Facts about Spain

Facts about Madrid

Population facts: Madrid has a population of approximately 3.2 million, or 5,198 inhabitants per square mile. Climate facts: The region of Madrid has a temperate Mediterranean climate with cool winters, sporadic snowfall, and temperatures below freezing in the winter. The summer tends to be hot with temperatures up to 100 degrees F or more. Economic facts: Madrid is a major centre for international business and commerce. It is one of Europe's largest financial centres and the largest in the country. Madrid has become the 23rd richest city in the world and third richest in Europe in terms of absolute GDP. It is the 22nd most expensive city in the world.

Facts about Barcelona

Population facts: Barcelona is the second largest city in the country with a population of approximately 1.6 million, or 16,094 hab./km².


Climate facts: Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate with sub-mediterranean influence. There is little precipitation in the winter but the city's location near the Atlantic brings preciptation and storms in the summer. Temperatures range from lows in the 40s (Farenheit) in the winter and highs in the low 70s (Farenheit) in the summer months.


Economic facts: Barcelona was one of the earliest cities to industrialize on the European continent and has a long mercantile history. The city has attempted to be recognized as a leader in the world of fashion and is today known for its excellence in design. Barcelona has one of the highest costs of living in the country, and occupying the 31st position in the world.


Fun Facts: Barcelona has sister city relationships with 26 other international cities. The city's nickname is The City of Counts. 95% of the population understands Catalonia's native Catalan language.

Facts about Valencia

Population facts: Valencia is the third largest city in the country with 810,064 in the city proper and 1,583,331 inhabitants in the whole urban area. The population density is 6,016 hab./km². Climate Facts: Valencia has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot dry summers, mild humid winters and stormy autumns and springs. Temperatures range from range from the low 50s (Farenheit) in winter and the low 70s (Farenheit) in summer. Economic facts: Valencia's economy is driven by its port (the largest on the western coast of the Mediterranean) as well as by the construction and tourism industries. It's main exports are foodstuffs and drinks, with the most notable being the Valencian orange. Fun facts: Valencia's foreign born population has grown from 1.5% of the total population in 2000 to 14.4% in 2008.

Facts about Seville

Population facts: Seville is the fourth largest city in the country with 704,414 inhabitants (about 1.5 millions in metro area) and a population density of about 5,000 hab./km² Climate facts: Seville has a Mediterranean climate with oceanic influences and is one of the warmest cities in Europe (avg. annual temperature is 65 degrees Farenheit). Winters are mild, summers are hot, and precipitation occurs primarily in the winter months. Economic facts: Transportation is a major part of Seville's economy as it has the only river port on the Iberian peninsula. The city has grown significantly since the 1990s which saw large investments in infrastructure. The service sector and R&D industry are also important contributors to the overall economy.

Facts about Spain

Geography facts: The country is located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Its mainland is bordered to the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea except for a small land boundary with Gibraltar; to the west by Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean; and the north by France, Andorra, and the Bay of Biscay. The landscape is dominated by plateaus and mountain ranges, including the Sierra Nevada. There are also several major rivers, including the Tagus, the Duero, the Guadiana, the Ebro, and the Guadalquivir. Economic Facts: The country’s economy is the eighth largest worldwide and the fifth largest in Europe. It grew faster than all other G7 members in 2007 and the country has grown to be the 3rd largest world investor. The growth in the economy has, in large part, been driven by the tourism industry (it is now the world’s 2nd biggest tourist country) and real estate, with construction making up 16% of GDP and 12% of employment. Political Facts: It is a constitutional monarchy, with a hereditary monarch and a bicameral parliament, the Cortes Generales. The current Head of State is King Juan Carlos I (since 22 November 1975) and the current Head of Government is Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero (elected in 2004). Fun Facts: The government aims to put 1 million electric cars on the road by 2014 as part of the government’s plan to save energy and boost energy efficiency. The country’s motto is “Further Beyond” and its anthem is the Royal March.