Spain is located at the Iberian Península, of which it occupies approximately 80% (the remaining 20% are occupied by Portugal), in the southwest of Europe. In the north Spain borders on France and Andorra, with the Pyrenees as a natural frontier. Additionally the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza) in the Mediterranean Sea, Canary Islands in Atlantic Ocean close to the Moroccian coast, and Ceuta and Melilla, located in northern Africa, are Spanish territory.
Climate and Weather
The climate varies tremendously in Spain, due to its large size. Visitors can generally expect a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
The vast central plateau, or Meseta, has a continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Rain generally falls in spring and autumn. The mountains surrounding the plateau have a higher rainfall and often experience heavy snowfalls in winter.
North of the Cantabrian mountains, the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia have a maritime climate, with cool summers and mild winters. The weather is often cloudy with frequent rainfall.
On the Mediterranean coast, the climate is moderate with rain in spring and autumn. Murcia has an almost African climate and is characterized by numerous palm trees. Rainfall is low and the calina, or heat haze, is common during summer.
On the Atlantic coast, the summers are cooler and fairly heavy rainfall occurs during winter. Inland, the summers are hot and the rainfall decreases.
The Balearic islands have a maritime climate, with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers.
The Canary Islands have an even warmer climate. The coastal areas are fairly mild, but the interior, especially in arid areas of Tenerife, can get very hot during the day with cold nights. Mount Teide is often snowcapped in winter and the vast majority of rain falls in winter.
Population
In 2008 Spain officially reached 46.06 million people. Spain has a number of descendants of populations from former colonies (especially Equatorial Guinea) and immigrants from several Sub-Saharan and Caribbean countries have been recently settling in Spain. There are also sizeable numbers of Asian immigrants, most of whom are of Chinese, Filipino, Middle Eastern, Pakistani and Indian origins; the population of Spaniards of Latin American descent is sizeable as well and a fast growing segment. Other growing groups are Britons (761,000 in 2006), Germans and other immigrants from western and Eastern Europe.
Jewish emigration to Spain is primarily the result of three events: after the 19th century, some Jews established themselves in Spain as a result of migration from what was formerly Spanish Morocco, the flight of Jews escaping from Nazi repression, and immigration from Argentina. Spanish law allows Sephardi Jews to claim Spanish citizenship.
The arrival of the Gitanos (Gypsies), a Roma people group, began in the 16th century.
Transportation
Transportation System in Spain is well developed. Spain Transportation comprises of a good network of air, road and railways which connects every place in Spain. The public transport system in Spain is very much frequent and efficient in Spain.
Top Attractions
1. Ronda.
2. Granada.
3. The Prado.
4. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
5. Reina Sofia National Art Center Museum.
6. Royal Palace.
7. Plaza Mayor.
8. Goya's Tomb.
9. Parque del Buen Retiro.
10. Toledo.
Best Travel Time
The climate of Spain varied from being temperate in the north to hot and dry in the south. The best month to go to Spain is from the month of April to October. July and August is when it’s mid summer in Spain. Summers are very hot throughout in Spain except the coastal regions. The best time to visit Madrid is late spring or autumn. The central plateau area in Spain is cold in winters.
Food and Drink
National specialties:
• Seafood: cod vizcaina or cod pil-pil (Basque provinces); Angulas, the tasty baby eels (Aguinaga); shellfish and hake à la Gallega (Galicia); lobster Catalan (Catalonia); fresh anchovies (Andalucía).
• Paella based on meat or seafood (Eastern provinces).
• Butifarra sausage stewed with beans (Catalonia).
• Roast meats: lamb, beef, veal and suckling pig (Castile).
• Gazpacho, a delicious cold vegetable soup (Andalucía).
• Jabugo ham (Huelva).
National drinks: • Sherry (there are four main types: fino (very pale and very dry), amontillado (dry, richer in body and darker in color), oloroso (medium, full-bodied, fragrant and golden) and dulce (sweet)).
• Wine: Rioja (Logroñ); Valdepeñas (midway between Madrid and Cordóba); Ampurdán; Chacolí (Basque Country) and Perelada (Catalonia); Cava (sparkling wine): Codorniú and Freixenet .
• Spanish brandy: Lanjarón, Vichy Catalan, Malavella and Font Vella.
Local Products/Shopping
In Spain, the shopper can find items of high quality at a fair price, not only in the cities, but in the small towns as well. In Madrid, the Rastro Market is recommended, particularly on Sundays. Half of the market takes place in the open air and half in more permanent galleries, and it has a character all of its own. Catalonian textiles are internationally famous and there are mills throughout the region. Spanish leather goods are prized throughout the world, offering high-fashion originals at reasonable prices. Of note are the suede coats and jackets. In general, all leather goods, particularly those from Andalucía, combine excellent craftsmanship with high-quality design. Fine, handcrafted wooden furniture is one of the outstanding products; Valencia is especially important in this field, and has a yearly international furniture fair. Alicante is an important center for toy manufacturing. Shoe manufacturing is also of an especially high quality; the production centers are in Alicante and the Balearics. Fine rugs and carpets are made in Cáceres, Granada and Murcia. The numerous excellent sherries, wines and spirits produced in Spain make good souvenirs to take home. A seven per cent VAT is added to rates for all restaurants and hotel rooms.
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