Spain is
cultural centre of Europe and
third most popular tourist destination in
world; furthermore it is home to an ever growing eclectic mix of expatriates from around
globe. Those who choose to visit or relocate to Spain are drawn by
country’s charm, beauty and passionate people: this rough guide to Spain will give you an introduction to this fascinating, rich and diverse country.
The Environment and Climate
Mainland Spain is located in South Western Europe. It makes up about 80% of
Iberian Peninsula which it shares with Portugal and Gibraltar.
The Pyrenees form
north-eastern edge of
Peninsula, and
Peninsula is bordered by
Mediterranean Sea on
south and east, and by
Atlantic Ocean on
north and west. Mainland Spain also borders Andorra and France.
Mainland Spain enjoys a beautiful Mediterranean climate with hot summers and with
winters being divided into relatively cold in
interior, temperate on
coast and fair on
islands that make up
Kingdom of Spain.
Further Spanish territories and tourist hotspots are
Balearic Islands in
Mediterranean Sea:
main islands making up
Balearics are Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera - and
Canary Islands in
Atlantic Sea:
seven islands making up
Canaries are Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and Fuertaventura.
The Kingdom of Spain also consists of two cities in North Africa called Ceuta and Melilla.
Spain’s Historical Background
Spain was once
most powerful nation in Europe and derived most of its wealth at
time from its colonization of
Americas which began with
arrival of Christopher Columbus in
Americas in 1492.