Spain: Geography and Culture

Geography and Climate

• Spain is located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
• It shares borders with Portugal and France.
• The country has diverse geography, featuring mountains, valleys, lakes, rivers, deserts, farmland, vineyards, olive trees, and forests.

Daily Life

• The capital of Spain is Madrid.
• Due to its western time zone, the sun may not set until 10 pm in the summer.
• This leads to the famous midday nap, known as a siesta.
• Children attend school from 9 am-12 pm, and then from 3-5 pm.
• Spanish families typically eat dinner at around 9 pm.

Culture

• Spain is known for bullfights, flamenco music and dancing, and museums.
• Traditional dishes include paella, a rice dish made with saffron, and tapas, small dishes served as appetizers.
• The country is famous for its beaches and festivals, such as the running of the bulls and La Tomatina.
• Football (or soccer) is a popular sport in Spain.

History

• Spain has a rich culture and history spanning hundreds of years.
• The country was once part of the Roman Empire, influencing the Spanish language.
• Roman influence can be seen in the north, where Roman bridges and the Roman aqueduct of Segovia still stand.
• Most Spaniards (94%) consider their religion to be Roman Catholicism.
• The Moors contributed to education and impressive architecture, like the Alhambra.
• In 1492, the Christians regained control over the southern part of Spain, ending in the reconquest of Granada.
• The Habsburgs began to rule in Spain in 1516, shaping the country.

Language and Economy

• The official national language is Spanish, with regional co-official languages including Catalan, Basque, Aranese, and Galician.
• Spain's economy has been in decline, but is now growing, with exports of vehicles, oil, fruits, nuts, and vegetables helping to stabilize it.
• Spain is one of the largest exporters of fresh fruits and vegetables.