Spain – A Quick & Quirky Guide
Official name: Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España)
Area: ~505,990 km² – mainland, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, plus enclaves in North Africa
Population: ~47 million (2024)
Location: Southwestern Europe, bordered by Portugal, France, Andorra, Gibraltar, and the Mediterranean & Atlantic
Form of government: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Head of State: King Felipe VI
Head of Government: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez
Capital city: Madrid – ~3.3 million (metro ~6.5 million)
Time zone: Central European Time (UTC+1 / +2 in summer; Canary Islands UTC+0 / +1)
Official language: Spanish (Castilian); regional languages: Catalan, Galician, Basque, and others
Currency: Euro (€)
EU member: Yes, founding member
Schengen area: Yes
Top 10 Largest Cities (population approx.)
- Madrid – ~3.3 million
- Barcelona – ~1.6 million
- Valencia – ~800,000
- Seville – ~700,000
- Zaragoza – ~675,000
- Málaga – ~575,000
- Murcia – ~460,000
- Palma de Mallorca – ~420,000
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – ~380,000
- Bilbao – ~345,000
Popular Tourist Cities & Regions
- Madrid: Royal Palace, Prado Museum, bustling nightlife, and tapas culture.
- Barcelona: Gaudí architecture, beaches, and Catalan flair.
- Seville: Flamenco, historic churches, and sunny plazas.
- Granada: Alhambra palace and Moorish charm.
- Valencia: City of Arts and Sciences, beaches, and paella.
- Costa del Sol & Canary Islands: Sun, sea, and sand.
- San Sebastián & Basque Country: Gastronomy heaven with pintxos.
Climate
Varies by region: Mediterranean on the coast (hot, dry summers, mild winters), continental inland (hot summers, cold winters), and oceanic in the north (mild and rainy). Pack sunscreen and a light jacket — sometimes both in one day.
Culture & Daily Life
- Siestas & fiestas: Daily rhythm may include a nap and frequent festivals.
- Tapas culture: Small plates, big socializing.
- Flamenco & football: Passionate expressions of Spanish culture.
- Friendly locals: Warm, lively, and always ready for conversation over coffee or wine.
Food & Drink
- Classic dishes: Paella, tortilla española, gazpacho, jamón ibérico.
- Tapas & snacks: Patatas bravas, croquetas, calamari.
- Desserts: Churros with chocolate, flan, turrón.
- Drinks: Sangria, sherry, Rioja wines, Cava, and coffee.
Summary
Spain is a land of sunshine, history, and culinary delights. From Madrid’s vibrant streets to Barcelona’s architectural wonders, from the beaches of Costa del Sol to the snow-capped mountains of the Pyrenees, it offers something for everyone. Warm locals, lively festivals, and unforgettable food make Spain an irresistible European destination.