Area Total | 505,370 sq km |
Climate | temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy and cool along coast |
Natural Resources | coal, lignite, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, uranium, tungsten, mercury, pyrites, magnesite, fluorspar, gypsum, sepiolite, kaolin, potash, hydropower, arable land |
Imports | Germany 14.2%, France 11.9%, China 6.9%, Italy 6.8%, Netherlands 5.1%, UK 4% (2017) – machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals, semi-finished goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods, measuring and medical control instruments |
Exports | France 15.1%, Germany 11.3%, Italy 7.8%, Portugal 7.1%, UK 6.9%, US 4.4% (2017) – Exports – machinery, motor vehicles; foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, medicines, other consumer goods |
Government | parliamentary constitutional monarchy |
Capital | Madrid |
Population | 49.3 million (July 2018 est.) |
Ethnicity | Spanish 86.4%, Morocco 1.8%, Romania 1.3%, other 10.5% (2018 est.) |
Language | Castilian Spanish (official nationwide) 74%, Catalan (official in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the Valencian Community (where it is known as Valencian)) 17%, Galician (official in Galicia) 7%, Basque (official in the Basque Country and in the Basquespeaking area of Navarre) 2%, Aranese (official in the northwest corner of Catalonia (Vall d’Aran) along with Catalan, <5,000 speakers) |
News about Spain
- Renting in Spain: What’s the law on wear and tear?by The Local on May 5, 2024
Every property suffers wear and tear over time. But who's liable to pay for the repairs in Spain, the tenant or landlord?
- Is it better to do a joint or separate tax declaration if you're a couple in Spain?by The Local on May 5, 2024
The deadline for filing your Spanish annual income tax return is just a couple of months away, but working out whether to file jointly or as an individual can be tricky. Here's everything you need to know in order to help you decide.
- Are private health costs tax deductible in Spain?by The Local on May 5, 2024
Many expenses can be offset against taxes in Spain, but what about private health insurance and other medical costs? Can you deduct them in 'la declaración de la renta' (annual tax return)? It often depends on your circumstances and location.
- Spain rejects Argentinian claim its PM is causing ‘poverty and death’by Agencies in Madrid (Spain | The Guardian) on May 4, 2024
Diplomatic spat began when Spanish minister suggested Javier Milei had taken ‘substances’ while campaigningSpain has denounced comments by Argentina’s presidency that accused the Spanish government of bringing “poverty and death” to its own people.The office of the Argentinian president, Javier Milei, had published a statement on X, accusing the […]
- Inside Spain: Cyberbullying at schools and the right's 'sludge machine'by The Local on May 4, 2024
In this week's Inside Spain, we look at the country's increasing rates of school cyberbullying and how the Prime Minister himself also feels he's been the victim of another kind of harassment by what he calls 'the sludge machine'.
- Spain rejects Argentinian claim PM Sánchez ruining the countryby The Local on May 4, 2024
Spain on Saturday denounced comments by Argentina's presidency which had accused the Spanish government of bringing "poverty and death" to its own people.
- EES border checks could undergo 'soft launch', UK says as app concerns mountby The Local on May 4, 2024
The UK government is preparing for a "soft launch" of the new EU border system – the Entry/Exit (EES) system - in October but authorities are still waiting for European Commission to confirm the start date, amid concerns over the delay of a new app.
- Spain’s return authorisation: When and how should I get it?by The Local on May 4, 2024
The 'autorización de regreso' is something you'll need when you want to leave Spain (and get back in) and haven't got your residency card. Here's what it is, when and where to get it, and how.
- EXPLAINED: When you can exchange visas in Spainby The Local on May 4, 2024
There are several different types of visas and residency permits you can get to be able to live and work in Spain, but what happens when your situation changes and you want to exchange your visa for a different one?
- Spain to scrap national bullfighting prizeby The Local on May 3, 2024
Spain's left-wing government said on Friday it would scrap a national prize for bullfighting, a move which angered supporters of the controversial spectacle but was welcomed by animal rights groups.
- UN alarm over rightwing laws that could ‘whitewash’ Franco era in Spainby Sam Jones in Madrid (Spain | The Guardian) on May 3, 2024
Three UN experts warn proposed ‘harmony laws’ may contravene international human rights standardsNew laws proposed by rightwing and far-right regional coalition governments to “whitewash” the Franco dictatorship could contravene international human rights standards, UN experts on truth, justice, forced disappearances and killings have warned […]
- Everything you need to know about Mother's Day in Spainby The Local on May 3, 2024
Here's how and when in May Mother's Day is celebrated in Spain, and why it owes its roots to religion and a Valencian poet.
- Did Spain make Coca-Cola before the US?by The Local on May 3, 2024
Could Kola-Coca, the drink produced in a small Valencian village, have been the inspiration for the world-famous soft drink, Coca-Cola?
- EXPLAINED: How to buy a boat in Spainby The Local on May 3, 2024
Considering buying a boat to enjoy life to the fullest in Spain? Here's a breakdown of costs, legal requirements, financing options and useful tips to factor in before purchasing a bowrider, a day sailer, a yacht or any other 'barco'.
- Spanish Words of the Day: Top Mantaby The Local on May 3, 2024
If you've spent time in any major Spanish city or tourist spot, you'll have no doubt seen 'top manta' happening.
- Spring, fertility and an awakening with Spain’s Las Mayas – a photo essayby Daniel Ochoa de Olza / Panos Pictures (Spain | The Guardian) on May 3, 2024
Since 2014 Spanish photographer Daniel Ochoa de Olza has been portraying the girl participants in a spring festival held in Colmenar Viejo outside Madrid. His portraits bear witness to his fascination with the enduring nature of Spain’s ritualsWith obscure origins in pagan customs and dating back to medieval times, the festivities of La Maya offers a […]
- Six factors British people need to consider before retiring to Spainby The Local on May 3, 2024
If you're a UK national and thinking of retiring to Spain, there are some important factors you need to think about before making the move, and before you make any decisions about your UK pension.
- Ecotax and cruise bans: Why Spain's mass tourism measures haven't workedby The Local on May 3, 2024
Regions and cities around Spain have tried several ways to slow down the negative effects of mass tourism on local communities, largely without any luck and not addressing the major problem underpinning it.
- Can you pay taxes in Spain with a foreign bank account?by The Local on May 3, 2024
Many foreigners have tax obligations in Spain but might not have a Spanish bank account to pay them from. Changes by Spain's tax authorities might just make it easier, depending on your circumstances.
- Oysters, not hostias! How to 'swear' politely in Spanishby The Local on May 2, 2024
Swearing is accepted in many social contexts in Spain, but if you really need to sugarcoat your curse words, there are many euphemisms and expressions that can help you save face in certain situations.
- How much does it really cost to live in Spain's Valencia in 2024?by The Local on May 2, 2024
Valencia is one of Spain's most popular destinations and cheaper than Barcelona and Madrid. Valencia-based journalist Conor Faulkner breaks down rent, transport, grocery and other costs in this lively coastal city in 2024.
- Why regional elections in Catalonia matter to Spain's futureby The Local on May 2, 2024
Early elections in Catalonia on May 12th could have political ramifications that go beyond the northern region and prolong the seemingly never-ending melodrama of Spanish politics.
- 'It's become unliveable': Spain's Málaga plans protests against mass tourismby The Local on May 2, 2024
After recent protests in the Canaries and seemingly growing anti-tourism sentiment across Spain, locals in the Costa del Sol city of Málaga are also planning demonstrations in June against the 'touristification' of their city.
- Dutch woman arrested over shooting of Spanish former politicianby Agence France-Presse in Madrid (Spain | The Guardian) on April 30, 2024
Woman detained in Netherlands for alleged role in non-fatal shooting of Alejo Vidal-Quadras in Madrid last yearA Dutch woman has been arrested in the Netherlands in relation to the shooting of a Spanish former politician in Madrid last year.Alejo Vidal-Quadras, a founder of Spain’s far-right Vox party, was shot in the face near his home in the wealthy […]
- The Pedro Sánchez crisis makes it clear: Spain’s politicians are playing with fire | María Ramírezby María Ramírez (Spain | The Guardian) on April 30, 2024
Public life is polluted by lies, abuse and the disregard for basic norms – and the prime minister is not blamelessPedro Sánchez has built a reputation as a successful political gambler, but suspending public duties and threatening to resign, as he did last week, was a political bombshell. It was so extraordinary it led to five days of national puzzlement […]
- At least 50 people feared drowned after boat from Senegal sinks off Canary islandby Sam Jones in Madrid (Spain | The Guardian) on April 30, 2024
Nine people rescued from boat sailing perilous Atlantic route that reportedly left Senegal with 60 people onboard nine days agoAt least 50 people are feared to have drowned after a boat sailing the perilous Atlantic route from west Africa to Europe began to sink 60 miles south of the Canary island of El Hierro.Nine people were rescued from the craft early […]
- Surreal claims, lawfare and abuse: toxic politics in Spain reflect the new Europeby Jon Henley Europe correspondent (Spain | The Guardian) on April 29, 2024
Pedro Sánchez is not alone in EU in facing ‘harassment through the media and the courts’ aimed at forcing him out of politicsPedro Sánchez may have decided to stay on as Spanish prime minister, but what made him hesitate – “harassment and bullying” of him and his wife by his political opponents – is unlikely to go away anytime soon, in Spain […]
- Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez says he will not resign – as it happenedby Lili Bayer in Brussels (Spain | The Guardian) on April 29, 2024
Sánchez announces he will stay on days after saying he was considering resigning after attacks in rightwing media on his wifePedro Sánchez is expected to speak in a few minutes. Stay tuned.Pedro Sánchez’s big announcement will be an “institutional declaration”, which means a televised statement with no questions from the media. Continue reading...
- Pedro Sánchez to continue as Spain’s PM despite ‘bullying’ campaignby Sam Jones in Madrid (Spain | The Guardian) on April 29, 2024
Sánchez calls for end to mud-slinging after spending five days reflecting on his future over ‘harassment’ by enemiesPedro Sánchez has decided to continue as Spain’s prime minister after spending five days reflecting on his future because of what he described as a “harassment and bullying operation” being waged against him and his wife by his […]
- Spain's Pedro Sánchez says he will stay on as PM – videoby (Spain | The Guardian) on April 29, 2024
Pedro Sánchez says he will continue as Spain’s prime minister after spending five days reflecting on his future because of what he termed a 'harassment and bullying operation' being waged against him and his wife. The socialist prime minister shocked Spain last Wednesday when he shared a personal letter explaining that he was withdrawing from his public […]