. Despite all the radical measures, the government has not achieved any success in the economy in two years. At the elections in November 1933, conservatives returned to the government and reforms were stopped. Now their opponents - liberals and anarchists - began to carry out pogroms and riots throughout the country. At the next elections in January 1936, again, as in 1931, the radicals won - the “Popular Front” with the participation of the Communist Party. The new composition of the Cortes (the representative body of Spain) resumed the implementation of radical policies, hoping to use extreme measures to begin to solve the deepest problems in the country's economy.

In July of the same year, conservative generals led by J. Sanjurjo launched a well-prepared rebellion. However, in the very first days of the uprising after the death of the old leader in a plane crash, the previously indecisive F. Franco had to become the new head of the conspiracy. The nationalists turned to fascist Germany and Italy for help, the communists received help from the USSR and many left-wing parties in Europe and the world. The Spanish Civil War began. Republicans in their zone expropriated land, enterprises, banks, and organized persecution of priests and monks. In the “nationalist” territory, all traditional institutions were restored, power was concentrated in the hands of Franco. The front of armed confrontation stretched across the entire country. Over three years of slow, victorious advance in battle, all the provinces supporting the Republicans were conquered. From the first to the last weeks of the war, the unrelenting capital, Madrid, was under siege. These years, Spain is the main diplomatic problem of all developed countries of the world.

In 1939, after the victory of the military, the dictatorship was extended to the entire country, political parties were banned, except for the fascist “phalanx” that supported Franco. Spain remained neutral during World War II, although it did send the Blue Division to the Eastern Front. In 1947, Spain was again declared a kingdom (the throne remained unoccupied during the regency of “caudillo” Franco).

In November 1975, after the death of Franco, Juan Carlos I was proclaimed king, the dismantling of the fascist regime and democratic reforms began. In December 1978, a new constitution came into force. In 1985, Spain joined the EU. The Basque Country and Catalonia received significant autonomy under the 1978 constitution, but they also have separatist movements. The Basque terrorist organization ETA is particularly intransigent.

National holiday - October 12 (Spanish Nation Day, the date of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus).

Political structure

Spain is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the king. Currently - Juan Carlos I. The legislative body is a bicameral parliament - the General Cortes (Congress of Deputies and Senate). It consists of the Senate (259 seats - some deputies are elected by direct universal suffrage, others are appointed by provincial legislatures; all senators are elected for a 4-year term) and the Congress of Deputies (350 seats - elected by party lists for a 4-year term). The executive branch is headed by the prime minister, the leader of the party that received the majority of votes in parliamentary elections.

In total, more than 500 political parties and public organizations are officially registered in Spain.

Parties

Spanish People's Party,
PSOE,
Communist Party,
Regionalists.

Large regional parties include the Catalan bloc Convergence and Union), the Catalan party “Esquerra República”, the BNP, and the Canary Coalition.

Events

On March 9, 2008, parliamentary elections were held in Spain. The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) won the elections. According to the election results, the PSOE received 168 seats in parliament, while its main rival, the conservative People's Party, received 154 seats. The remaining seats (there are 350 seats in parliament) were divided among eight more parties, mostly regional. The Communists and Greens from the United Left Coalition reduced their presence in parliament from five to three deputies. Thus, said the leader of the PSOE, Prime Minister of Spain Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero: the PSOE won, increasing the number of its deputies compared to the parliament of the previous convocation

75% of voters took part in the elections, in which candidates from 92 parties stood.

Administrative division

50 provinces included in 17 autonomous regions. Also within Spain there are 2 so-called autonomous cities(ciudades autónomas) in Africa - Ceuta and Melilla.

Culture

Spain is rightfully considered a museum under open air. The expanses of this country carefully preserve cultural and historical monuments which have worldwide fame.

The most famous museum in Spain, the Prado Museum, is located in Madrid. Its extensive exhibition cannot be seen in one day. The museum was founded by Isabella of Braganza, wife of King Ferdinand VII. The Prado has its own branch, located in Cason del Buen Retiro and storing unique collections of Spanish painting and sculpture of the 19th century, as well as works by English and French painters. The museum itself features large exhibitions of Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Flemish and German art. The Prado owes its name to the Prado de San Jeronimo, where it is located, laid out during the Enlightenment. Currently, the Prado Museum's holdings include 6,000 paintings, more than 400 sculptures, as well as numerous jewelry, including royal and religious collections. Over the course of several centuries of its existence, the Prado was patronized by many kings.

Dome on sails made in the design of a honeycomb vault in the form of a honeycomb (hexagons), Islamic architecture of Spain

It is believed that the very first collection of the Prado Museum was formed under Carlos I, known as Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. His heir, King Philip II, became famous not only for his bad character and despotism, but also for his love of art. It is to him that the museum owes its priceless acquisitions of paintings by Flemish masters. Philip was distinguished by his gloomy worldview; it is not surprising that the ruler was a fan of Bosch, an artist known for his bizarre, pessimistic fantasy. Philip initially purchased Bosch's paintings for Escorial, the ancestral castle of the Spanish kings. It was only in the 19th century that the paintings were moved to the Prado Museum. Now here you can see such masterpieces of the Dutch master as “The Garden of Delights” and “The Hay Wain”. Currently, in the museum you can enjoy not only paintings and sculptures, but also theatrical performances designed to “revive” famous paintings. The first such staging was dedicated to the paintings of Velazquez and was a huge success with the public.

There are many more unique museums and galleries in Spain: the Picasso Museum and the National Museum of Art of Catalonia, located in Barcelona, ​​the National Sculpture Museum in Valladolid, the El Greco Museum in Toledo, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art in Cuenca.

Sport

Football has ruled the sport in Spain since the beginning of the 20th century. Basketball, tennis, cycling, handball, motorsports and, more recently, Formula 1 are also important due to the presence of Spanish champions in all these disciplines. Today Spain is a leading world sports power; the development of sports in the country was particularly stimulated by the Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona. In 2008, Spain won the European Football Championship.

Armed forces

On November 2, 2004, Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero announced the new Spanish National Defense Doctrine 1/2004.

The previous military doctrine was adopted in December 2000 by the government of José Maria Aznar. In particular, it attached great importance to the readiness of the Spanish armed forces to resolve possible internal social or territorial conflicts (the army, according to the Spanish constitution, protects the country not only from external but also from internal enemies). The army's actions outside Spain were determined by its membership in NATO and transatlantic solidarity with the United States.

The new doctrine 1/2004 declares terrorism to be the main enemy of Spain (both external and internal). It is noted that from now on, Spanish troops will be able to take part in international peacekeeping actions directly approved by the UN or, as was the case in Kosovo, enjoying the obvious support of the world community. In addition, participation in hostilities will require permission from the Spanish Parliament.

In the new military doctrine, the role of the General Defense Staff JEMAD, headed by General Felix Sanz, has been increased. At the end of October 2004, he made a statement about the need to “balance” the unequal relationship between Spain and the United States that had developed since 1953, when Spain and the United States signed a military defense cooperation agreement, under which the United States received the right to use several large military bases in Spain .

In 2001, Spain abolished conscription and switched to a completely professional army.

There are no laws in Spain prohibiting openly gay and lesbian people from serving in armed forces. On March 4, 2009, Spanish Defense Minister Carme Chacón (the first woman to hold this post) issued a decree repealing a previous law that prohibited transgender people from serving in the armed forces.

Spanish foreign policy

At the beginning of 2004, in connection with the coming to power of the new socialist government, there was a sharp turn in Spanish foreign policy from supporting the US course to solidarity with the leaders of the European Union, in particular on the Iraqi issue: after winning the elections on March 14, 2004, the new socialist government withdrew Spanish troops from Iraq. Spain is the largest EU country that has not recognized Kosovo's independence due to similar problems of its own with the Basques.

One of the most important areas of Spanish foreign policy is Latin America. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, Spain provides assistance to the countries of this region in the formation of civil society, democratic foundations, open and free trade, and in solving socio-economic problems. To achieve these goals, the Iberoamerican Community of Nations was created. Summits are held annually at which the most important issues are resolved.

One more important direction is the Mediterranean. Solving problems in this region and maintaining friendly relations and contacts with Mediterranean countries play an important role for Spain, because it is a matter of its own security, in addition, these countries are neighboring countries and are also important trading partners. An important project in the field of Spanish-Mediterranean dialogue is the “Barcelona Process” - a program designed to strengthen state institutions in the countries of the Mediterranean region, economic development, progress in the social field, and solutions to pressing issues and problems of the region.

Russia

Diplomatic relations with the USSR were established on July 28, 1933. In March 1939, after General Franco came to power in Spain, they were discontinued. Diplomatic relations were restored only in 1977. On December 27, 1991, Russia was recognized by Spain as the successor to the USSR.

During the Spanish Civil War, Spanish children were transported to the USSR. The orphaned children of Spanish anti-fascist fighters were brought up, in particular, in the Interdom in Ivanovo. Spain had no actual wars with Russia. When the Russian Emperor Paul, due to the differences between the two countries in relation to France and Malta, declared war on Spain, the Spanish government refused to recognize the state of war, telling the Russian authorities that due to the enormous distance, the armies of the two countries would still not be able to meet on land, and the fleets are at sea, and therefore war is impossible.

On April 12, 1994, the “Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Spain." Currently, bilateral relations between the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Spain have an extensive legal framework: the basis for interaction in various areas is formed by more than 50 treaties, agreements, protocols and other documents.

Transport in Spain.

Length highways- 328,000 km. Car park - more than 19 million cars. 90% of passenger and 79% of cargo transportation is carried out by road. Length railways- 14589 km. About 6.5% of all cargo is transported ground transport and 6% of passengers.

IN maritime transport About 300 vessels with a total displacement of 1 million 511 thousand tons are involved. Vessels flying Spanish flags transport over 30 million tons of foreign trade cargo annually. 24 seaports control almost 93% of all traffic.

Air transport takes the leading place. Of the 42 airports, 34 operate regular transportation. Through international Airport 56 million passengers pass through Madrid every year. The airport in Barcelona serves about 20 million passengers annually.

Education in Spain.

Spain has a system of compulsory free secondary education from 6 to 16 years of age. About 70% study in public schools, 96.5% study in state universities.

The largest universities in the country: Autonomous University of Madrid, Complutense (in Madrid), Barcelona Central and Autonomous, Santiago de Compostea, Polytechnic University of Valencia.

Media in Spain.

Spain has a well-developed media network. 137 newspapers and about 1000 magazines are published. The most read daily newspapers: Pais, Mundo, Vanguardia, ABC, Periodico, Marka.

The leading radio stations are SER, COPE, Radio Nacional de España (RNE).

The largest TV channels: TVE (covers the entire country), private studios “Telesinko” and “Antena 3”. IN autonomous communities It has its own regional television, broadcasting also in national languages.

Siesta in Spain

At the end of December 2005, the Spanish government issued a law according to which the lunch break only in official institutions is now limited to one hour (from 12 to 13 hours), while the institutions themselves will close at 18 pm. Earlier lunch break (so-called siesta) in government institutions Spain lasted from two to four in the afternoon, with the working day ending at eight in the evening. By breaking the tradition of the midday siesta, Spanish authorities hope to increase productivity.

Crime in Spain

In recent years, the proportion of immigrants among Spanish offenders has gradually increased. This is due to increased immigration to Spain (including illegal) from African countries, as well as from Latin America. Among the latter, two gangs from Dominican Republic: Dominicans Don’t Play (“Dominicans don’t joke”) and Trinitarios (“Trinitarians” - named after the underground organization “La Trinitaria”, which fought for the independence of the Dominican Republic from Haiti in 1838).