Spain
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Spain
Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain is a sovereign state and a member state of the European Union, located in the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe.
The country is bordered to the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea except for a small land border with Gibraltar, to the north and northeast by France, Andorra, and the Bay of Biscay, and to the west and northwest by Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean.
It is one of three countries along with Morocco and France to have border with the Atlantic Ocean and with the Mediterranean Sea.
Of the 1,214 km of border that Spain has, the border with Portugal is the longest uninterrupted frontier within the European Union.
The Spanish territory also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the African coast, and two autonomous cities in northern Africa, Ceuta and Melilla, bordering Morocco, as well as Alborán, Chafarinas Islands, Alhucemas, Vélez de la Gomera and other small islands including Parsley.
In addition, the town of Llívia is a Spanish enclave located within French territory.
The country is bordered to the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea except for a small land border with Gibraltar, to the north and northeast by France, Andorra, and the Bay of Biscay, and to the west and northwest by Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean.
It is one of three countries along with Morocco and France to have border with the Atlantic Ocean and with the Mediterranean Sea.
Of the 1,214 km of border that Spain has, the border with Portugal is the longest uninterrupted frontier within the European Union.
The Spanish territory also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the African coast, and two autonomous cities in northern Africa, Ceuta and Melilla, bordering Morocco, as well as Alborán, Chafarinas Islands, Alhucemas, Vélez de la Gomera and other small islands including Parsley.
In addition, the town of Llívia is a Spanish enclave located within French territory.
Official language
Spanish
Currency
Euro
Tourism
Spain is considered an exotic country in Europe due to its friendly inhabitants, relaxed lifestyle, its cuisine and vibrant nightlife, and world famous for its folklore and its festivities.
Among the many places worth visiting are the thriving capital of Spain, Madrid, the vibrant seaside town of Barcelona, the famous "Corrida de Toros" in Pamplona, the main cities of Andalusia with Islamic architecture such as Seville, Granada and Cordoba, the Camino de Santiago and the idyllic Balearic and Canary Islands.
With beautiful beaches, and nightlife, with many cultural regions and historic cities, Spain is a great destination for any type of trip. A country of great geographic and cultural diversity, Spain is a surprise to those who only know its reputation for great beach holidays.
There is everything from lush meadows and snow-capped mountains to great marshes and deserts to the southeast. While summer is high season because of the beaches, those wishing to avoid the crowds should consider traveling in the winter to visit attractions such as the Alhambra in Granada and La Gran Mezquita in Cordoba.
Among the many places worth visiting are the thriving capital of Spain, Madrid, the vibrant seaside town of Barcelona, the famous "Corrida de Toros" in Pamplona, the main cities of Andalusia with Islamic architecture such as Seville, Granada and Cordoba, the Camino de Santiago and the idyllic Balearic and Canary Islands.
With beautiful beaches, and nightlife, with many cultural regions and historic cities, Spain is a great destination for any type of trip. A country of great geographic and cultural diversity, Spain is a surprise to those who only know its reputation for great beach holidays.
There is everything from lush meadows and snow-capped mountains to great marshes and deserts to the southeast. While summer is high season because of the beaches, those wishing to avoid the crowds should consider traveling in the winter to visit attractions such as the Alhambra in Granada and La Gran Mezquita in Cordoba.
Gastronomy
Spanish cuisine has a way of preparing varied dishes, which is enriched with the culinary contributions of various regions that make up the country, with influences of Northern Europeans, Moors of the South and, thanks to the pioneering ingredients of the Americas and the Far East, people who, throughout history, have conquered the territory of that country.
Pomegranates and pesto of the Arabs and Jews, North African nuts, potatoes and tomatoes brought first by the navigators, who sailed to the Americas, and who returned with plants, gold and new ideas, coriander of the Canary Islands through merchants.
The Kitchens (cuisine or gastronomy) in Spain can be divided into a number of gastronomic regions.
Some parts of the country are dry throughout the year, in others it rains frequently, and in others the sun is abundant.
In the region of Catalonia, it has a kitchen different from the other regions.
Being Catalans with a different language and culture, the food has French connotations.
Further west along the coast, the Levante is distinguished by rice dishes such as paella and others.
The Andalusian cuisine is based on fritters, and love the cold soups (Gaspacho) due to the hot weather.
In central Spain, people prefer roasted meats to other types of preparations.
Near the region of Rioja, west of the Pyrenees make stew of everything that can be cooked.
To the north, along the Atlantic Ocean stands its specialties that require sauces and fish and seafood dishes.
Spanish residents along the coastline consume huge quantities of fish and shellfish.
In summary the main ingredients of Spanish cuisine are:
Saffron, sweet pepper, hot or spicy, olive oil, vinegar, rice, legumes, thyme, rosemary, fresh fruits and vegetables, peppers, garlic, capers, pickles, ham, sausages, canned tuna, anchovies, cheeses, meats, fish and birds.
Pomegranates and pesto of the Arabs and Jews, North African nuts, potatoes and tomatoes brought first by the navigators, who sailed to the Americas, and who returned with plants, gold and new ideas, coriander of the Canary Islands through merchants.
The Kitchens (cuisine or gastronomy) in Spain can be divided into a number of gastronomic regions.
Some parts of the country are dry throughout the year, in others it rains frequently, and in others the sun is abundant.
In the region of Catalonia, it has a kitchen different from the other regions.
Being Catalans with a different language and culture, the food has French connotations.
Further west along the coast, the Levante is distinguished by rice dishes such as paella and others.
The Andalusian cuisine is based on fritters, and love the cold soups (Gaspacho) due to the hot weather.
In central Spain, people prefer roasted meats to other types of preparations.
Near the region of Rioja, west of the Pyrenees make stew of everything that can be cooked.
To the north, along the Atlantic Ocean stands its specialties that require sauces and fish and seafood dishes.
Spanish residents along the coastline consume huge quantities of fish and shellfish.
In summary the main ingredients of Spanish cuisine are:
Saffron, sweet pepper, hot or spicy, olive oil, vinegar, rice, legumes, thyme, rosemary, fresh fruits and vegetables, peppers, garlic, capers, pickles, ham, sausages, canned tuna, anchovies, cheeses, meats, fish and birds.
Weather
Spain has a predominantly warm Mediterranean climate, with dry summers and winters with balanced temperatures, being able to enjoy more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. It is no surprise, then, that this is one of the hottest parts of Europe.
When talking about weather, special mention must be made about the Canary Islands. Its special location, facing the coast of Africa, gives them a benign climate with mild temperatures (year-round average of 22ºC on the coast), with only small temperature differences between day and night, in any season.
However, variety is the main characteristic of the climate due to the immense geographical diversity of Spain.
So if you travel north to the Cantabrian coast, you will find a mild climate with high rainfall.
Winters are mild and in summer temperatures rarely exceed 25 ° C.
However, in the higher parts of the country, the climate is harder and it is common to see the snow in early winter until the end of spring. This is the case of the Pyrenees, the mountains of Sierra Nevada, the Central and Iberian tracks, and the mountains of Cantabria, among others.
When talking about weather, special mention must be made about the Canary Islands. Its special location, facing the coast of Africa, gives them a benign climate with mild temperatures (year-round average of 22ºC on the coast), with only small temperature differences between day and night, in any season.
However, variety is the main characteristic of the climate due to the immense geographical diversity of Spain.
So if you travel north to the Cantabrian coast, you will find a mild climate with high rainfall.
Winters are mild and in summer temperatures rarely exceed 25 ° C.
However, in the higher parts of the country, the climate is harder and it is common to see the snow in early winter until the end of spring. This is the case of the Pyrenees, the mountains of Sierra Nevada, the Central and Iberian tracks, and the mountains of Cantabria, among others.
Documentation
The necessary documentation to travel to Spain varies according to the country of origin.
For citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, it is sufficient to have a valid passport or a photo identification card.
Being from another country different from those described above, the maximum stay in Spain is 90 days.
There are countries whose citizens are required to have a valid tourist visa to enter Spain.
Citizens of these countries can also travel to Spain if they have a residence permit or a long-term visa issued by another EU country (with the exception of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein.
Citizens of all other countries must be in possession of documents that justify the purpose and conditions of their stay, as well as sufficient financial resources for their stay during the period they intend to stay in Spain.
The documents that must be presented vary according to the reason for the trip.
Taking into account the various conditions necessary to enter Spain, we suggest that you contact the Embassy or Consulate of Spain in the country of residence of the visitor to verify these requirements before beginning your trip.
For citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, it is sufficient to have a valid passport or a photo identification card.
Being from another country different from those described above, the maximum stay in Spain is 90 days.
There are countries whose citizens are required to have a valid tourist visa to enter Spain.
Citizens of these countries can also travel to Spain if they have a residence permit or a long-term visa issued by another EU country (with the exception of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein.
Citizens of all other countries must be in possession of documents that justify the purpose and conditions of their stay, as well as sufficient financial resources for their stay during the period they intend to stay in Spain.
The documents that must be presented vary according to the reason for the trip.
Taking into account the various conditions necessary to enter Spain, we suggest that you contact the Embassy or Consulate of Spain in the country of residence of the visitor to verify these requirements before beginning your trip.
Health care
You do not need any type of vaccine to travel to Spain.
As in any part of the world, it is advisable to have your tetanus vaccination up-to-date.
In exceptional circumstances, the Spanish authorities may require travelers to undergo a medical examination to ensure that they do not suffer from any of the quarantine-related diseases listed in the International Health Regulations.
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and affordable resources to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance company immediately. As a general rule, if you need hospital treatment in Spain, you are more likely to receive appropriate care in a public health facility (although in some tourist areas there may not be a public health facility nearby). Your insurance / health care provider will be able to provide more details.
As in any part of the world, it is advisable to have your tetanus vaccination up-to-date.
In exceptional circumstances, the Spanish authorities may require travelers to undergo a medical examination to ensure that they do not suffer from any of the quarantine-related diseases listed in the International Health Regulations.
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and affordable resources to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance company immediately. As a general rule, if you need hospital treatment in Spain, you are more likely to receive appropriate care in a public health facility (although in some tourist areas there may not be a public health facility nearby). Your insurance / health care provider will be able to provide more details.
Safety
Spain is a safe and peaceful country, and there are usually no problems for those who visit.
However as in any other country, one should be alert for the existence of street crimes, especially thieves who often work in teams of two or more people in order to steal money and passports.
Do not keep valuables in one place, and remember to keep a photocopy or scanned copy of your passport somewhere safe.
Many people had their passports stolen when passing through airports, either on arrival or departure from Spain. Extra care should be taken to store passports, money and personal belongings, when you collect your luggage, check in at the airport, or while you are renting a car.
In some urban centers and resorts, thieves can disguise themselves as policemen to approach tourists and ask to see their wallets for identification purposes. If this happens refuse to provide whatever it is, and walk away denouncing what happened at the nearest police station. The real police do not ask to see wallets or purses.
However as in any other country, one should be alert for the existence of street crimes, especially thieves who often work in teams of two or more people in order to steal money and passports.
Do not keep valuables in one place, and remember to keep a photocopy or scanned copy of your passport somewhere safe.
Many people had their passports stolen when passing through airports, either on arrival or departure from Spain. Extra care should be taken to store passports, money and personal belongings, when you collect your luggage, check in at the airport, or while you are renting a car.
In some urban centers and resorts, thieves can disguise themselves as policemen to approach tourists and ask to see their wallets for identification purposes. If this happens refuse to provide whatever it is, and walk away denouncing what happened at the nearest police station. The real police do not ask to see wallets or purses.
Telecommunications and Electricity
Mobile Phones
The telecommunications system for mobile phones and the Internet is the most advanced in Europe, so it is easy to be able to get roaming, as long as you have activated it in your home country.
Internet
There are quite a few places wi-fi for internet use.
Electricity
Any electrical device you carry on your trip can be used with the aid of an electric travel kit with variously configured tokens.
The possibilities are, irrespective of the type of appliance you intend to take on the road - electric shavers, hair dryers, irons or computers and mobile phones - it is necessary to have at least one adapter that visit, and an energy converter, if the voltage is different from the one you usually use.
The need to provide converters and adapters is that the electrical voltage in Europe is generally 220 V at 50 Hz, with the only exceptions in Europe being Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Malta and Cyprus, which are 240 V at 50 Hz, but most electrical equipment is prepared for these two types of voltage, however, you need an adapter for wall outlets.
You can purchase this equipment before traveling to any electrical store or airports.
The telecommunications system for mobile phones and the Internet is the most advanced in Europe, so it is easy to be able to get roaming, as long as you have activated it in your home country.
Internet
There are quite a few places wi-fi for internet use.
Electricity
Any electrical device you carry on your trip can be used with the aid of an electric travel kit with variously configured tokens.
The possibilities are, irrespective of the type of appliance you intend to take on the road - electric shavers, hair dryers, irons or computers and mobile phones - it is necessary to have at least one adapter that visit, and an energy converter, if the voltage is different from the one you usually use.
The need to provide converters and adapters is that the electrical voltage in Europe is generally 220 V at 50 Hz, with the only exceptions in Europe being Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Malta and Cyprus, which are 240 V at 50 Hz, but most electrical equipment is prepared for these two types of voltage, however, you need an adapter for wall outlets.
You can purchase this equipment before traveling to any electrical store or airports.
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