Spain | Europe

Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula in Southwestern Europe, bordered by Portugal to the west, France and Andorra to the northeast, and the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar to the south. It is defined by its autonomous regions, the Meseta Central plateau, and its status as a global tourism leader, with Madrid serving as the capital city.

History & Culture

Modern Spain was unified in 1492 following the Reconquista. Significant political eras include the Spanish Empire, the Civil War (1936–1939), the Francoist dictatorship (1939–1975), and the transition to a constitutional monarchy. Approximately 55% of the population identifies as Catholic, with a significant secular majority (40%). The primary national holiday is Fiesta Nacional de España (October 12). Social etiquette emphasizes sobremesa (post-meal conversation), formal greetings, and late-night social schedules; dinner rarely begins before 9:00 PM.

Language & Communication

The official language is Spanish (Castilian). English proficiency is Moderate in major cities and High in tourist resorts (Baleares, Costa del Sol), but Low in rural Castile and Extremadura. Co-official languages include Catalan (Catalonia/Balearic Islands), Galician (Galicia), and Basque (Basque Country).

Population & Economy

The population is approximately 50.3 million, driven by sustained inward migration. Top export commodities include motor vehicles, refined petroleum, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products (olive oil, citrus). GDP per capita is approximately $40,600 USD. The economy is the fourth-largest in the EU, increasingly diversifying into ICT and renewable energy while maintaining a dominant tourism sector.

Visa & Entry Policy

As a core member of the Schengen Area, Spain allows visa-free entry for citizens of the US, UK, and Canada for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. As of late 2026, ETIAS authorization is mandatory for these travelers. The Entry/Exit System (EES) is operational at all external borders, recording biometric data for non-EU nationals. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the Euro (EUR). Contactless card and mobile payments (Bizum is the dominant local peer-to-peer app) are universal in urban centers. Cash remains necessary for some small tapas bars, traditional markets, and rural villages. ATMs (Cajeros) are abundant; use bank-affiliated machines (CaixaBank, Santander, BBVA) to avoid excessive third-party fees.

National Transport Grid

Spain operates the longest high-speed rail (AVE) network in Europe, exceeding 3,900 km. Major lines connect Madrid to Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia. In 2026, the Mediterranean Corridor high-speed link is scheduled for completion, facilitating direct coastal rail transit from Almería to France. The La Sagrera intermodal station in Barcelona is slated to open by year-end 2026. Low-cost rail operators (Ouigo, Iryo) provide competitive alternatives to the state-owned Renfe.

Digital Infrastructure

Primary mobile network providers are Movistar (Telefónica), Vodafone, Orange (MasOrange), and Digi. 5G coverage exceeds 94% of the population. Fixed fiber-optic penetration is among the highest in Europe, with 1Gbps speeds standard in most urban residential areas.

Climate & Seasonality

Spain features three main climate zones: Mediterranean (East/South), Oceanic (North), and Semiarid (Center). Summers (June–August) are extremely hot, particularly in the Guadalquivir valley (Seville/Cordoba). The "shoulder" seasons of April–May and September–October are optimal for travel. The northern "Green Spain" (Asturias/Cantabria) remains temperate and humid year-round.

Health & Safety

There are no mandatory vaccines for entry. Environmental risks include extreme summer heatwaves and seasonal forest fires. The universal European emergency number is 112; 091 is the direct line for the National Police (Policía Nacional).

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Community of Madrid: Hub: Madrid.

Catalonia: Hub: Barcelona.

Andalusia: Hubs: Seville, Málaga.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: €0.67 ($0.73 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): €3.00 ($3.27 USD)

1 Sim Card (Prepaid 50GB): €10.00 ($10.90 USD)

Facts & Legends

Spain is the world's leading producer of olive oil, accounting for nearly half of global production. A prominent legend is that of "El Cid" (Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar), a 11th-century castilian nobleman and military leader whose life became the basis for the national epic Cantar de mio Cid, depicting him as the ultimate symbol of Spanish chivalry and cross-cultural military prowess.