# Spain

> country in southwestern Europe with territories in Africa

**Wikidata**: [Q29](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spain

## Summary
Spain is a sovereign state and country located primarily in Southwestern Europe, with territories in Africa, and is organized as a parliamentary monarchy under the official name Kingdom of Spain. It shares borders with Andorra, France, Gibraltar, Portugal, and Morocco, and operates as a member of the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations. The nation, with Madrid as its capital, has a population of over 48 million and uses the euro as its currency.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España).
- **Location:** Country in southwestern Europe with territories in Africa (including the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla).
- **Capital:** Madrid (preferred); historical capitals include Toledo, Valladolid.
- **Area:** 505,990 square kilometers.
- **Population:** 48,592,909 (as of January 1, 2024).
- **Government:** Parliamentary monarchy; Head of State is King Felipe VI (since June 19, 2014); Head of Government is Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez (since June 2, 2018).
- **Legislature:** Cortes Generales (comprising the Congress of Deputies and the Senate of Spain).
- **Currency:** Euro (adopted January 1, 1999); previously the Peseta (until December 31, 2001).
- **Languages:** Spanish (official nationwide); Catalan, Galician, and Basque are co-official in specific autonomous communities; other regional languages include Aragonese, Asturian, and Occitan.
- **Anthem:** "Marcha Real" (Royal March), one of the few national anthems with no official lyrics.
- **Motto:** "Plus Ultra" (Further Beyond).
- **Time Zones:** UTC+01:00 (CET) and UTC+02:00 (CEST) for peninsular Spain and the Balearic Islands; UTC±00:00 (WET) and UTC+01:00 (WEST) for the Canary Islands.
- **International Memberships:** European Union (since 1986), NATO (since 1982), United Nations (since 1955), OECD, Schengen Area, WTO, and Interpol (founding member).
- **Borders:** Andorra, France, Gibraltar, Portugal, and Morocco (via Ceuta and Melilla).
- **Highest Point:** Teide (3,718 meters) on the island of Tenerife.
- **Lowest Point:** Mina de Las Cruces (-107 meters).
- **ISO Codes:** ES (Alpha-2), ESP (Alpha-3), 724 (Numeric).
- **Internet TLD:** .es.
- **Calling Code:** +34.
- **Driving Side:** Right.
- **Electrical Plug:** Europlug and Schuko; 230V, 50Hz.
- **Administrative Divisions:** 17 autonomous communities, 50 provinces, 2 autonomous cities (Ceuta, Melilla), and 8,124 municipalities.
- **Life Expectancy:** 83 years (most recent value, 2022).
- **Unemployment Rate:** 16% (modeled ILO estimate, 2020).
- **VAT Rate:** 21%.

## FAQs
**Where is Spain located and what are its borders?**
Spain is primarily located in Southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, but it also holds territories in Africa, including the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla. It shares land borders with Andorra, France, Gibraltar, Portugal, and Morocco (via the North African enclaves).

**What type of government does Spain have and who leads it?**
Spain is a parliamentary monarchy and a sovereign state. The Head of State is King Felipe VI, and the Head of Government is Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who leads the executive body known as the Government of Spain.

**What is the official currency and economic status of Spain?**
The official currency is the Euro, which replaced the Peseta in 1999. Spain has a nominal GDP of approximately $1.4 trillion USD (as of 2022) and is a member of the European Union and the OECD.

**What languages are spoken in Spain?**
While Spanish is the official language nationwide, several other languages have co-official status in their respective regions: Catalan (in Catalonia, Balearic Islands, Valencian Community), Galician (in Galicia), and Basque (in the Basque Country and parts of Navarre). Occitan is also spoken in Catalonia.

**What international organizations is Spain a member of?**
Spain is a member of numerous international organizations, including the European Union, NATO, the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Schengen Area, and Interpol.

**How is Spain administratively divided?**
Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities (Ceuta and Melilla), which are further subdivided into 50 provinces and 8,124 municipalities.

## Why It Matters
Spain serves as a major geopolitical bridge between Europe and Africa due to its territories on both continents and its proximity to the Strait of Gibraltar. As a member of the European Union and NATO, it plays a significant role in European defense, economic policy, and international diplomacy. The country's complex history, marked by the transition from dictatorship to democracy following the 1978 Constitution, serves as a prominent example of political consolidation and regional autonomy through its system of autonomous communities. Culturally, Spain contributes significantly to global heritage through its diverse languages, distinct regional identities, and historical influence as the center of the former Spanish Empire.

## Notable For
- **Geographic Extremes:** Possesses the highest elevation in Spain, Mount Teide (3,718m), and the lowest point, Mina de Las Cruces (-107m).
- **Transcontinental Territory:** One of the few countries with territories on two continents (Europe and Africa), including the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla.
- **Unique Anthem:** Uses "Marcha Real," one of only four current national anthems that have no official lyrics.
- **Historical Replacements:** Historically replaced entities such as the Hispanic Monarchy, the Crown of Aragon, and the Spanish Empire.
- **Administrative Model:** Distinctive organization into 17 autonomous communities with varying degrees of self-governance.
- **Cultural Diversity:** Home to five co-official languages (Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque, Occitan/Valencian) and numerous regional dialects.
- **Olympic Representation:** Uses the IOC country code ESP, having previously used SPA until 1968.
- **Emergency Services:** Distinct emergency numbers including 112 (general), 061 (medical), and 091 (police).

## Body

### Geography and Location
Spain is a country primarily situated in Southwestern Europe, occupying the majority of the Iberian Peninsula. Its total area is 505,990 square kilometers. Geographically, it is part of both Europe and Africa; while the mainland and the Balearic Islands are in Europe, territories such as the Canary Islands, Ceuta, Melilla, and the plazas de soberanía are located in Africa. The nation is bordered by Andorra, France, Gibraltar, Portugal, and Morocco. It is located on the Iberian Peninsula and in Southern Europe.

The country's coordinates are approximately 40.2° N latitude and 3.5° W longitude. The highest point is Mount Teide on the island of Tenerife, standing at 3,718 meters, while the lowest point is Mina de Las Cruces at -107 meters. The easternmost point is the Mola Fortress in Maó, and the westernmost point is Punta de la Orchilla in El Pinar de El Hierro. The northernmost point is Estaca de Bares in Mañón, and the southernmost point is La Restinga on El Hierro.

Spain is bordered by several bodies of water, including the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Cantabrian Sea, and the Alboran Sea. The country's time zones vary: the peninsula and Balearic Islands observe Central European Time (UTC+01:00) and Central European Summer Time (UTC+02:00), while the Canary Islands observe Western European Time (UTC±00:00) and Western European Summer Time (UTC+01:00).

### Government and Politics
Spain is officially known as the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España). It is a sovereign state, a realm, a country, a Mediterranean country, and a nation state. The basic form of government is a parliamentary monarchy. The capital of the state is Madrid, as established by the constitution.

The current Head of State is King Felipe VI, who has held the position since June 19, 2014, succeeding Juan Carlos I. The Head of Government is Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has served since June 2, 2018. The executive body is the Government of Spain, and the cabinet is the Council of Ministers of Spain. The legislative body is the Cortes Generales, which consists of the Congress of Deputies and the Senate of Spain.

The highest judicial authorities are the Supreme Court of Spain and the Constitutional Court of Spain. Spain has a driving side of right and a VAT rate of 21%. The country has no official state religion, classified as non-denominational.

### Demographics and Society
As of January 1, 2024, Spain has a population of 48,592,909. The population has grown from 30,455,000 in 1960. The life expectancy is 83 years (as of 2022). The ethnic groups in Spain include Spaniards and Romani people.

The demonym for people from Spain is "Spanish" in English, "español/española" in Spanish, and numerous variations in other languages such as "espagnol/espagnole" in French, "Spanier/Spanierin" in German, and "espanhol/espanhola" in Portuguese.

### Languages and Culture
Spain has a rich linguistic landscape. The official language is Spanish. Additionally, several languages are co-official in specific regions: Galician in Galicia; Basque in the Basque Country and the Basque-speaking zone of Navarre; Catalan in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the Valencian Community; and Occitan in Catalonia. Other languages used include Extremaduran, Fala, Spanish Sign Language, Quinqui jargon, Portuguese, Caló, Catalan Sign Language, Valencian Sign Language, Aragonese, and Asturian.

The national anthem is "Marcha Real," also known as "Ymdeithgan frenhinol" or "Royal March." The national motto is "Plus Ultra," which translates to "Further Beyond," "Más allá," "Més enllà," or "Ymlaen Ymhellach." The tourism slogan is "#spainindetail." The coat of arms is the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Spain.

Public holidays include New Year's Day, International Workers' Day, Assumption of Mary, Spanish National Day, Spanish Day of the Constitution, Immaculate Conception of Mary, Christmas, Epiphany, and Good Friday.

### Economy and Infrastructure
Spain's currency is the Euro, which it adopted on January 1, 1999, replacing the Peseta (which was used from October 19, 1868, to December 31, 2001). The nominal GDP was approximately $1.427 trillion USD in 2021 and $1.397 trillion USD in 2022. The unemployment rate was recorded at 16% in 2020 (modeled ILO estimate). The Gini coefficient was 34.3 in 2019.

The country uses the telephone country code +34 and the top-level internet domain .es. The emergency numbers are 112 (general), 061 (emergency medical services), and 091 (police). The electrical supply is 230 volts at 50 Hz, using Europlug and Sch plugs. The mains voltage is 230V. The licence plate code is "E" (since 1910). The mobile country code is 214.

### History and Inception
Spain's history is marked by several key inception dates and significant events. The Nueva Planta decrees (1707–1716) and the Treaty of Baden (1715) are cited as early formation points. The dynastic union of Aragon and Castile occurred on March 14, 1516. The Spanish Constitution of 1812 was enacted on March 19, 1812, establishing a liberal state until May 4, 1814. The First Spanish Republic existed from 1873 to 1874.

The Spanish Constitution of 1931 marked the Second Spanish Republic from December 9, 1931, to April 1, 1939. The current constitution of Spain was adopted on December 29, 1978, during the Spanish transition to democracy. Significant historical events include the Reconquista, the Peninsular War, the Spanish Civil War, the Carlist Wars, and the first arrival of Christopher Columbus to America.

Spain has historically replaced entities such as the Hispanic Monarchy (1716), the Crown of Aragon (1715), the Spanish Empire, the Kingdom of Aragon, and the First Spanish Republic.

### International Relations
Spain maintains diplomatic relations with a vast number of countries, including Italy, Brazil, Germany, Australia, the Philippines, the Holy See, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Argentina, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Denmark, Hungary, Jamaica, Moldova, Malta, Mexico, Paraguay, Morocco, Romania, Japan, France, Poland, Indonesia, Cuba, Malaysia, Colombia, India, Peru, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mauritania, New Zealand, Canada, Kiribati, Turkey, Venezuela, Uruguay, Pakistan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Russia, the People's Republic of China, Greece, Serbia, Bangladesh, Georgia, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, and North Korea.

Spain is a member of numerous international organizations:
*   **Defense and Security:** NATO (since May 30, 1982), Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (since June 25, 1973), Missile Technology Control Regime (since 1990), Nuclear Suppliers Group, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (since April 29, 1997), Australia Group (since 1985), European Air Transport Command, Movement Coordination Centre Europe, Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation, Treaty on Open Skies, Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
*   **Economic and Trade:** European Union (since January 1, 1986), European Economic Area, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, World Trade Organization (since January 1, 1995), European Space Agency, Interpol (founding member, since June 15, 1951), International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Development Association, International Finance Corporation, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, Central American Bank for Economic Integration, International Energy Agency.
*   **Political and Social:** United Nations (since December 14, 1955), Council of Europe, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (since January 30, 1953), International Hydrographic Organization, World Meteorological Organization (since February 27, 1951), World Health Organization, World Customs Organization (since July 13, 1952), International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (since 2008), Universal Postal Union (since July 1, 1875), International Telecommunication Union (since January 1, 1866), Schengen Area (since March 26, 1995), Visa Waiver Program (since 1991), Organization of Ibero-American States, Group on Earth Observations.

### Administrative Divisions
Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities (first-level administrative divisions), 50 provinces (second-level administrative divisions), 2 autonomous cities (first-level administrative divisions), and 8,124 municipalities (LAU 2). The autonomous communities include Andalusia, Catalonia, the Community of Madrid, the Valencian Community, Galicia, Castile and León, the Basque Country, the Canary Islands, Castile–La Mancha, the Region of Murcia, Aragon, Asturias, Extremadura, the Balearic Islands, Navarre, Cantabria, and La Rioja. The autonomous cities are Ceuta and Melilla.

### Related Entities and Projects
Spain is the origin or location of numerous entities and projects:
*   **Media and Technology:** Flooxer (a Spanish streaming media brand founded in 2015), softonic.com (a technology news website founded in 1997, headquartered in Barcelona), Fotocasa (a Spanish online real estate portal founded in 2002, headquartered in Barcelona).
*   **Culture and Academia:** Handbook of the Birds of the World (a multi-volume series covering all bird species), Patrimoni Cultural, Revistes Catalanes amb Accés Obert (a cooperative repository of open access Catalan journals founded in 2006), Biblioteca Patrimonial Digital de la Universitat de Barcelona, UPCommons (Global access to UPC knowledge).
*   **Business and Startups:** Startupxplore (founded in 2014), Trocalia (a hyperlocal marketplace mobile app founded in 2024), Awwwards (a website promoting innovative web design founded in 2009, headquartered in Valencia).
*   **Regional Identity:** valencianisme.com.

### Identifiers and Classification
Spain is classified under various international systems:
*   **ISO Codes:** ISO 3166-1 Alpha-2: ES, Alpha-3: ESP, Numeric: 724.
*   **IOC Code:** ESP (since 1968; previously SPA from 1956–1968).
*   **License Plate:** E.
*   **ITU Letter Code:** E.
*   **UN M49 Code:** 724.
*   **NUTS Code:** ES.
*   **WIPO ST.3:** ES.
*   **GS1 Country Code:** 840-849.
*   **ISBN Group:** 978-84.
*   **Maritime Identification Digits:** 224, 225.
*   **UIC Code:** 71 (Alphabetical), 724 (Numerical).
*   **FIPS 10-4:** SP.
*   **GENC 3 Character:** ESP.
*   **Wikidata ID:** Q29.
*   **GeoNames ID:** 2510769.
*   **MusicBrainz Area ID:** 471c46a7-afc5-31c4-923c-d0444f5053a4.

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