| Area |
504,782 sq km (194,897 sq miles). |
| Population |
39,371,147 (1998). |
| Capital |
Madrid - population 5,091,336 (1998) |
| Climate |
Spain's climate varies from temperate in the north and dry and hot in the south. The best months are April to October, although mid-summer (July to August) can be excessively hot throughout the country except for the coastal regions. Madrid is best in late spring autumn. The central plateau can be bitterly cold in winter. Balearic islands: The islands enjoy a temperate, Mediterranean climate. The maximum temperatures are not excessive, even in high summer. The climate during the winter is mild and dry and temperatures below zero are particularly unknown. Canary Islands: The climate in the northern islands of the Canaries is subtropical; the south of the islands tend to be hotter and drier, although rainfall is generally low throughout the islands. |
| Language |
Spanish (Castillian), Catalan, Galician, Basque |
| Religion |
Roman Catholic majority. |
| Time |
Mainland Spain/Balearics GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from the last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).The Canary Islands: GMT (GMT + 1 from the last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
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| Highlights |
Madrid is an enormous metropolis, which may not have the obvious appeal and ease of access that Barcelona has, but there is a huge amount to see, so what it lacks in style, it makes up for in substance. There is a wealth of lovely parks and gardens, a collection of remarkable museums and galleries - and a crazy nightlife! The city's cultural delights to see include top spots Inglesia de San Gines, one of Madrid's oldest churches, housing some fine paintings. Plaza Mayor is Madrid's most famous square teeming with people and a large variety of cafes.
Barcelona has an enormous amount to offer those in search of a weekend away. Culturally, Barcelona contains the most famous examples of the work of architect Antonio Gaudi including the extraordinary Sagrada Familia Cathedral which has to be seen to be believed, and an immense cross-section of museums and art galleries which will satisfy the most eager of culture vultures. The Ramblas, originally the site of the ancient city walls, is an exciting place to wander through and marvel at the flower, fish and bird markets.
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| Country Facts |
Spain shares the Iberian Peninsula with Portugal and is bordered to the north by the Pyrenees. The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera) southeast of Barcelona and the Canary Islands are part of Spain, as well as the tiny enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla on the North African mainland. Spain enjoys a warm climate, which varies from temperature in the north to dry and hot in the south. April to October are the best months to travel to Spain, though mid-summer (July to August) can be excessively hot throughout the country except in the coastal regions. |