Spain occupies the biggest part of the Iberian Peninsula, in the south-west Europe. In north Spain borders on France and Andorra, in west borders on Portugal. The southern most part of the Iberian Peninsula is occupied by the small British territory of Gibraltar. The country has its territories in the Mediterranean (Balearic Islands) and in the Atlantic (Canary Islands). The territory of Spain is 504 782 sq.km. and population of more than 41 million people. On the first of January 1986, Spain has become a member of the European Union.
Beach in Mallorca by Kyle Taylor
Today the official currency is Euro. Spain is one of the most developed economies in the world.
Some of the Spanish cities are in frontal positions in the chart for “the best city for living in the world”. Spain has incredible cuisine, style, music, traditions and so on. Spanish is the fourth most spoken language in the world.
The biggest city in Spain is the capital Madrid. This is one of the biggest financial centers in Europe. It has population of almost 6 000 000 people. The second largest city is Barcelona with population of around 3 000 000 people.
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Views of the Alhambra by Nic McPhee
Madrid is more powerful economic center, but Barcelona is one of the most attractive cities in the EU. The people prefer to live and work in Barcelona, because of the good opportunities to combine work and entertainment.
Climate of Spain. The climate of Spain is various because of the different relief and latitudes. Spain falls under the influence of four climate zones – temperate, subtropical, tropical and mountainous.
In the northern part of Spain, on the coast of the Atlantic (the province of Galicia) the climate is temperate oceanic. The winter is comparatively mild and very humid. Usually the daily temperatures are around 13 °C, but sometimes lower.
It is not unlikely to form snow cover. The summer is cool. The daily temperatures are usually around 22 °C. Because of the closeness of the Atlantic the climate in Galicia is mild.
View to Barcelona by Juanedc
The annual temperature amplitude is relatively small – around 9-10 °C from January to July. Its make the local climate very nice and easy bearable.
The biggest part of Spain is occupied by the subtropical climate. It can be divided into two types – subtropical continental and subtropical Mediterranean.
The subtropical continental occupies the central part of continental Spain. Distinguishing feature is the missing of precipitations and the big difference between the winter and s summer temperatures.
Madrid (the capital of Spain), fall under the influence of this climate. The city is one of the sunniest cities in Europe.
Crowd in Valencia by Christian Jiménez
The subtropical continental climate zone can be characterized by cold and dry winter with temperatures between 0 and 10 °C, but sometimes below zero. Sometimes can be observes snowstorms and significant snow drafting.
The winter is comparatively short. The summer is relatively long and lasts from May to October. The daily temperatures are usually above 30 °C, but very often more than 40 °C.
The hottest months are July and August. In this part of the year, the people prefer to stay in shade, especially in the noon hours.
The other type subtropical climate that can be found on the territory of Spain is Mediterranean. Thanks to this climate, Spain is the second most visited country in the world.
Beach in Ibiza by Pepe RodMon
The subtropical Mediterranean climate can be characterized by long, dry and hot summer and short, mild winter. The coldest month in the year is January with average temperatures between 10 °C (northern Spain) and 15 °C (Andalusia).
In some winter days the daily temperatures in Andalusia can reach 20 – 25 °C even in January.
In July and August the average temperatures are 28 °C, but sometimes can reach 40 – 45 °C.
The spring and autumn on the Mediterranean coast are warm and this is maybe the best part of the year for tourism.
View to Madrid by Felipe Gabaldón
Every year millions of tourists choose to spend their holiday in some of the dozens resorts, that are spread around the coast of the Mediterranean.
Here on the coast, far from the high and inaccessible mountains, Spain completely lives up the expectations for sun and perfect weather.
From early spring to late autumn, the beaches of south Spain are magnet to the tourists. For the winter months we can not tell anything bad.
Usually the weather is perfect for long walks and outdoor activities. Usually in the winter everything is green. In some cases the winter is greener than the summer, because the summer heats often wither up the plants.
Marbella beach by Peter & Michelle S
The beach season in Andalusia is from April to November (eight months). In the northern part of Spain the beach season is little bit shorter – from May to October.
The hottest part of Spain is the Canary Islands. They are situated near by the coast of Morocco, Africa, in the tropical climate zone. Here the winter is warmest.
The daily temperatures are around 21 °C. This archipelago is situated in Africa. The weather is dry and warm all year around. The precipitations are insignificant.
In the 16-th and 17-th century Spain has been the richest and strongest country in the world. Its possessions have been spread all over the world.
Sunset in Costa del Sol by Antonio
The biggest part of South America and significant part of North America was under the control of Spain. Today you can see the remains of this greatness every where.
The architecture is impressive and when you see it, you understand how significant has been in the past this country. Palaces, fortifications, museums and so on keep the past in their beauty.
Coast of San Sebastian by Chris
The Spanish cities are world famous tourist destinations. The ten biggest Spanish cities are Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Saragosa, Malaga, Murcia, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Palma de Majorca and Bilbao.
Every of these cities have their own identity. Some of them, especially the coastal cities are very attractive for the visitors. Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, Palma and Las Palmas have incredible beautiful beaches.
Lloret de Mar – Seaside by Miguel Discart
Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia are magnificent for the investors and immigrants that come here because of the unlimited opportunities and high standard of life.
Barcelona is the biggest and most important economic center on the coast of all Mediterranean. The city is not the richest in EU, but there is one very important fact:
Barcelona is favourite to the young people from all parts of the continent. Big part of the European teenagers, declare that they wish to live, work, study or just visit this incredible city.
It is so attractive not only because of the great opportunities, but and because of its beauty. The beaches are legendary. They are covered by fine golden sands.
Street in Barcelona by marimbajlamesa
Despite the huge number of tourists that come here for summer holiday, the beaches are wide and there is enough space for everybody.
The beaches can be used from the beginning of May to the end of October. Incredible beautiful promenade passes along the seaside. There is great diversity of luxury stores.
Plaza Virgen de los Reyes, Seville by Jess R.
Everywhere you see date palm trees that are so typical for this area. The city is attractive for the young people because of its modern architecture too.
There are a lot of luxury hotels, business buildings and so on. The tallest skyscrapers in the city are Hotel Arts Barcelona and Torre Mapfre. They are both 154m high.
The city is world famous with the cathedral Sagrada de Familia that is among the biggest in the world. This is one great master piece of Antony Gaudy.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife – street by cortto
Valencia is the third largest economic and financial center in Spain. In the last years Valencia endured incredible economic progress. In the southern part of the city you will see the town of the science and art.
This is new complex with modern architecture. The city has one of the biggest aquariums in the world. The buildings of glass and structure steel, look as they have come from the future.
This beautiful city is a magnet to the young people from all over the world. Similar to Barcelona, Valencia offers great opportunities for the young people.
Spain is the European California. There are many similarities between them. The first is of course the climate – warm Mediterranean.
View to port of Barcelona by dmytrok
The second is the occupation – California is situated in the western part of USA, and Spain is situated in the western part of EU. Because of the similar climate conditions, the nature in Spain and California is very identical.
The names – as California has been part of Mexico in the past. Mexico has been possession of Spain. As a result the biggest part of the names of towns and the geographic names are the same as in Spain.
The American business is attracted by California, the European business is attracted by Spain. The young people in USA dream for California and its beaches, the young people in Europe dream for Spain and its beauty.
California is famous as state where you easy can earn a lot of money. In the last years Spain is famous by the same. This is only one small part of all identities between Spain and California.
On the first of January 1986, Spain has become a member of the European Union. Today the official currency is Euro.
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