Introduction to Spain

Capital  Madrid

Population  46 Million  Has the lowest population density in Western Europe (excluding Scandinavia)  28th most populated country in the world and 6th most populated in Europe.

Size  504,782 square kilometers  51st – largest country  Slightly more than twice the size of Oregon.

States/Regions  Comprised of 17 autonomous regions

Official Language  Spanish  Several independent languages  Catalan  Valencian  Gallego  Euskera

Tourism  Over 8,000 km of beaches  English and German are widely spoken by toursits, residents, & workers.  Alicante, Barcelona, Granada, Malaga, Murcia, Seville, Valencia

Government  Parliamentary monarchy government

Muslim?  In the 1600’s most of Spain was Muslim. It wasn’t until the 1942 that Catholicisim was made the official religion of Spain after several battles between the Muslims and Christians for control.  During that 300+ year period, Christians and Jews were still allowed to practice their religions but were required to pay an additional tax and suffered severe discrimination.

Historical Explorations  Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan  The first man to complete circumnavigation of the globe.  Christopher Columbus discovered America  Same time Magellan was out sailin’ ‘round.

Liberal Country  Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2005  Private use and growth of marijuana is allowed.  One of the first countries to ban smoking in all workplaces.  40% of all Spanish people between 17 & 24 smoke.  Nudity is legal.

Multiple Surnames  Everyone in Spain has 2 last/surinames.  First last name is the father’s first last name.  Second last name is the mother’s first last name.  It is always the father’s last name that is passed to future generations.

Tooth Rat  Children leave their baby teeth under their pillow in hopes that a little mouse named Ratoncito Perez will come take it and leave money/presents behind.

Bullfighting  Spain made bullfighting an art.  Criticisim of the sport is growing and a motion has been made to ban bullfighting.  An integral part of Spanish history, art, and culture.  There are bull rings in all majore cities.

Low Birthrate  High unemployment and high housing costs have lead to a low birth rate.  Most couples only have 2 children because they cannot afford a house large enough for more.

Rain  Galiacia, a region in the northeast of Spain, gets an incredible amount of rain.  In April of 2007, it rained almost every day, breaking previous records.  Came at the end of a drought.

Hot Pudding  Hot chocolate is served extremely chocolately and thick – considered more of a pudding than a drink.

Who Wrote “Don Quixote de la Mancha”?  Miguel de Cervantes

Which Latin Dance Originated in Andalucia?  Flamenco

What is the name of the city the Nazis bombed in 1937  Guernica

Which Spanish dictator let the Nazis bomb one of his cities?  Franco  Let the Nazis bomb Guernica in 1937 to test new bombing methods.

Where was Pablo Picasso born?  Andalucia  Malaga, Andalucia in 1881

What group of people from Africa invaded Spain and stayed there for several centuries?  The moors.

Situated in the northern province of Navarra, the ‘Running of the Bulls’ is held here every year?  Pamplona

What is the capital city of Spain?  Madrid

You are eating a mixture of rice, fish, meat and seafood. What is it?  Paella  Served at almost all Spanish parties.

Sources  and-fun-facts and-fun-facts  html html  facts.aspx facts.aspx