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Overview Iceland is Europe\'s most western countries. It is located in the central North Atlantic near a

Duty Free, China without incurring customs duty: • 400 cigarettes (600 cigarettes for stays of over six mo

Getting around Singapore Getting Around by Air Sightseeing flights can be arranged locally through the Republic

SPAIN TRAVEL GUIDE - KEY FACTS

World Travel Guide Europe Spain Key Facts

Picture choosen by: Mr.George Wright Key Facts of Spain Location
Western Europe.
Time
Mainland Spain/Balearics: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
The Canary Islands: GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Area
505,988 sq km (195,363 sq miles); includes Spanish North Africa.
Population
44.7 million (official figure 2006).
Population Density
88.4 per sq km.
Capital
Madrid. Population: 6 million (2006).
EU
Member since 1986.
Government
Parliamentary monarchy since 1978.
Head of State
King Juan Carlos I since 1975.
Head of Government
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero since 2004.
Language
The principal language is Spanish (Castilian or castillano). Catalan (in the northeast, with variations spoken in Valencia and The Balearics), Galician (in the northwest) and Basque (in the north, bordering France) are also spoken.
Religion
There is no official religion, but the majority of the population is Roman Catholic.
Electricity
220 or 225 volts AC, 50Hz. Generally, round two-pin plugs and screw-type lamp fittings are in use.
Social Conventions
Spaniards in general are very patriotic about both their country and the region in which they live. Avoid arguments about whether people from Catalonia or the Basque Country are Spaniards or not. Avoid talking about their former colonial past and especially about the "Black Legend".
It is customary to kiss friends, family, and acquaintances on both cheeks upon seeing each other and saying goodbye. Male-to-male kisses of this sort are limited to family members or to very close friends, otherwise a firm handshake is expected instead.
Spaniards are keen to maintain physical contact while talking, such as putting a hand on your shoulder, patting your back, etc. These should be taken as signs of friendship done among relatives, close friends and colleagues. Appearing drunk in public is generally frowned upon. Other Spain Travel Guides When to Go Climate Accommodation Communication Public Holidays Getting There Money Festival Getting Around Key Facts Food and Drink General Information Night Life and Entertainment Things To See

RECENTLY SUBMITTED IN Spain

Getting around Spain Posted by Miss Wang Yenyan on 30 March 2010 12:28:37

By train Renfe is the Spanish national rail carrier. Long-distance trains always get in time, but be aware that short-distance trains (called Cercanías) can bear long delays, from ten to twenty minutes, and especially in the Barcelona area. To be safe, always take the train before the one... More

Getting into Spain Posted by Miss Wang Yenshan on 30 March 2010 12:28:24

There are a number of ways to get into Spain. From neighboring European countries, a drive with the car or a train ride is feasible; visitors from further away will probably be using air travel. By plane Spain's national carrier is Iberia. The busiest airports are Madrid, A Coruña, Palm... More

Accommodation in Spain Posted by Miss Wang Yenshan on 30 March 2010 12:28:16

There are many different kinds of tourist accommodations, ranging from hotels, pensions, rented villas, to camping or even monasteries. "7% VAT is not included" is a common trick for mid-range guesthouses and hotels: always check the small print when you choose your place to stay. VAT is IVA in Sp... More