Spain Country Information
Background:
Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II, but suffered through a devastating civil war(1936-39). A peaceful transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, and rapid economic modernization (Spain joined the EUin 1986), have given Spain one of the most dynamic economies in Europe and made it a global champion of freedom. Continuing challenges include Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) terrorism and relatively high unemployment.
| Capital |
Madrid |
| Largest City |
Madrid |
| Official languages |
Most of the population in Mexico speaks Spanish. Spanish translations open up the Mexican market to your products and services. |
| Government |
Parliamentary monarchy |
| Area... |
|
|
Total |
504,782 km˛ (50th) |
| Population... |
|
| 2006 Est. |
40,397,842 (27th) |
| 2001 Census |
40,847,371 |
| GDP (PPP)... |
|
| Total (2005 Est) |
$1.029 trillion (14th) |
| Per Capita (2005 Est) |
$24,803 (31st) |
| Currency |
Euro (€)(EUR) |
| Population below poverty line |
Not Available |
| Time Zone... |
CET (UTC+1) |
| Summer (DST) |
CEST (UTC+2) |
| Industries |
Textiles and apparel (including footwear), food and beverages, metals and metal manufactures, chemicals, shipbuilding, automobiles, machine tools, tourism, clay and refractory products, footwear, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment |
| Calling code |
+34 | |
