Spain
Region
🌍 Europe
Population
👥 49
Currency
💱 Euro
Languages
🗣️ Aranese, Basque, Catalan, Galician, Spanish
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Spain is a vibrant country in Southwestern Europe, known for its rich history, diverse culture, flamenco music, delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture, from Moorish palaces to Gaudí's masterpieces.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Kingdom of Spain
Continent
Europe
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Spanish
Independence
Spain's unification as a kingdom began in the late 15th century.
Top-Level Domain
.es
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+34
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC, UTC+01:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Madrid
ISO Alpha-2
ES
ISO Alpha-3
ESP
UN Code
724
Geographic Coordinates
40,-4
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
505,992#52 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
49,801,559#31 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
96.75
Highest Point (m)
3,718 (Mount Teide on Tenerife, Canary Islands)
Lowest Point (m)
0 (Atlantic Ocean)
Land Use
54.1% agricultural land (2018)
Irrigated Land
40,000 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
4,964 km
Climate
Varied; Mediterranean climate in the south and east, oceanic in the north, and continental in the interior.
Natural Resources
Coal, lignite, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, uranium, tungsten, mercury, pyrite, fluorspar, gypsum, wind power, hydropower.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Andorra, France, Gibraltar, Portugal, Morocco
Major Rivers
Tagus, Ebro, Duero, Guadiana, Guadalquivir.
Major Lakes
Mar Menor (saltwater lagoon).
Government Type
Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
Administrative Divisions
17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities.
Legal System
Civil law system.
Chief of State
King Felipe VI
Head of Government
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez
Cabinet
Council of Ministers.
Elections
Elections for the Cortes Generales (parliament) are held regularly.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo).
Legislative Branch
Bicameral Cortes Generales (Senate and Congress of Deputies).
Major Political Parties
Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), People's Party (PP), Vox, Sumar.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Euro
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,906.45#12 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2,954.78#15 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
38,627.25#42 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.68
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
19.58
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
68.36
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.7#101 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
24,759,183
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
10.38#36 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
105.64
Budget
The Spanish government budget is a complex financial plan subject to change.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
698.48#17 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
625.57#17 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Spain's foreign reserves are significant; specific values fluctuate.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates fluctuate; check with a financial institution for current values.
GDP by Sector
Services (77.1%), Industry (20.3%), Agriculture (2.6%) (2021 est.).
Major Industries
Tourism, automobiles, machinery, chemicals, shipbuilding, footwear, textiles, food processing.
Major Export Partners
France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Portugal.
Major Import Partners
Germany, France, Italy, China, Netherlands.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2021)Checked September 29, 2026
99.7#16 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.5
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
8.9
Net Migration Rate
Approximately 1.1 migrants per 1,000 population (2021).
Median Age
Approximately 43 years (2021).
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
80.51#55 of 214
Urbanization Rate
The urbanization rate is relatively stable, with slow growth.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
83.9#12 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence is low compared to some other countries.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
9.22
Ethnic Groups
Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque.
Religions
Predominantly Roman Catholic.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Aranese, Basque, Catalan, Galician, Spanish
Education
Education System
Education is compulsory from 6 to 16 years old. System includes primary, secondary, and higher education. Decentralized structure with regional governments' influence.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2018)Checked September 29, 2026
17.8
Government Education Spending
Around 4% to 5% of GDP.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
University of Barcelona, Complutense University of Madrid, Autonomous University of Barcelona, University of Valencia.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Rich history, diverse regional cultures, influences from Roman, Moorish, and other European civilizations.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- Año Nuevo (2026-01-01)
- Día de Reyes / Epifanía del Señor (2026-01-06)
- Día de Andalucía (2026-02-28)
- Dia de les Illes Balears (2026-03-01)
- Jueves Santo (2026-04-02)
- Viernes Santo (2026-04-03)
- Lunes de Pascua (2026-04-06)
- Día de Castilla y León (2026-04-23)
- San Jorge (Día de Aragón) (2026-04-23)
- Fiesta del trabajo (2026-05-01)
- Fiesta de la Comunidad de Madrid (2026-05-02)
- Día das Letras Galegas (2026-05-17)
Popular Music
Pop, rock, flamenco, electronic, and Latin music are popular.
Traditional Food
Paella, tapas, gazpacho, tortilla española, jamón ibérico.
Sports
Football (soccer), basketball, tennis, cycling, and motorsports.
Major Festivals
Las Fallas, La Tomatina, Feria de Abril, San Fermín.
Famous People
Pablo Picasso, Miguel de Cervantes, Antoni Gaudí, Penélope Cruz, Rafael Nadal.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Numerous historic cities, monuments, and archaeological sites.
UNESCO Sites
Multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites, including historic cities, cathedrals, and natural areas.
Annual Tourist Visits
around 85 million/year
Tourism Overview
Spain is a world-renowned tourist destination celebrated for its vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and rich history. Tourists flock to its sun-drenched coastlines, particularly in the south and the Balearic and Canary Islands, for beach holidays. Major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville attract visitors with their architectural marvels, world-class museums, and lively urban energy. Typical trip styles range from relaxed beach escapes and active city breaks to extensive cultural tours exploring Moorish heritage and Roman ruins. Nature enthusiasts can explore dramatic mountain ranges and unique national parks. From the flamenco rhythms of Andalusia to the artistic masterpieces of Catalonia and the bustling plazas of the capital, Spain offers an unforgettable experience.
Top Tourist Attractions
The Alhambra in Granada is a breathtaking Moorish palace and fortress complex. Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is Gaudí's iconic, unfinished basilica. The Prado Museum in Madrid houses an unparalleled collection of European art. Park Güell in Barcelona offers whimsical Gaudí park designs with city views. The Royal Palace of Madrid showcases opulent Spanish royal history.
Famous Cities
Madrid is the vibrant capital known for its art museums and lively nightlife. Barcelona is a cosmopolitan hub renowned for its Gaudí architecture and Mediterranean charm. Seville offers a taste of Andalusian tradition with flamenco and historic plazas. Valencia is a modern city blending ancient history with futuristic design. Granada captivates with the Alhambra palace.
National Parks
- Picos de Europa National Park: Discover dramatic limestone mountains, glacial lakes, and lush valleys ideal for hiking.
- Doñana National Park: Experience a vital wetland ecosystem, home to diverse birdlife and the endangered Iberian lynx.
- Teide National Park: Marvel at the volcanic landscapes surrounding Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak and an active volcano.
- Sierra Nevada National Park: Explore Europe's southernmost ski resort and enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery and hiking trails.
- Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park: Wander through the Pyrenees, featuring over 200 stunning glacial lakes and rugged peaks.
- Garajonay National Park: Immerse yourself in a unique laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site with mystical, misty trails.
Protected Areas
—
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Spain generally depends on your preferred activities. For city breaks and cultural exploration, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Beach lovers will find July and August ideal for soaking up the sun, though be prepared for higher temperatures and more visitors, especially in popular coastal areas. If hiking is your priority, consider the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn when the weather is cooler and the landscapes are at their most vibrant. For experiencing Spain's vibrant festivals, consult a calendar as events are spread throughout the year, with major celebrations often occurring during Easter (Semana Santa) and in the summer months. Overall, late spring and early autumn provide a fantastic balance for a diverse Spanish experience.
Tourist Visa Info
For many nationalities, including those from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, entry to Spain as a tourist is straightforward and often visa-free for stays up to 90 days. Travelers from countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia can also typically enter visa-free for short tourist stays. It's essential to ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Always verify the most current visa regulations for your specific nationality with the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country before departure, as requirements can be subject to change.
Visa Requirements Overview
Tourist visa requirements for Spain vary significantly based on your nationality. Citizens of many countries within the European Union and Schengen Area can travel to Spain visa-free for short stays. Tourists from numerous other countries also benefit from visa-free access for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, citizens of certain countries will need to apply for a Schengen visa before their travel. It is essential to check the specific requirements applicable to your passport well in advance of your trip to determine if a visa is needed. Entry requirements often include a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds.
Travel Advisory
Spain is a popular and generally safe destination for travelers. While most visits are trouble-free, it's always prudent to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist spots where petty theft can occur. Keep your personal belongings secure and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited assistance. It is recommended to stay informed about local conditions and respect local customs. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance to cover any unforeseen medical needs or travel disruptions.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Spain's healthcare system generally scores well on quality indices.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary, influenced by public and private healthcare options.
Number of Hospitals
Spain has a well-developed network of hospitals.
Universal Healthcare
Universal healthcare, Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), provides public healthcare access.
Medical Services Overview
Spain offers a comprehensive healthcare system with both public and private options.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are readily accessible in Spain.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
112
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
112
Emergency Number (Fire)
112
Crime Rate
—
Safety Index
—
Military Expenditure
—
Emergency Services Overview
Spain has a unified emergency number for all services, making it easy to get help in any critical situation. Dialing the universal European emergency number will connect you to the appropriate service, whether it's police, ambulance, or fire. It is advisable to know your location when calling. The service is generally efficient and professional, catering to tourists as well as residents.
Safety Overview
Spain is a very safe country for tourists, with petty theft being the most common concern. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas, on public transport, and around major attractions, as pickpocketing can occur. Keep valuables secure and out of sight. Common scams might involve distractions or fake petitions, so it's wise to be polite but firm. While violent crime is rare, it's always prudent to exercise common sense and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas late at night. Generally, Spain offers a secure environment for exploration, with most visitors having trouble-free trips.
Military Branches
—
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
—
Water Access
—
Sanitation Access
—
Railways
High-speed rail (AVE) network connects major cities. Renfe operates the railway system.
Roadways
Driving in Spain is generally a pleasant experience, with well-maintained roads and a good network of major highways, particularly the AP and A roads. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring more remote regions, smaller towns, and rural landscapes outside the main cities. Many major highways are toll roads (autopistas), which are often faster but more expensive; free alternative routes (autovías) are also widely available. Road signs are generally clear and in both Spanish and English in tourist areas. Driving is on the right side of the road, and navigating Spanish cities can be challenging due to narrow streets and parking restrictions.
Transportation System
Well-developed, with extensive road, rail, and air networks. Public transport in major cities.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC), Asturias Airport (OVD), Bilbao Airport (BIO), César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport (ACE), Fuerteventura Airport (FUE)
Ports
—
Public Transit
Public transport in Spanish cities is generally excellent, with major hubs like Madrid and Barcelona boasting extensive metro systems that are efficient and easy to navigate. Buses and trams complement the metro networks, providing comprehensive coverage throughout urban areas. For single journeys, tickets can be purchased at stations or ticket machines, while multi-day or multi-trip passes offer better value for frequent travelers. The reliability is typically high, with services running frequently throughout the day and into the night in larger cities. Navigating between cities is also convenient via a well-connected network of high-speed trains (AVE) and intercity buses.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
95.76#25 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
—
Tech Startups
—
Innovation Index
—
ICT Development Index
—
TV Broadcast Stations
—
Radio Broadcast Stations
—
Plug Type & Voltage
Type F, 230V, 50Hz
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
4.51#60 of 202
Air Quality Index
Moderate air quality; issues with ozone and particulate matter in urban areas.
Water Pollution Level
Moderate; issues with pollution from agriculture and industry in some areas.
Renewable Energy Usage
Growing; significant investment in solar, wind, and hydropower.
Environmental Issues
Air pollution, water pollution, deforestation, soil erosion, and climate change impacts.
Natural Hazards
Droughts, floods, earthquakes, and wildfires.
Waste Management
Improving, with emphasis on recycling and waste reduction. Significant progress has been made, but challenges remain.
Environmental Agreements
Party to many international environmental agreements including the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Extensive diplomatic network globally.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
NATO, EU, Eurozone, OECD, Schengen Area
Major Treaties
Schengen Agreement, EU treaties.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens can travel visa-free to numerous countries.