Spain, located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, is bordered by France, Andorra, and the Bay of Biscay to the north, Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south and east, and the British territory of Gibraltar at its southern tip. It is the fourth-largest country in Europe, covering approximately 505,990 square kilometers, and is home to over 47 million people. Madrid is its capital and largest city, with other major cities including Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and Zaragoza. Spanish, or Castilian, is the official language, though several regional languages like Catalan, Basque, and Galician hold co-official status in their respective regions.
Spain is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with King Felipe VI serving as the current monarch and head of state. The country’s government operates as a representative democracy, with an elected legislature, the Cortes Generales, consisting of two chambers: the Congress of Deputies and the Senate. Spain’s legal system is based on civil law, and its judiciary is independent of the executive and legislative branches.
Spain's history is marked by its role as a global empire, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries, when it established one of the largest empires in world history. The Spanish Empire's influence stretched across the Americas, parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. However, the empire declined over time, and by the 19th century, Spain lost most of its overseas colonies.
The Spanish economy is the fourth largest in the Eurozone and relies on various sectors, including tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world, renowned for its cultural landmarks, beaches, and vibrant cities. The country is a member of the European Union, the United Nations, NATO, and several other international organizations. It uses the euro as its official currency.
Spain has a diverse climate, with Mediterranean weather dominating the coastal regions, while the interior experiences more continental conditions. The country’s geographical diversity, ranging from the Pyrenees mountains to the plains of Castilla-La Mancha and the islands of the Canary and Balearic archipelagos, contributes to its rich biodiversity. Spain also plays a significant role in the fields of sports, particularly football, with teams like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona being internationally recognized.
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