| 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
- Spain's PM to visit China for fourth time in as many yearsby The Local Spain on March 23, 2026
The Spanish government has confirmed that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will visit China in mid-April, amid worsening relations with the US which may prompt Spain to seek closer economic ties with Beijing.
- Spain to allow undocumented migrants to apply for residency at post officesby The Local Spain on March 23, 2026
Faced with the gargantuan task of processing the residency papers of at least 500,000 migrants in just three months, the Spanish government has decided to enlist the help of its Correos post offices and the country's Social Security department.
- What to expect from Spain's two airport strikes this Easterby The Local Spain on March 23, 2026
If you're flying to or from Spain this Easter, be aware that there are two different sets of stoppages planned by airport staff which may cause delays and other disruptions for passengers.
- What Spain's rent cap extension means for tenants and landlordsby The Local Spain on March 23, 2026
Here's what you need to know about the Spanish government's new decree regarding rental contracts, whether you're a landlord or a tenant.
- Today in Spain: A roundup of the latest news on Mondayby The Local Spain on March 23, 2026
Sánchez calls for full reopening of Strait of Hormuz, Spain to cap annual rent increases at 2 percent, Renfe launches Easter train ticket sale and more news on Monday March 23rd.
- What's it like being an American in Spain right now?by The Local Spain on March 21, 2026
In this month's Americans in Spain newsletter Barcelona-based journalist Jennifer Lutz speaks to US nationals who've made the move to 'España' about what other Americans should expect if they relocate here, from advice, preconceptions and experiences.
- Inside Spain: Pyrotechnic hooligans and dismantling Brexitby The Local Spain on March 21, 2026
In this week’s Inside Spain, we look at how foreign troublemakers are using "extreme pyrotechnics" at Valencia's Fallas festival, and why the UK and Spain's strengthened business ties could be the start of dismantling Brexit.
- Rent, fuel and bills: Spain to spend €5 billion to ease Middle East war falloutby The Local Spain on March 20, 2026
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced Friday a sweeping package worth €5 billion ($5.8 billion) aimed at cushioning the economic impact of the Middle East war, including a "drastic reduction" in energy-related taxes.
- Young British dual nationals barred from flights home over new passport rulesby The Local Spain on March 20, 2026
More British dual nationals have been stranded abroad after being refused entry on return flights under new UK border rules.
- What you need to know as European airlines cancel hundreds of flightsby The Local Spain on March 20, 2026
Amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East and soaring jet fuel prices, European airlines have cancelled hundreds of flights this spring. The impact on flight services could last for months.
- Why Spain's King Felipe VI is also the King of Jerusalemby The Local Spain on March 20, 2026
Did you know that Spain's current king also holds the title of King of Jerusalem? Here's the fascinating story as to why.
- How 'the perfect storm' caused Spain's 2025 blackoutby The Local Spain on March 20, 2026
Last year's paralysing blackout in Spain and Portugal was caused by a "perfect storm of multiple factors", according to a final report by an expert panel published Friday.
- What Spain's PM thinks of Brexit, Gibraltar and UK relationsby The Local Spain on March 20, 2026
A recent interview on British podcast "The Rest is Politics" has revealed what Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez thinks of the UK rejoining the EU, the upcoming Gibraltar deal and what the future holds for the Spain-UK alliance.
- Spain rejects proposal to lower drink-driving limitby The Local Spain on March 19, 2026
Several Spanish political parties have rejected a proposal to lower the drink-driving limit in Spain, with the ruling Socialists accusing the PP and Vox of "bowing to the beer and wine lobbies".
- KEY POINTS: What changes about life in Spain in April 2026by The Local Spain on March 18, 2026
Gibraltar-Spain free movement, full rollout of EES, regularisation of 500,000+ undocumented migrants to kick off, tax season begins, prices forecast to increase, Easter and more - this is what to expect from April 2026 in Spain.
- How will the war in Iran affect the property market in Spain?by The Local Spain on March 16, 2026
It may seem like the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US and Israel is happening far away, but it’s already starting to affect life in Spain, including the property market.
- Can establishments in Spain force you to pay by card?by The Local Spain on March 16, 2026
Paying by card in Spain is becoming increasingly common, particularly in big cities. In fact most transactions are now paid electronically, rather than in cash, but can places force you to pay by card?
- Five things to know about the Galician languageby The Local Spain on October 18, 2024
You may have visited Galicia, but what do you know about the Spanish region's unique language? Here are five things to know about Galician or Galego.
- How a female teacher campaigned for Spain to have a Father's Dayby The Local Spain on March 19, 2021
Today marks Father’s Day in Spain, the day when children all over the country come home with handmade crafts and often enjoy a special meal with their dads. But what are the origins of this day in Spain and why is it celebrated on March 19th?
- In photos: Easter in Spain under the coronavirus lockdownby El País (In English Section | EL PAÍS) on April 9, 2020
Reuters photographer Jon Nazca has traveled to Ronda in the southern Spanish city of Málaga to compare this year’s empty streets to the festivities seen in 2019 and 2018
- Catalan premier announces snap election amid dispute over role as deputyby Camilo S. Baquero (In English Section | EL PAÍS) on January 29, 2020
In a surprise institutional statement, Quim Torra said the date will not be set until the regional budget is passed in parliament
- El Rotoby El Roto (In English Section | EL PAÍS) on January 29, 2020
El Roto cartoon, January 29, 2020
- Spaniard in Wuhan faces tough choice: Stay with husband or evacuateby Jaime Santirso (In English Section | EL PAÍS) on January 29, 2020
Spain is planning to repatriate citizens who are trapped in the Chinese city due to a coronavirus outbreak, but for Dácil Sánchez that means leaving her partner behind
- Deià: The Spanish village with more tourist accommodation than residentsby Juan Antonio Bauzá (In English Section | EL PAÍS) on January 29, 2020
The picturesque spot in Mallorca is home to just over 600 people, but the high number of visitors in the summer is putting a strain on resources
- Spain trying to evacuate its citizens from Wuhan along with French, British nationalsby Pablo Linde, Agencies (In English Section | EL PAÍS) on January 28, 2020
China has recommended that foreigners stay put in the quarantined city, but added that it will not prevent them from leaving
- Jailed Catalan leader speaks in parliament on Article 155: “It did nothing to stop us”by Pere Ríos, Camilo S. Baquero (In English Section | EL PAÍS) on January 28, 2020
Oriol Junqueras, who is serving a 13-year sentence for his role in the 2017 breakaway bid, appeared at an investigation commission into the suspension of the Catalan government’s regional powers
- Catalan premier challenges regional parliament by refusing to give up seatby Pere Ríos, Camilo S. Baquero (In English Section | EL PAÍS) on January 28, 2020
Quim Torra got his Together for Catalonia party to abstain from the day’s voting after the speaker warned him that his own vote would not be counted
- Spanish dentist caught secretly filming colleague undress given three yearsby J. J. Gálvez (In English Section | EL PAÍS) on January 28, 2020
The female employee discovered a pen drive that had been used to record her when she got changed at the Madrid clinic where she worked. The victim has also won compensation
- Civil Guard colonel slams actions of Mossos chief during independence driveby J. J. Gálvez (In English Section | EL PAÍS) on January 27, 2020
Diego Pérez de los Cobos tells court he would have removed Josep Lluís Trapero from his role as head of the regional police force for his leadership in 2017
- In Madrid, investors eye tenants who still pay just €7 a monthby Fernando Peinado (In English Section | EL PAÍS) on January 27, 2020
Despite soaring rent prices, there are still a few lucky residents on old Franco-era contracts. Real estate trusts are buying these properties as they wait for the occupants to pass away
































