The history of Spain has been greatly influenced by its strategic positioning at the entrypoint to Southern Europe and Northern Africa, with its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, and the influence of many ethnicities and religions. As an example of these influences, the traditional flamenco was first danced by the gypsies of Andalucia, while bullfighting was first introduced to mainland Spain by the Greeks and Phoenicians, and was later adapted by the invading Moors so that it became the more ritualistic event that is witnessed today.

Many people don´t realise that turbulent times existed in Spain until fairly recently. The outbreak of the bitterly divisive Spanish Civil War in 1936 saw the Republic overthrown by General Franco and his nationalist movement. Only upon Franco´s death in 1975 was democracy restored, under the monarchy of King Juan Carlos. 

Politically and economically, Spain has grown up quickly as a nation since then, and is now ranked as one of the European Union´s key players, with a thriving economy and a growing presence on the world stage, as emphasised during recent years by the close relationship between the then-Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar and his counterparts in the US and the UK. Indeed, one of the most remarkable political events of recent times took place in Spain immediately following the terrorist bomb blasts in Madrid on March 11 2004. Three days later, Aznar, who had been cruising to victory in the country´s general election race, was defeated by his counterpart Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, who had committed to the withdrawal of Spanish troops from Iraq as one of his main campaign pledges.

Demographics & Landscape

Spain is the second largest country in Europe (after France) with a surface area of 505,992 km2 and a population of over 44 million. The country is split into 17 autonomous communities, and boasts a wide variety of regions based upon landscape, geography, climate and culture. With tourism one of its major industries, it´s no surprise that many visitors to Spain only get as far as lying on a beach on one of the famous Spanish Costas, or of visiting one of the historic Spanish cities, such as Madrid or Barcelona. In truth, there is so much more to see – the ´real´ Spain is made up of vast, elevated tablelands and five major mountain ranges that stretch across the country. Few people realise that with an average altitude of 2133 ft, Spain is the highest European country after Switzerland.

Spain´s landscape varies from the green wetlands of Galicia to the sunbaked plains of Castilla-La Mancha, from the deserts of Andalucia to the rugged snowcapped peaks of the Pyrenees. Even its coastline differs from region to region, from the fabulous dunes and windswept beaches of the Costa de la Luz on the Atlantic coast to the cliffs and estuaries of Galicia in the northwest of the country.

Jet Set

Without doubt, Spain´s fabulous beaches are its main attraction, and the reason why it attracts over 50 million tourists each year. Holiday-makers (particularly from the harsh climate of Northern Europe) can escape to the Spanish sun at virtually any time of the year, knowing that the sun continues to shine for an average of 320 days per year in certain areas of Southern Spain. 
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With the advent of European low-cost, no-frills airlines such as Easyjet, Spanair, Ryanair and Air Berlin, it is often more affordable for tourists from countries such as Germany, the Netherlands and the UK to indulge in a jet-set lifestyle, rather than spending their precious leisure time closer to home.

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Climate

The climate in Spain is diverse. Many people don´t realise that Madrid, the nation´s capital, freezes during the winter months, while it enjoys temperatures in excess of 86F in the summer months. If we travel further south, the weather becomes less severe, particularly on the flat coastal plains, but particular mention must be made of the stunning city of Seville, where temperatures in August often hit 100F, and of the Sierra Nevada mountain range near the ancient city of Granada, now acknowledged as one of the finest ski destinations in Europe. In fact, after a morning on the slopes, you can be basking on the beaches of Andalucia province within a 90 minutes drive, a true contrast to enjoy.

Lifestyle

The lifestyle in Spain tends to be of a far slower pace than is typical in most European countries. While this may frustrate those energetic workaholics among us, once you adapt to the pace of life, it´s easy to appreciate its benefits. The Spanish people in general tend to be very family-oriented and place great importance on their time in the company of family and friends. This is undoubtedly a reason why mealtimes are so important, and why the Spanish siesta (a break in the middle of the day that can last anything between 1 and 4 hours) is still so popular, particularly in the south of the country where the summer temperatures can be stifling.

Evening meals in Spain, again particularly in the South, tend to take place much later than most Europeans or Americans are used to. Most local restaurants don´t start to fill up until well past 10pm, particularly in the summer months; and although the revellers may then go for a ´copa´ or a ´vino´ in a bar that may stay open until 5am, the end of the night for most Spaniards tends to involve a coffee or an ice-cream with their friends in a busy and noisy cafeteria.

One of the most pleasant aspects of the Spanish people and their culture is their utmost respect for and devotion to their children. This also means that the children of tourists and complete strangers are often treated as their own, hence why most Spanish seaside promenades in the summer season are full of children playing and having fun, well into the early hours.

The most sacred day for Spaniards is a Sunday, not just because 85% of the population are Roman Catholics, but because it usually represents the one opportunity of the week where all family members can gather and spend quality time with each other. This is why the beaches in popular Spanish resorts can be packed to bursting on Sundays, when entire families descend on the sand with their tents, chairs, tables, barbecues and supplies of fish, vegetables and fruit. Typical of the Spanish way, the families tend to share their delicious fare with anyone within the immediate vicinity.

Another great occasion is the Spanish celebration of New Year, when whole communities gather in the village squares and celebrate each chime of midnight by swallowing a grape and taking a sip of champagne. The Spanish custom at Christmas is to spend time with the family on Christmas Eve, but to save their presentation of gifts until January 6, the Day of the Kings, hence why most New Year sales in the shops don´t commence until January 7.