Spain

File:Marcha Real-Royal March by US Navy Band.ogg

EU-Spain (orthographic projection)

EU-Spain

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Teatro de Mérida, España, 2017 18

Coronas votivas visigodas en el MAN (16846328238)

Spain, officially known as the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España), is a country in Southwestern Europe with parts of territory in the Atlantic Ocean and across the Mediterranean Sea. The largest part of Spain is situated on the Iberian Peninsula; its territory also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, and two autonomous cities in North Africa, Ceuta and Melilla. Spain is a democracy organized in the form of a parliamentary government under a constitutional monarchy. It is a developed country with the world's fourteenth-largest economy by nominal GDP.

History

The history of Spain dates back to the Middle Ages, when in the 8th century, the Iberian Peninsula was conquered by the Moors, who were later expelled by the Christian kingdoms in the process known as the Reconquista, completed in 1492. This year also marked the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, an event that opened up the Age of Exploration and led to the establishment of Spain as one of the first global empires. Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England, leading to a gradual decline of its power over the centuries.

Geography

Spain is characterized by a diverse geography with the Pyrenees mountain range to the northeast, which forms a natural border with France. The country enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters on the coast, and a continental climate in the interior. The Ebro, Duero, Tagus, and Guadalquivir are among the major rivers in Spain.

Politics

Spain is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with King Felipe VI as the current monarch and the head of state. The country is divided into 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities, each with its own degree of administrative autonomy. The Spanish government operates under a bicameral system, consisting of the lower house, known as the Congress of Deputies, and the upper house, called the Senate.

Economy

Spain's economy is the fourteenth-largest worldwide and the fifth-largest in the European Union, making it a significant player in international markets. Major industries include tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture, with Spain being one of the world's largest producers of olive oil and wine. However, the country has faced economic challenges, including high unemployment rates and public debt.

Culture

Spanish culture is marked by a rich heritage of music, art, and literature, with famous figures such as Pablo Picasso, Miguel de Cervantes, and Antoni Gaudí. Spain is known for its festive traditions and regional cuisines, which vary significantly across its autonomous communities. The country is also famous for its contributions to the world of sports, particularly football, with clubs like FC Barcelona and Real Madrid recognized globally.

See also

• History of Spain
• Geography of Spain
• Economy of Spain
• Culture of Spain

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