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Last updated: May 01, 2025
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  • The harbor at Santa Cruz de Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands. Photo courtesy of NOAA / Michael Theberge.

    The harbor at Santa Cruz de Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands. Photo courtesy of NOAA / Michael Theberge.

  • A view of the city of Toledo, Spain. On the right is the castle-fortress known as the Alcazar.

    A view of the city of Toledo, Spain. On the right is the castle-fortress known as the Alcazar.

  • Well-preserved Roman aqueduct a few kilometers north of Tarragona, Spain.

    Well-preserved Roman aqueduct a few kilometers north of Tarragona, Spain.

  • The Valle de Cuelgamuros (formally the Valle de los Caidos, or the Valley of the Fallen) in the Sierra de Guadarrama, near Madrid, Spain, is a memorial to those who died in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). It has one of the world's largest Catholic basilicas and the tallest memorial cross in the world.

    The Valle de Cuelgamuros (formally the Valle de los Caidos, or the Valley of the Fallen) in the Sierra de Guadarrama, near Madrid, Spain, is a memorial to those who died in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). It has one of the world's largest Catholic basilicas and the tallest memorial cross in the world.

  • The Sagrada Familia (Basilica and Exiatory Church of the Holy Family) in Barcelona, Spain, was designed by the Catalan architect Antoni GAUDI. Construction began in 1882, and completion is expected by 2026.

    The Sagrada Familia (Basilica and Exiatory Church of the Holy Family) in Barcelona, Spain, was designed by the Catalan architect Antoni GAUDI. Construction began in 1882, and completion is expected by 2026.

  • The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia in Barcelona, Spain, is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. It was constructed from the 13th to the 15th centuries, with the bulk of the work done in the 14th century.

    The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia in Barcelona, Spain, is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. It was constructed from the 13th to the 15th centuries, with the bulk of the work done in the 14th century.

  • The neo-Gothic façade of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Santa Eulalia in Barcelona, Spain.

    The neo-Gothic façade of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Santa Eulalia in Barcelona, Spain.

  • The crypt of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Santa Eulalia in Barcelona, Spain. The saint is the patron of the city.

    The crypt of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Santa Eulalia in Barcelona, Spain. The saint is the patron of the city.

  • Damage from the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) can be seen on this church wall in the Old City in Barcelona, Spain.

    Damage from the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) can be seen on this church wall in the Old City in Barcelona, Spain.

  • The façade of the City Hall in Barcelona, Spain.

    The façade of the City Hall in Barcelona, Spain.

  • Chapel of St. Agatha in the Palau Reial Major (Grand Royal Palace) in Barcelona, Spain. The chapel was built in the 14th century.

    Chapel of St. Agatha in the Palau Reial Major (Grand Royal Palace) in Barcelona, Spain. The chapel was built in the 14th century.

  • Building in the complex of the Grand Royal Palace in Barcelona, Spain. The palace dates to the 11th century.

    Building in the complex of the Grand Royal Palace in Barcelona, Spain. The palace dates to the 11th century.

  • View of Cordoba, Spain, showing the Roman Bridge and the massive Mesquita complex on the left.

    View of Cordoba, Spain, showing the Roman Bridge and the massive Mesquita complex on the left.

  • Courtyard of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin (Mezquita) in Cordoba, Spain. Originally a church constructed around A.D. 600, it was considerably expanded and then converted to a mosque during the Muslim conquest. When the city was recaptured in 1236, the building was reconsecrated as a Christian church, and architectural alterations were added in subsequent centuries.

    Courtyard of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin (Mezquita) in Cordoba, Spain. Originally a church constructed around A.D. 600, it was considerably expanded and then converted to a mosque during the Muslim conquest. When the city was recaptured in 1236, the building was reconsecrated as a Christian church, and architectural alterations were added in subsequent centuries.

  • Monument in Cordoba, Spain, to the famous Andalusian-Arab polymath Ibn Rushd (1126-1198; known in European literature as Averroes).

    Monument in Cordoba, Spain, to the famous Andalusian-Arab polymath Ibn Rushd (1126-1198; known in European literature as Averroes).

  • Monument in Cordoba, Spain, that honors a native son, the eminent Jewish philosopher Maimonides (1135-1204).

    Monument in Cordoba, Spain, that honors a native son, the eminent Jewish philosopher Maimonides (1135-1204).

  • View of Granada, Spain, from the Alhambra.

    View of Granada, Spain, from the Alhambra.

  • Courtyard of the Lions at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.

    Courtyard of the Lions at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.

  • Courtyard in front of Spain's Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

    Courtyard in front of Spain's Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

  • Tombs of Spanish kings and queens at El Escorial in Spain.

    Tombs of Spanish kings and queens at El Escorial in Spain.

  • The third-largest church in the world, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede) is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Seville, Andalusia, Spain. A mosque was originally built on the site in 1182, then converted to a cathedral in 1248. The cathedral was torn down in 1401 to make way for the current structure. All that remains of the mosque is an interior garden and a minaret that became a bell tower.

    The third-largest church in the world, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede) is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Seville, Andalusia, Spain. A mosque was originally built on the site in 1182, then converted to a cathedral in 1248. The cathedral was torn down in 1401 to make way for the current structure. All that remains of the mosque is an interior garden and a minaret that became a bell tower.

  • La Giralda, one of the two bell towers of the Catedral de Santa Maria de la Sede (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See) in Seville, Spain. The lower two-thirds of the structure are a former minaret.

    La Giralda, one of the two bell towers of the Catedral de Santa Maria de la Sede (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See) in Seville, Spain. The lower two-thirds of the structure are a former minaret.

  • The Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens) in the Alcazar in Seville, Spain.

    The Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens) in the Alcazar in Seville, Spain.

  • Fountain in the Garden of El Estanque in the Alcazar in Seville, Spain.

    Fountain in the Garden of El Estanque in the Alcazar in Seville, Spain.

  • Gateway in the gardens of the Alcazar in Seville, Spain.

    Gateway in the gardens of the Alcazar in Seville, Spain.

  • Pathway in the gardens of the Alcazar in Seville, Spain.

    Pathway in the gardens of the Alcazar in Seville, Spain.

  • North façade of the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain.

    North façade of the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain.

  • Exterior detail over one of the cathedral doors in Toledo, Spain.

    Exterior detail over one of the cathedral doors in Toledo, Spain.

  • The Aqueduct of Segovia, Spain, is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments on the Iberian peninsula and provided water to the city until the mid-19th century. The aqueduct is one of the symbols of Segovia and appears on the city's coat of arms.

    The Aqueduct of Segovia, Spain, is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments on the Iberian peninsula and provided water to the city until the mid-19th century. The aqueduct is one of the symbols of Segovia and appears on the city's coat of arms.

  • View of the 16th-century Cathedral of Segovia, Spain, as seen from the Torre de Juan II (Tower of John II) in the Alcazar. Built between 1525 and 1577, this late Gothic structure dedicated to the Virgin Mary is referred to as the "Dame of Spanish Cathedrals."

    View of the 16th-century Cathedral of Segovia, Spain, as seen from the Torre de Juan II (Tower of John II) in the Alcazar. Built between 1525 and 1577, this late Gothic structure dedicated to the Virgin Mary is referred to as the "Dame of Spanish Cathedrals."

  • The library at El Escorial, the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo El Real in Spain, contains many priceless manuscripts, as well as artwork by Titian, El Greco, Valazquez, and many others.

    The library at El Escorial, the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo El Real in Spain, contains many priceless manuscripts, as well as artwork by Titian, El Greco, Valazquez, and many others.

  • The interior of the neo-Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria la Real de La Almudena in Madrid, Spain.

    The interior of the neo-Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria la Real de La Almudena in Madrid, Spain.

  • The Puerta de Alcala (Alcala Gate) monument in the Plaza de la Independencia (Independence Square) in Madrid, Spain. Inaugurated by King Carlos III in 1778, it originally functioned as an enormous gate in the city wall.

    The Puerta de Alcala (Alcala Gate) monument in the Plaza de la Independencia (Independence Square) in Madrid, Spain. Inaugurated by King Carlos III in 1778, it originally functioned as an enormous gate in the city wall.

  • The bronze statue called “The Bear and the Strawberry Tree,” located in the Puerta del Sol square in Madrid, Spain, was dedicated in 1967 and depicts the heraldic symbol of the city. The tree represented the woodlands that the city owned, and the bear represented the animals belonging to the church.

    The bronze statue called “The Bear and the Strawberry Tree,” located in the Puerta del Sol square in Madrid, Spain, was dedicated in 1967 and depicts the heraldic symbol of the city. The tree represented the woodlands that the city owned, and the bear represented the animals belonging to the church.

  • The Plaza de Toros (bullring) in Madrid, Spain. Inaugurated in 1931, it has a capacity of 25,000.

    The Plaza de Toros (bullring) in Madrid, Spain. Inaugurated in 1931, it has a capacity of 25,000.

  • The Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace) in the Parque del Buen Retiro (Park of the Pleasant Retreat) in Madrid, Spain. Inspired by the Crystal Palace in London, it was built of glass and steel in 1887, originally to house exotic plants from the Philippines.

    The Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace) in the Parque del Buen Retiro (Park of the Pleasant Retreat) in Madrid, Spain. Inspired by the Crystal Palace in London, it was built of glass and steel in 1887, originally to house exotic plants from the Philippines.

  • The eclectic Palacio de Comunicaciones (Palace of Communications) in Madrid, Spain, combines elements of Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance architecture. Opened as the headquarters for the Post and Telegraph State Company in 1909, it became the municipal headquarters of Madrid in 2007.

    The eclectic Palacio de Comunicaciones (Palace of Communications) in Madrid, Spain, combines elements of Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance architecture. Opened as the headquarters for the Post and Telegraph State Company in 1909, it became the municipal headquarters of Madrid in 2007.

  • The Lago Metro Station in Madrid, Spain, is one of the few surface stations of the system. First opened in 1919, the Madrid Metro is one of the largest subway systems in the world.

    The Lago Metro Station in Madrid, Spain, is one of the few surface stations of the system. First opened in 1919, the Madrid Metro is one of the largest subway systems in the world.

  • The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) in Aranjuez, Spain, is one of the residences of the King of Spain. Philip II commissioned it in the late 16th century, but it was not completed until the middle of the 18th century.

    The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) in Aranjuez, Spain, is one of the residences of the King of Spain. Philip II commissioned it in the late 16th century, but it was not completed until the middle of the 18th century.

  • Part of the fan collection in the Palacio Real de Aranjuez in Spain.

    Part of the fan collection in the Palacio Real de Aranjuez in Spain.

  • Part of the fan collection in the Palacio Real de Aranjuez in Spain.

    Part of the fan collection in the Palacio Real de Aranjuez in Spain.

  • Building of the Government Subdelagation along the Gran Via in Bilbao, Bizkaia Province, Spain.

    Building of the Government Subdelagation along the Gran Via in Bilbao, Bizkaia Province, Spain.

  • Completed in 1900, the Palacio de la Diputacion de Bizkaia in Bilbao, Spain, is the seat of the local provincial government.

    Completed in 1900, the Palacio de la Diputacion de Bizkaia in Bilbao, Spain, is the seat of the local provincial government.

  • Church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion in Castro Urdiales, a northern Spain seaport town in the autonomous community of Cantabria.

    Church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion in Castro Urdiales, a northern Spain seaport town in the autonomous community of Cantabria.

  • Church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion in Castro Urdiales, a northern Spain seaport town in the autonomous community of Cantabria.

    Church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion in Castro Urdiales, a northern Spain seaport town in the autonomous community of Cantabria.

  • Town hall in Ayuntamieto Square in Castro Urdiales, Spain.

    Town hall in Ayuntamieto Square in Castro Urdiales, Spain.

  • Town seal of Castro Urdiales, Spain, on a manhole cover.

    Town seal of Castro Urdiales, Spain, on a manhole cover.

  • The town seal of Castro Urdiales, Spain, in street tiles.

    The town seal of Castro Urdiales, Spain, in street tiles.

  • Town steps in Castro Urdiales, Spain.

    Town steps in Castro Urdiales, Spain.

  • The Tower of Hercules in La Coruna, Spain, was built by the Romans as a lighthouse in the second century A.D. The first 34 m (111 ft) of the 55 m (180 ft) tower dates back to Roman times, and the rest was added during a renovation in 1791.

    The Tower of Hercules in La Coruna, Spain, was built by the Romans as a lighthouse in the second century A.D. The first 34 m (111 ft) of the 55 m (180 ft) tower dates back to Roman times, and the rest was added during a renovation in 1791.

  • Alley in Betanzos, Spain, a Galician municipality.

    Alley in Betanzos, Spain, a Galician municipality.

  • The Igrexa de San Francisco (Saint Francis Church) in the town of Betanzos, Spain, dates to 1387.

    The Igrexa de San Francisco (Saint Francis Church) in the town of Betanzos, Spain, dates to 1387.

  • Huge Ficus Centenario tree in Cadiz. The city is among the oldest settlements in Spain, founded by the Phoenicians about 1100 B.C. It was a major port for trade with the Americas.

    Huge Ficus Centenario tree in Cadiz. The city is among the oldest settlements in Spain, founded by the Phoenicians about 1100 B.C. It was a major port for trade with the Americas.

  • Monument in Cadiz to the 1812 Spanish Constitution, the first in Spain.

    Monument in Cadiz to the 1812 Spanish Constitution, the first in Spain.

  • Narrow street in Cadiz, Spain.

    Narrow street in Cadiz, Spain.

  • The bull ring in Malaga, Spain.

    The bull ring in Malaga, Spain.

  • The stone walls in the Alcazaba in Malaga, Spain, show different periods of construction. The Alcazaba is a complex of palaces that was built by the Moors in the 11th century and used to connect to the Gibralfaro fortification that overlooks the city.

    The stone walls in the Alcazaba in Malaga, Spain, show different periods of construction. The Alcazaba is a complex of palaces that was built by the Moors in the 11th century and used to connect to the Gibralfaro fortification that overlooks the city.

  • Remains of a Roman amphitheater in Malaga, Spain. Some Roman building materials were reused to construct the Alcazaba (Moorish castle complex), which can be seen in the background.

    Remains of a Roman amphitheater in Malaga, Spain. Some Roman building materials were reused to construct the Alcazaba (Moorish castle complex), which can be seen in the background.

  • Courtyard garden of the Cuartos de Granada (The Granada Quarters) in the Inner Citadel of the Alcazaba in Malaga, Spain.

    Courtyard garden of the Cuartos de Granada (The Granada Quarters) in the Inner Citadel of the Alcazaba in Malaga, Spain.

  • Moorish gateway in the Inner Citadel of the Alcazaba in Malaga, Spain.

    Moorish gateway in the Inner Citadel of the Alcazaba in Malaga, Spain.

  • Moorish doorway in the Inner Citadel of the Alcazaba in Malaga, Spain.

    Moorish doorway in the Inner Citadel of the Alcazaba in Malaga, Spain.

  • Gibralfaro Castle walls in Malaga, Spain.

    Gibralfaro Castle walls in Malaga, Spain.

  • View from Gibralfaro Castle over the city of Malaga, the second largest port in Spain.

    View from Gibralfaro Castle over the city of Malaga, the second largest port in Spain.

  • The Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación (Cathedral Basilica of the Incarnation) in Malaga, Spain, was constructed over a 250-year period (between 1528 and 1782).

    The Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación (Cathedral Basilica of the Incarnation) in Malaga, Spain, was constructed over a 250-year period (between 1528 and 1782).

  • The Alcala Gate in Madrid, Spain, completed in 1778, is regarded as the first modern post-Roman triumphal arch built in Europe.

    The Alcala Gate in Madrid, Spain, completed in 1778, is regarded as the first modern post-Roman triumphal arch built in Europe.

  • Equestrian statue of King Philip IV at the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain.

    Equestrian statue of King Philip IV at the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain.

  • Equestrian statue of King Charles III in Madrid, Spain.

    Equestrian statue of King Charles III in Madrid, Spain.

  • The Monument to Miguel de Cervantes in the center of the Plaza de España in Madrid, Spain, was commissioned by King Alfonso XIII in 1915, on the 300th anniversary of the famous writer’s death. The main part of the monument was erected in 1929, but the structure was not fully finished until the 1960s.

    The Monument to Miguel de Cervantes in the center of the Plaza de España in Madrid, Spain, was commissioned by King Alfonso XIII in 1915, on the 300th anniversary of the famous writer’s death. The main part of the monument was erected in 1929, but the structure was not fully finished until the 1960s.

  • Statues of Spanish kings in the Plaza de Oriente, near the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain.

    Statues of Spanish kings in the Plaza de Oriente, near the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain.

  • A market in the Plaza Mayor in Madrid, Spain.

    A market in the Plaza Mayor in Madrid, Spain.

  • View of the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain, from the Plaza de la Armeria.

    View of the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain, from the Plaza de la Armeria.

  • Shops in Barcelona, Spain.

    Shops in Barcelona, Spain.

  • High in the pine forest above the harbor at Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Mount Teide, the tallest mountain in Spain and the third-tallest volcano on earth, appears in the distance. Photo courtesy of NOAA / Michael Theberge.

    High in the pine forest above the harbor at Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Mount Teide, the tallest mountain in Spain and the third-tallest volcano on earth, appears in the distance. Photo courtesy of NOAA / Michael Theberge.

  • Volcanic terrain high on the Mount Teide caldera on the island of Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands. Photo courtesy of NOAA/Michael Theberge.

    Volcanic terrain high on the Mount Teide caldera on the island of Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands. Photo courtesy of NOAA/Michael Theberge.

  • Tenerife Desert flora living above the tree line on the island of Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands. Photo courtesy of NOAA/Michael Theberge.

    Tenerife Desert flora living above the tree line on the island of Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands. Photo courtesy of NOAA/Michael Theberge.

  • The harbor at Santa Cruz de Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands. Photo courtesy of NOAA / Michael Theberge.

    The harbor at Santa Cruz de Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands. Photo courtesy of NOAA / Michael Theberge.

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  • Scene in the old walled town of Pensicola in Andalusia, Spain.
  • A view of the city of Toledo, Spain. On the right is the castle-fortress known as the Alcazar.
  • Well-preserved Roman aqueduct a few kilometers north of Tarragona, Spain.
  • The Valle de Cuelgamuros (formally the Valle de los Caidos, or the Valley of the Fallen) in the Sierra de Guadarrama, near Madrid, Spain, is a memorial to those who died in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). It has one of the world's largest Catholic basilicas and the tallest memorial cross in the world.
  • The Sagrada Familia (Basilica and Exiatory Church of the Holy Family) in Barcelona, Spain, was designed by the Catalan architect Antoni GAUDI. Construction began in 1882, and completion is expected by 2026.
  • The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia in Barcelona, Spain, is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. It was constructed from the 13th to the 15th centuries, with the bulk of the work done in the 14th century.
  • The neo-Gothic façade of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Santa Eulalia in Barcelona, Spain.
  • The crypt of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Santa Eulalia in Barcelona, Spain. The saint is the patron of the city.
  • Damage from the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) can be seen on this church wall in the Old City in Barcelona, Spain.
  • The façade of the City Hall in Barcelona, Spain.
  • Chapel of St. Agatha in the Palau Reial Major (Grand Royal Palace) in Barcelona, Spain. The chapel was built in the 14th century.
  • Building in the complex of the Grand Royal Palace in Barcelona, Spain. The palace dates to the 11th century.
  • View of Cordoba, Spain, showing the Roman Bridge and the massive Mesquita complex on the left.
  • Courtyard of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin (Mezquita) in Cordoba, Spain. Originally a church constructed around A.D. 600, it was considerably expanded and then converted to a mosque during the Muslim conquest. When the city was recaptured in 1236, the building was reconsecrated as a Christian church, and architectural alterations were added in subsequent centuries.
  • Monument in Cordoba, Spain, to the famous Andalusian-Arab polymath Ibn Rushd (1126-1198; known in European literature as Averroes).
  • Monument in Cordoba, Spain, that honors a native son, the eminent Jewish philosopher Maimonides (1135-1204).
  • View of Granada, Spain, from the Alhambra.
  • Courtyard of the Lions at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.
  • Courtyard in front of Spain's Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
  • Tombs of Spanish kings and queens at El Escorial in Spain.
  • The third-largest church in the world, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede) is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Seville, Andalusia, Spain. A mosque was originally built on the site in 1182, then converted to a cathedral in 1248. The cathedral was torn down in 1401 to make way for the current structure. All that remains of the mosque is an interior garden and a minaret that became a bell tower.
  • La Giralda, one of the two bell towers of the Catedral de Santa Maria de la Sede (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See) in Seville, Spain. The lower two-thirds of the structure are a former minaret.
  • The Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens) in the Alcazar in Seville, Spain.
  • Fountain in the Garden of El Estanque in the Alcazar in Seville, Spain.
  • Gateway in the gardens of the Alcazar in Seville, Spain.
  • Pathway in the gardens of the Alcazar in Seville, Spain.
  • North façade of the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain.
  • Exterior detail over one of the cathedral doors in Toledo, Spain.
  • The Aqueduct of Segovia, Spain, is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments on the Iberian peninsula and provided water to the city until the mid-19th century. The aqueduct is one of the symbols of Segovia and appears on the city's coat of arms.
  • View of the 16th-century Cathedral of Segovia, Spain, as seen from the Torre de Juan II (Tower of John II) in the Alcazar. Built between 1525 and 1577, this late Gothic structure dedicated to the Virgin Mary is referred to as the "Dame of Spanish Cathedrals."
  • The library at El Escorial, the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo El Real in Spain, contains many priceless manuscripts, as well as artwork by Titian, El Greco, Valazquez, and many others.
  • The interior of the neo-Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria la Real de La Almudena in Madrid, Spain.
  • The Puerta de Alcala (Alcala Gate) monument in the Plaza de la Independencia (Independence Square) in Madrid, Spain. Inaugurated by King Carlos III in 1778, it originally functioned as an enormous gate in the city wall.
  • The bronze statue called “The Bear and the Strawberry Tree,” located in the Puerta del Sol square in Madrid, Spain, was dedicated in 1967 and depicts the heraldic symbol of the city. The tree represented the woodlands that the city owned, and the bear represented the animals belonging to the church.
  • The Plaza de Toros (bullring) in Madrid, Spain. Inaugurated in 1931, it has a capacity of 25,000.
  • The Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace) in the Parque del Buen Retiro (Park of the Pleasant Retreat) in Madrid, Spain. Inspired by the Crystal Palace in London, it was built of glass and steel in 1887, originally to house exotic plants from the Philippines.
  • The eclectic Palacio de Comunicaciones (Palace of Communications) in Madrid, Spain, combines elements of Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance architecture. Opened as the headquarters for the Post and Telegraph State Company in 1909, it became the municipal headquarters of Madrid in 2007.
  • The Lago Metro Station in Madrid, Spain, is one of the few surface stations of the system. First opened in 1919, the Madrid Metro is one of the largest subway systems in the world.
  • The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) in Aranjuez, Spain, is one of the residences of the King of Spain. Philip II commissioned it in the late 16th century, but it was not completed until the middle of the 18th century.
  • Part of the fan collection in the Palacio Real de Aranjuez in Spain.
  • Part of the fan collection in the Palacio Real de Aranjuez in Spain.
  • Building of the Government Subdelagation along the Gran Via in Bilbao, Bizkaia Province, Spain.
  • Completed in 1900, the Palacio de la Diputacion de Bizkaia in Bilbao, Spain, is the seat of the local provincial government.
  • Church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion in Castro Urdiales, a northern Spain seaport town in the autonomous community of Cantabria.
  • Church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion in Castro Urdiales, a northern Spain seaport town in the autonomous community of Cantabria.
  • Town hall in Ayuntamieto Square in Castro Urdiales, Spain.
  • Town seal of Castro Urdiales, Spain, on a manhole cover.
  • The town seal of Castro Urdiales, Spain, in street tiles.
  • Town steps in Castro Urdiales, Spain.
  • The Tower of Hercules in La Coruna, Spain, was built by the Romans as a lighthouse in the second century A.D. The first 34 m (111 ft) of the 55 m (180 ft) tower dates back to Roman times, and the rest was added during a renovation in 1791.
  • Alley in Betanzos, Spain, a Galician municipality.
  • The Igrexa de San Francisco (Saint Francis Church) in the town of Betanzos, Spain, dates to 1387.
  • Huge Ficus Centenario tree in Cadiz. The city is among the oldest settlements in Spain, founded by the Phoenicians about 1100 B.C. It was a major port for trade with the Americas.
  • Monument in Cadiz to the 1812 Spanish Constitution, the first in Spain.
  • Narrow street in Cadiz, Spain.
  • The bull ring in Malaga, Spain.
  • The stone walls in the Alcazaba in Malaga, Spain, show different periods of construction. The Alcazaba is a complex of palaces that was built by the Moors in the 11th century and used to connect to the Gibralfaro fortification that overlooks the city.
  • Remains of a Roman amphitheater in Malaga, Spain. Some Roman building materials were reused to construct the Alcazaba (Moorish castle complex), which can be seen in the background.
  • Courtyard garden of the Cuartos de Granada (The Granada Quarters) in the Inner Citadel of the Alcazaba in Malaga, Spain.
  • Moorish gateway in the Inner Citadel of the Alcazaba in Malaga, Spain.
  • Moorish doorway in the Inner Citadel of the Alcazaba in Malaga, Spain.
  • Gibralfaro Castle walls in Malaga, Spain.
  • View from Gibralfaro Castle over the city of Malaga, the second largest port in Spain.
  • The Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación (Cathedral Basilica of the Incarnation) in Malaga, Spain, was constructed over a 250-year period (between 1528 and 1782).
  • The Alcala Gate in Madrid, Spain, completed in 1778, is regarded as the first modern post-Roman triumphal arch built in Europe.
  • Equestrian statue of King Philip IV at the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain.
  • Equestrian statue of King Charles III in Madrid, Spain.
  • The Monument to Miguel de Cervantes in the center of the Plaza de España in Madrid, Spain, was commissioned by King Alfonso XIII in 1915, on the 300th anniversary of the famous writer’s death. The main part of the monument was erected in 1929, but the structure was not fully finished until the 1960s.
  • Statues of Spanish kings in the Plaza de Oriente, near the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain.
  • A market in the Plaza Mayor in Madrid, Spain.
  • View of the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain, from the Plaza de la Armeria.
  • Shops in Barcelona, Spain.
  • High in the pine forest above the harbor at Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Mount Teide, the tallest mountain in Spain and the third-tallest volcano on earth, appears in the distance. Photo courtesy of NOAA / Michael Theberge.
  • Volcanic terrain high on the Mount Teide caldera on the island of Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands. Photo courtesy of NOAA/Michael Theberge.
  • Tenerife Desert flora living above the tree line on the island of Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands. Photo courtesy of NOAA/Michael Theberge.
  • The harbor at Santa Cruz de Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands. Photo courtesy of NOAA / Michael Theberge.

Spain Factbook Data

Diplomatic representation from the US

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Rian Harker HARRIS (since 15 July 2024); note - also accredited to Andorra

embassy: Calle de Serrano, 75, 28006 Madrid

mailing address: 8500 Madrid Place, Washington DC  20521-8500

telephone: [34] (91) 587-2200

FAX: [34] (91) 587-2303

email address and website:
askACS@state.gov

https://es.usembassy.gov/

consulate(s) general: Barcelona

Age structure

0-14 years: 13% (male 3,147,019/female 3,012,821)

15-64 years: 66.1% (male 15,662,492/female 15,585,138)

65 years and over: 20.9% (2024 est.) (male 4,259,816/female 5,613,147)
2024 population pyramid
This is the population pyramid for Spain. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.

For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.

Geographic coordinates

40 00 N, 4 00 W

Sex ratio

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

Natural hazards

periodic droughts, occasional flooding

volcanism: volcanic activity in the Canary Islands, located off Africa's northwest coast; Teide (3,715 m) has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; La Palma (2,426 m), which last erupted in 1971, is the most active of the Canary Islands volcanoes; Lanzarote is the only other historically active volcano

Area - comparative

almost five times the size of Kentucky; slightly more than twice the size of Oregon
Area comparison map

almost five times the size of Kentucky; slightly more than twice the size of Oregon

Military service age and obligation

18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; 24-36 month initial obligation; women allowed to serve in all branches, including combat units; no conscription (abolished 2001), but the Spanish Government retains the right to mobilize citizens 19-25 years of age in a national emergency; 18-58 for the voluntary reserves (2024)

note 1: as of 2024, women comprised about 13% of the military's full-time personnel

note 2: the military recruits foreign nationals with residency in Spain from countries of its former empire, including Argentina, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela

Background

Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England.  Spain remained neutral during both World Wars but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39) resulting in a dictatorship. A peaceful transition to democracy after the death of dictator Francisco FRANCO in 1975 and rapid economic modernization after Spain joined the EU in 1986 gave Spain a dynamic and rapidly growing economy. After a severe recession in the wake of the global financial crisis in 2008, Spain has posted solid years of GDP growth above the EU average. Unemployment has fallen but remains high, especially among youth. Spain is the euro-zone's fourth-largest economy. The country has faced increased domestic turmoil in recent years due to the independence movement in its restive Catalonia region.

Environment - current issues

pollution of the Mediterranean Sea from raw sewage and effluents from the offshore production of oil and gas and drought are negatively impacting water quality and quantity nationwide; air pollution; deforestation; desertification

Environment - international agreements

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Military expenditures

1.3% of GDP (2024 est.)
1.2% of GDP (2023)
1.2% of GDP (2022)
1% of GDP (2021)
1% of GDP (2020)

Population below poverty line

20.2% (2022 est.)

note: % of population with income below national poverty line

Household income or consumption by percentage share

lowest 10%: 2.2% (2021 est.)

highest 10%: 24.7% (2021 est.)

note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population

Exports - commodities

cars, packaged medicine, refined petroleum, vehicle parts/accessories, garments (2023)

note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars

Exports - partners

France 15%, Germany 10%, Portugal 9%, Italy 9%, UK 6% (2023)

note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports

Administrative divisions

17 autonomous communities (comunidades autonomas, singular - comunidad autonoma) and 2 autonomous cities* (ciudades autonomas, singular - ciudad autonoma); Andalucia; Aragon; Asturias; Canarias (Canary Islands); Cantabria; Castilla-La Mancha; Castilla-Leon; Cataluña (Castilian), Catalunya (Catalan), Catalonha (Aranese) [Catalonia]; Ceuta*; Comunidad Valenciana (Castilian), Comunitat Valenciana (Valencian) [Valencian Community]; Extremadura; Galicia; Illes Baleares (Balearic Islands); La Rioja; Madrid; Melilla*; Murcia; Navarra (Castilian), Nafarroa (Basque) [Navarre]; Pais Vasco (Castilian), Euskadi (Basque) [Basque Country]

note: the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla plus three small islands of Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera, administered directly by the Spanish central government, are all along the coast of Morocco and are collectively referred to as Places of Sovereignty (Plazas de Soberania)

Agricultural products

milk, olives, pork, grapes, wheat, tomatoes, barley, sugar beets, maize, oranges (2023)

note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage

Military and security forces

Spanish Armed Forces (Fuerzas Armadas de España): Army (Ejército de Tierra), Spanish Navy (Armada Espanola; includes Marine Corps), Air and Space Force (Ejército del Aire y del Espacio), Emergency Response Unit (Unidad Militar de Emergencias); Civil Guard (Guardia Civil)

Ministry of the Interior: Spanish National Police (Cuerpo Nacional de Policía, CNP) (2025)

note 1: the Civil Guard is a military force with police duties (including coast guard) under both the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of the Interior; it also responds to the needs of the Ministry of Finance; the CNP and the Civil Guard maintain internal security as well as migration and border enforcement under the authority of the Ministry of the Interior; the regional police under the authority of the Catalan and the Basque Country regional governments and municipal police throughout the country also support domestic security 

note 2: the Emergency Response Unit was established in 2006 as a separate branch of service for responding to natural disasters and providing disaster relief both domestically and abroad; it has personnel from all the other military services

note 3: the Royal Guard is an independent joint-service regiment of the military dedicated to the protection of the King and members of the royal family

Budget

revenues: $467.609 billion (2022 est.)

expenditures: $514.452 billion (2022 est.)

note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenses converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated

Capital

name: Madrid

geographic coordinates: 40 24 N, 3 41 W

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

time zone note: Spain has two time zones, including the Canary Islands (UTC 0)

etymology: the meaning and origin of the name is unclear; the city grew from a small Moorish fort that was called Majerit in the first recorded mention in A.D. 932; some trace the modern-day name back to the Roman era, with the Latin word materia (materials) as a possible source

Imports - commodities

crude petroleum, cars, garments, vehicle parts/accessories, natural gas (2023)

note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars

Climate

temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy and cool along coast

Coastline

4,964 km

Constitution

history: several previous; latest approved by the General Courts 31 October 1978, passed by referendum 6 December 1978, signed by the king 27 December 1978, effective 29 December 1978

amendment process: proposed by the government, by the General Courts (the Congress or the Senate), or by the self-governing communities submitted through the government; passage requires three-fifths majority vote by both houses and passage by referendum if requested by one tenth of the members of either house; proposals disapproved by both houses are submitted to a joint committee, which submits an agreed upon text for another vote; passage requires two-thirds majority vote in Congress and simple majority vote in the Senate

Exchange rates

euros (EUR) per US dollar -

Exchange rates:
0.925 (2023 est.)
0.95 (2022 est.)
0.845 (2021 est.)
0.876 (2020 est.)
0.893 (2019 est.)

Executive branch

chief of state: King FELIPE VI (since 19 June 2014)

head of government: President of the Government of Spain (prime minister-equivalent) Pedro SANCHEZ PEREZ-CASTEJON (since 2 June 2018)

cabinet: Council of Ministers designated by the president

elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the monarch usually proposes as president the leader of the majority party or coalition, who is then indirectly elected by the Congress of Deputies; election last held on 23 July 2023 (next to be held on 31 July 2027); vice president and Council of Ministers appointed by the president

election results: Congress of Deputies vote - 179 to 171 (16 November 2023)

note: there is also a Council of State that is the supreme consultative organ of the government, but its recommendations are non-binding

Flag description

three horizontal bands of red (top), yellow (double width), and red with the national coat of arms on the hoist side of the yellow band; the coat of arms is quartered to display the emblems of the traditional kingdoms of Spain (clockwise from upper left, Castile, Leon, Navarre, and Aragon) while Granada is represented by the stylized pomegranate at the bottom of the shield; the arms are framed by two columns representing the Pillars of Hercules, which are the two promontories (Gibraltar and Ceuta) on either side of the eastern end of the Strait of Gibraltar; the red scroll across the two columns bears the imperial motto of "Plus Ultra" (further beyond) referring to Spanish lands beyond Europe; the triband arrangement with the center stripe twice the width of the outer dates to the 18th century

note: the red and yellow colors are related to those of the oldest Spanish kingdoms: Aragon, Castile, Leon, and Navarre

Illicit drugs

a European transit point for cocaine from South America and for hashish from Morocco; cocaine is shipped in raw or liquid form with mixed cargo to avoid detection or altered to escape detection after which chemists within Spain extract and reconstitute any altered form of cocaine, preparing it for distribution within Europe;  minor domestic drug production; occasionally synthetic drugs, including ketamine, new psychoactive substances (NPS), and MDMA transit through Spain to the United States

Independence

1492; the Iberian peninsula was characterized by a variety of independent kingdoms prior to the Muslim occupation that began in the early 8th century A.D. and lasted nearly seven centuries; the small Christian redoubts of the north began the reconquest almost immediately, culminating in the seizure of Granada in 1492; this event completed the unification of several kingdoms and is traditionally considered the forging of present-day Spain

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

Judicial branch

highest court(s): Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo (consists of the court president and organized into the Civil Room, with a president and 9 judges; the Penal Room, with a president and 14 judges; the Administrative Room, with a president and 32 judges; the Social Room, with a president and 12 judges; and the Military Room, with a president and 7 judges); Constitutional Court or Tribunal Constitucional de Espana (consists of 12 judges)

judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the monarch from candidates proposed by the General Council of the Judiciary Power, a 20-member governing board chaired by the monarch; judges can serve until age 70; Constitutional Court judges nominated by the National Assembly, executive branch, and the General Council of the Judiciary, and appointed by the monarch for 9-year terms

subordinate courts: National High Court; High Courts of Justice (in each of the autonomous communities); provincial courts; courts of first instance

Land boundaries

total: 1,952.7 km

border countries (5): Andorra 63 km; France 646 km; Gibraltar 1.2 km; Portugal 1,224 km; Morocco (Ceuta) 8 km and Morocco (Melilla) 10.5 km

note: an additional 75-meter border segment exists between Morocco and the Spanish exclave of Penon de Velez de la Gomera

Land use

agricultural land: 53.4% (2022 est.)

arable land: 23.4% (2022 est.)

permanent crops: 10.2% (2022 est.)

permanent pasture: 19.8% (2022 est.)

forest: 37.2% (2022 est.)

other: 9.5% (2022 est.)

Legal system

civil law system with regional variations

Legislative branch

legislature name: The Cortes (Las Cortes Generales)

legislative structure: bicameral

Literacy

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.6%

male: 99%

female: 98.2% (2020)

Maritime claims

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm (applies only to the Atlantic Ocean)

International organization participation

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, CABEI, CAN (observer), CBSS (observer), CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAIA (observer), MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), SICA (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

National holiday

National Day (Hispanic Day), 12 October (1492); note - commemorates the arrival of COLUMBUS in the Americas

Nationality

noun: Spaniard(s)

adjective: Spanish

Natural resources

coal, lignite, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, uranium, tungsten, mercury, pyrites, magnesite, fluorspar, gypsum, sepiolite, kaolin, potash, hydropower, arable land

Geography - note

strategic location along approaches to Strait of Gibraltar; Spain controls a number of territories in northern Morocco including the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, and the islands of Penon de Velez de la Gomera, Penon de Alhucemas, and Islas Chafarinas; Spain's Canary Islands are one of four North Atlantic archipelagos that make up Macaronesia; the others are Azores (Portugal), Madeira (Portugal), and Cabo Verde

Economic overview

high-income core EU and eurozone economy; strong growth driven by public consumption, tourism, and other service exports; tight labor market despite high structural unemployment; government debt remains high amid deficit reductions; innovation and economic freedom ranked lower than EU and OECD peers

Political parties

Asturias Forum or FAC 
Basque Country Unite (Euskal Herria Bildu) or EH Bildu (coalition of 4 Basque pro-independence parties)
Basque Nationalist Party or PNV or EAJ 
Canarian Coalition or CC (coalition of 5 parties)
Ciudadanos Party (Citizens Party) or Cs 
Compromis - Compromise Coalition 
Navarrese People's Union or UPN 
Together for Catalonia or Junts 
People's Party or PP 
Republican Left of Catalonia or ERC 
Spanish Socialist Workers Party or PSOE 
Teruel Existe or TE 
Unidas (Unite) or Sumar (electoral coalition formed in March 2022) (formerly Unidas Podemos or UP)
Vox or VOX

Railways

total: 15,489 km (2020) 9,953 km electrified

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Telecommunication systems

general assessment: Spain’s telecom sector has tracked the performance of the overall economy, which has been one of the most heavily impacted by the pandemic in all of Europe; GDP dropped by 10.8% in 2020, while telecom revenue reversed the previous five years’ positive results by falling 5.3%; fixed-line services were the hardest hit, with revenue falling 13.7%; mobile voice services did not fare much better, falling 4.7%; this is despite relatively small shifts in the number of subscribers, though the harsh lockdown conditions resulted in a significant drop in usage; it had appeared that a return to growth might be possible in 2021 following lifting the state of emergency in May, but the most recent surge in cases and the continued restrictions on travel may once again put the brakes on growth until at least 2022; Spain’s fixed-line broadband market managed to extend its decade-long pattern of steady growth into 2020, with a slight increase in demand caused by the need for fast internet access to support working and learning from home; while most of Spain’s larger telcos delivered negative revenue and profit in 2020 (2021)

domestic: fixed-line is 39 per 100 and mobile-cellular 124 telephones per 100 persons (2022)

international: country code - 34; landing points for the MAREA, Tata TGN-Western Europe, Pencan-9, SAT-3/WASC, Canalink, Atlantis-2, Columbus -111, Estepona-Tetouan, FLAG Europe-Asia (FEA), Balalink, ORVAL and PENBAL-5 submarine cables providing connectivity to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America, Asia, Southeast Asia and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), Eutelsat; tropospheric scatter to adjacent countries (2019)

Terrain

large, flat to dissected plateau surrounded by rugged hills; Pyrenees Mountains in north

Government type

parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Country name

conventional long form: Kingdom of Spain

conventional short form: Spain

local long form: Reino de España

local short form: España

etymology: derivation of the name España is uncertain; the Basque words ezpain or espan ("edge," as in a river bank) are possible sources, or the Punic word span, meaning "rabbit;" some academics tie it to the god Hesperus from Greco-Roman mythology

Location

Southwestern Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, Bay of Biscay, and Pyrenees Mountains; southwest of France

Map references

Europe

Irrigated land

38,012 sq km (2022)

Diplomatic representation in the US

chief of mission: Ambassador Ángeles MORENO Bau (since 27 February 2024)

chancery: 2375 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone: [1] (202) 452-0100

FAX: [1] (202) 833-5670

email address and website:
emb.washington@maec.es

https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/washington/en/Paginas/index.aspx

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Internet users

percent of population: 95% (2023 est.)

Internet country code

.es

Refugees and internally displaced persons

refugees (country of origin): 14,994 (Syria) (mid-year 2022); 438,400 (Venezuela) (economic and political crisis; includes Venezuelans who have claimed asylum, are recognized as refugees, or have received alternative legal stay) (2022); 192,390 (Ukraine) (as of 29 February 2024)

stateless persons: 6,489 (2022)

note: 351,562 estimated refugee and migrant arrivals, including Canary Islands (January 2015-March 2024)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$1.62 trillion (2023 est.)

note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate

Credit ratings

Fitch rating: A- (2018)

Moody's rating: Baa1 (2018)

Standard & Poors rating: A (2019)

note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.

Total renewable water resources

111.5 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

total: 18 years

male: 18 years

female: 19 years (2020)

Urbanization

urban population: 81.6% of total population (2023)

rate of urbanization: 0.24% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

note: data include Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla

Broadcast media

a mixture of both publicly operated and privately owned TV and radio stations; overall, hundreds of TV channels are available including national, regional, local, public, and international channels; satellite and cable TV systems available; multiple national radio networks, a large number of regional radio networks, and a larger number of local radio stations; overall, hundreds of radio stations 

(2019)

Drinking water source

improved:

urban: 99.9% of population

rural: 100% of population

total: 99.9% of population

unimproved:

urban: 0.1% of population

rural: 0% of population

total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.)

National anthem

name: "Himno Nacional Espanol" (National Anthem of Spain)

lyrics/music: no lyrics/unknown

note: officially in use between 1770 and 1931, restored in 1939; the Spanish anthem is the first anthem to be officially adopted, but it has no lyrics; in the years prior to 1931 it became known as "Marcha Real" (The Royal March); it first appeared in a 1761 military bugle call book and was replaced by "Himno de Riego" in the years between 1931 and 1939; the long version of the anthem is used for the king, while the short version is used for the prince, prime minister, and occasions such as sporting events
This is an audio of the National Anthem for Spain. The national anthem is generally a patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.

Major urban areas - population

6.751 million MADRID (capital), 5.687 million Barcelona, 838,000 Valencia (2023)

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Physician density

4.29 physicians/1,000 population (2022)

Hospital bed density

3 beds/1,000 population (2018)

National symbol(s)

Pillars of Hercules; national colors: red, yellow

Mother's mean age at first birth

31.2 years (2020 est.)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

62.1% (2018)

note: percent of women aged 18-49

GDP - composition, by end use

household consumption: 54.3% (2023 est.)

government consumption: 19.5% (2023 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 19.7% (2023 est.)

investment in inventories: 1.3% (2023 est.)

exports of goods and services: 38.1% (2023 est.)

imports of goods and services: -34.1% (2023 est.)

note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection

Dependency ratios

total dependency ratio: 51.3 (2024 est.)

youth dependency ratio: 19.7 (2024 est.)

elderly dependency ratio: 31.6 (2024 est.)

potential support ratio: 3.2 (2024 est.)

Citizenship

citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Spain

dual citizenship recognized: only with select Latin American countries

residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years for persons with no ties to Spain

Population distribution

with the notable exception of Madrid, Sevilla, and Zaragoza, the largest urban agglomerations are found along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts; numerous smaller cities are spread throughout the interior reflecting Spain's agrarian heritage; very dense settlement around the capital of Madrid, as well as the port city of Barcelona

Electricity access

electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

EC

Sanitation facility access

improved:

urban: 100% of population

rural: 100% of population

total: 100% of population

unimproved:

urban: 0% of population

rural: 0% of population

total: 0% of population (2020 est.)

Ethnic groups

Spanish 84.8%, Moroccan 1.7%, Romanian 1.2%, other 12.3% (2021 est.)

note: data represent population by country of birth

Religions

Roman Catholic 58.2%, atheist 16.2%, agnostic 10.8%, other 2.7%, non-believer 10.5%, unspecified 1.7% (2021 est.)

Languages

Castilian Spanish (official) 74%, Catalan (official in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the Valencian Community) 17%, Galician (official in Galicia) 7%, Basque (official in the Basque Country and Navarre) 2%, Aranese (official in part of Catalonia) <5,000 speakers

major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.

note: Aragonese, Aranese Asturian, Calo, and Valencian are also recognized as regional languages 
Spanish audio sample

Imports - partners

Germany 11%, China 10%, France 10%, Italy 7%, USA 7% (2023)

note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports

Elevation

highest point: Pico de Teide (Tenerife) on Canary Islands 3,718 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 660 m

Current health expenditure

10.7% of GDP (2021)

Military - note

the Spanish Armed Forces have a wide variety of responsibilities, including protecting the country’s national interests, sovereignty, and territory, providing support during natural disasters, and fulfilling Spain’s responsibilities to European and international security; the military conducts operations worldwide, and its air, ground, and naval forces participate in a variety of EU-, NATO-, and UN-led missions; Spain joined NATO in 1982 and is fully integrated into the NATO structure; it routinely conducts exercises with EU and NATO partners, and hosts one of NATO’s two combined air operations centers 

the military is organized into commands for air, cyberspace, joint, land, maritime, and space operations; it maintains garrisons in the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla

the Spanish military has a rich history that goes back to the 13th century; the Army has an infantry regiment, formed in the 13th century, that is considered the oldest still active military unit in the Western world; the Marine Corps, which traces its roots back to 1537, is the oldest naval infantry force in the World; Spain created a Spanish Legion for foreigners in 1920, but early on the Legion was primarily filled by native Spaniards due to difficulties in recruiting foreigners, and most of its foreign members were from the Republic of Cuba; it was modeled after the French Foreign Legion and its purpose was to provide a corps of professional troops to fight in Spain's colonial campaigns in North Africa; in more recent years, it has been used in NATO peacekeeping deployments; today’s Legion includes a mix of native Spaniards and foreigners with Spanish residency (2024)

Military and security service personnel strengths

approximately 118,000 active-duty troops (70,000 Army; 25,000 Navy, including about 5,500 marines; 23,000 Air and Space Force); 80,000 Guardia Civil (2024)

note: military figures include about 3,500 Emergency Response Unit and 1,500-2,000 Royal Guard personnel

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

the military's inventory is comprised of weapons and equipment that were produced domestically, co-produced with or imported from other EU countries, or purchased from the US; in recent years, leading suppliers have included France, Germany, and the US; Spain's defense industry manufactures land, air, and sea weapons systems and is integrated within the European defense-industrial sector (2024)

Military deployments

Spain has up to 3,000 military personnel deployed on 17 missions supporting the EU, NATO, and the UN on four continents, as well as naval missions in the Mediterranean and the seas off the Horn of Africa; its largest deployments are up to 700 troops in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and about 1,700 personnel in Eastern Europe supporting NATO missions in Latvia, Romania, and Slovakia (2024)

 

Terrorist group(s)

Terrorist group(s): Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); al-Qa’ida

note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide

Total water withdrawal

municipal: 4.56 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)

industrial: 5.5 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)

agricultural: 18.96 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)

Waste and recycling

municipal solid waste generated annually: 20.151 million tons (2015 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 3,393,428 tons (2015 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 16.8% (2015 est.)

Average household expenditures

on food: 12.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)

on alcohol and tobacco: 4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)

Air pollutants

particulate matter emissions: 9.34 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 244 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 36.94 megatons (2020 est.)

Major rivers (by length in km)

Tagus river source (shared with Portugal [m]) - 1,006
note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth

National heritage

total World Heritage Sites: 50 (44 cultural, 4 natural, 2 mixed)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain (c); Works of Antoni Gaudí (c); Santiago de Compostela (Old Town) (c); Historic City of Toledo (c); Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida (c); Tower of Hercules (c); Doñana National Park (n); Pyrénées - Mont Perdu (m); Alhambra, Generalife, and Albayzín in Granada (c); Old City of Salamanca (c); Teide National Park (n); Historic Walled Town of Cuenca (c); Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct (c); Historic Cordoba (c); El Escorial (c)

Coal

production: 1.28 million metric tons (2023 est.)

consumption: 7.388 million metric tons (2023 est.)

exports: 1.629 million metric tons (2023 est.)

imports: 9.798 million metric tons (2023 est.)

proven reserves: 1.187 billion metric tons (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources

fossil fuels: 28% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

nuclear: 20.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

solar: 17.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

wind: 23.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

hydroelectricity: 8.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

biomass and waste: 2.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Natural gas

production: 34.124 million cubic meters (2023 est.)

consumption: 29.041 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

exports: 6.576 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

imports: 35.252 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

proven reserves: 2.549 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)

Petroleum

total petroleum production: 47,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

refined petroleum consumption: 1.325 million bbl/day (2024 est.)

crude oil estimated reserves: 150 million barrels (2021 est.)

Gross reproduction rate

0.64 (2024 est.)

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

50.1% (2023 est.)

Remittances

0.33% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.27% of GDP (2021 est.)

note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

Nuclear energy

Number of operational nuclear reactors: 7 (2025)

Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 7.12GW (2025 est.)

Percent of total electricity production: 20.3% (2023 est.)

Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down: 3 (2025)

Space program overview

space program is integrated into the European Space Agency (ESA) and dates back to the 1940s; manufactures and operates communications, remote sensing (RS), and scientific/technology satellites; has developed sounding rockets; conducts research and development in a broad range of space-related capabilities, including astrobiology, astronomy, imaging/RS, materials, meteorology, optics, propulsion, robotics, satellites (particularly micro- and nano-satellites), satellite systems and subsystems, satellite/space launch vehicles (SLVs), and space sciences; participates in ESA, EU, and other international programs; hosts the European Space Astronomy Center (ESOC) and the ESA’s Space Surveillance and Tracking Data Centre (ESAC); cooperates with foreign space agencies and industries, including those of ESA and EU member states and the US; has a considerable commercial space industry, which is involved in a wide range of space-related research, development, and production, including satellites and SLVs; the CDTI coordinates the activities of the commercial space sector (2024)

note: further details about the key activities, programs, and milestones of the country’s space program, as well as government spending estimates on the space sector, appear in the Space Programs reference guide

Space launch site(s)

El Arenosillo Test Center/Range (Andalusia); private launch site (Teruel province) (2024)

Space agency/agencies

Spanish Space Agency (AEE; became operational in April 2023); previously, the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial or INTA, established 1942), a public research organization that depends on the Ministry of Defense, acted as Spain’s space agency; Space Command (Mando del Espacio or MESPA; established January 2024); Center for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI); Catalan Space Agency (established 2021); Valencian Space Consortium (established 2009) (2024)

Geoparks

total global geoparks and regional networks: 17 (2024)

global geoparks and regional networks: Basque Coast UNESCO; Cabo de Gata-Níjar; Cabo Ortegal; Calatrava Volcanoes. Ciudad Real; Central Catalonia; Courel Mountains; El Hierro; Granada; Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands; Las Loras; Maestrazgo; Molina-Alto; Origens; Sierra Norte de Sevilla; Sierras Subbéticas; Sobrarbe-Pirineos: Villuercas Ibores Jara (2024)

Ports

total ports: 52 (2024)

large: 3

medium: 14

small: 9

very small: 24

size unknown: 2

ports with oil terminals: 13

key ports: Alicante, Barcelona, Cadiz, Ceuta, Ferrol, Huelva, Las Palmas, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Puerto de Bilbao, Puerto de Pasajes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Santander, Sevilla, Tarragona, Valencia, Vigo

Legislative branch - lower chamber

chamber name: Congress of Deputies (Congreso de los Diputados)

number of seats: 350 (all directly elected)

electoral system: proportional representation

scope of elections: full renewal

term in office: 4 years

most recent election date: 7/23/2023

parties elected and seats per party: People's Party (PP) (136); Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) (122); Vox (33); SUMAR (31); Other (28)

percentage of women in chamber: 44.3%

expected date of next election: July 2027

Legislative branch - upper chamber

chamber name: Senate (Senado)

number of seats: 265 (208 directly elected; 57 indirectly elected)

electoral system: mixed system

scope of elections: full renewal

term in office: 4 years

most recent election date: 7/23/2023

parties elected and seats per party: People's Party (PP) (120); Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) (72); Other (16)

percentage of women in chamber: 42.5%

expected date of next election: July 2027

Labor force

24.153 million (2023 est.)

note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)

total: 28.7% (2023 est.)

male: 28.8% (2023 est.)

female: 28.6% (2023 est.)

note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment

Net migration rate

4.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Median age

total: 46.8 years (2024 est.)

male: 45.7 years

female: 47.8 years

Maternal mortality ratio

3 deaths/100,000 live births (2020 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$103.089 billion (2023 est.)
$92.905 billion (2022 est.)
$92.201 billion (2021 est.)

note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars

Public debt

109.22% of GDP (2022 est.)

note: central government debt as a % of GDP

Total fertility rate

1.3 children born/woman (2024 est.)

Unemployment rate

12.14% (2023 est.)
12.92% (2022 est.)
14.78% (2021 est.)

note: % of labor force seeking employment

Population

total: 47,280,433 (2024 est.)

male: 23,069,327

female: 24,211,106

Carbon dioxide emissions

254.823 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

from coal and metallurgical coke: 13.39 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

from petroleum and other liquids: 182.327 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

from consumed natural gas: 59.105 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Area

total : 505,370 sq km

land: 498,980 sq km

water: 6,390 sq km

note: there are two autonomous cities - Ceuta and Melilla - and 17 autonomous communities including Balearic Islands and Canary Islands, and three small Spanish possessions off the coast of Morocco - Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera

Taxes and other revenues

15.5% (of GDP) (2022 est.)

note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

$2.279 trillion (2023 est.)
$2.22 trillion (2022 est.)
$2.091 trillion (2021 est.)

note: data in 2021 dollars

Airports

365 (2025)

Infant mortality rate

total: 2.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)

male: 2.7 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 2.1 deaths/1,000 live births

Telephones - mobile cellular

total subscriptions: 61.2 million (2023 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 124 (2022 est.)

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income

33.9 (2021 est.)

note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

3.53% (2023 est.)
8.39% (2022 est.)
3.09% (2021 est.)

note: annual % change based on consumer prices

Current account balance

$43.012 billion (2023 est.)
$4.482 billion (2022 est.)
$11.179 billion (2021 est.)

note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars

Real GDP per capita

$47,100 (2023 est.)
$46,500 (2022 est.)
$44,100 (2021 est.)

note: data in 2021 dollars

Broadband - fixed subscriptions

total: 18.2 million (2023 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 38 (2023 est.)

Tobacco use

total: 27.7% (2020 est.)

male: 28.6% (2020 est.)

female: 26.7% (2020 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

23.8% (2016)

Energy consumption per capita

101.12 million Btu/person (2023 est.)

Death rate

10 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Birth rate

7.1 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Electricity

installed generating capacity: 130.366 million kW (2023 est.)

consumption: 227.187 billion kWh (2023 est.)

exports: 25.279 billion kWh (2023 est.)

imports: 11.315 billion kWh (2023 est.)

transmission/distribution losses: 24.532 billion kWh (2023 est.)

Merchant marine

total: 503 (2023)

by type: bulk carrier 1, general cargo 33, oil tanker 24, other 445

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

NA

Imports

$552.948 billion (2023 est.)
$561.448 billion (2022 est.)
$478.032 billion (2021 est.)

note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars

Exports

$616.648 billion (2023 est.)
$573.598 billion (2022 est.)
$492.568 billion (2021 est.)

note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars

Heliports

162 (2025)

Telephones - fixed lines

total subscriptions: 18.431 million (2023 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 38 (2023 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita

total: 10.72 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

beer: 4.67 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

wine: 3.52 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

spirits: 2.34 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

other alcohols: 0.19 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 83 years (2024 est.)

male: 80.3 years

female: 85.8 years

Real GDP growth rate

2.68% (2023 est.)
6.18% (2022 est.)
6.4% (2021 est.)

note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

Industrial production growth rate

1.07% (2023 est.)

note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

agriculture: 2.5% (2023 est.)

industry: 20.1% (2023 est.)

services: 68.7% (2023 est.)

note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

Revenue from forest resources

0.02% of GDP (2018 est.)

Revenue from coal

0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Education expenditures

4.6% of GDP (2020 est.)

Population growth rate

0.12% (2024 est.)
Sources:
Spain - ES - ESP - ESP