Spain

Spain Facts

Capital: Madrid
Government Type: Parliamentary monarchy
Currency: euro (EUR)
Population: 47,370,542
Total Area: 195,123 Square Miles
505,370 Square Kilometers
Location: Southwestern Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, Bay of Biscay, and Pyrenees Mountains; southwest of France
Language: Castilian Spanish (official) 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, and Basque 2%.

Languages
Castilian Spanish (official) 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, and Basque 2%. note: Catalan is official in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the Valencian Community (where it is known as Valencian); in the northwest corner of Catalonia (Vall d'Aran), Aranese is official along with Catalan; Galician is official in Galicia; Basque is official in the Basque Country.

The Spanish People

The usual greeting by Spanish males is a handshake. Friends may pat one another on the back and, may give a abrazo (hug) if they have not seen each other for a long period of time. Women also shake hands when greeting others, but close female friends also kiss each other on the cheek. A slight embrace and kiss on the cheek are also used among women when parting. Family names and titles, such as Senor (Mr) Senora (Mrs), and Senora (Miss) may be used to address older people or professionals.

Where to find more out about Spain

El Mundo
Online Newspapers
Spain-Guides