When the name of Spain is mentioned what jumps to mind is the unparalleled richness of its culture, its marvelous beaches, the sun, the delicious food, the siesta. Spain enjoys an unrivalled reputation among travelers and people who seek a place to rest. However, the Spain we know today is a product of thousands of years of history.
The first human settlements date from as far back as 25,000 to 10,000 B.C. Prior to the famous Moorish occupation Spain had also hosted the Romans and the Visigoth Kingdom. The Moorish occupation is the one that left the strongest influence in the country with its variety of independent kingdoms. It began in the 8th century A.D. and lasted until the seizure of Granada in 1492 by the Christian rebels, completing the unification of several Christian kingdoms. The Iberian Peninsula's power went as far as the English seas in the 16th and 17th centuries. But the nation subsequently fell behind Britain, France, and Germany as it failed to adapt to the industrial revolutions.
Spain was neutral in the two World Wars, but the Guerra Civil (Civil War 1936-39) devastated the country in the meantime. In the remainder of the century, Spain entered the EU in 1986 and was challenged by terrorism (i.e. ETA) and unemployment. The economy started to bloom drastically from 1986 to 1990 with an average 5% annual growth and resumed a moderate growth in 1994 after a recession that was present throughout Europe in the early 90's. It currently maintains an acknowledged position in the world's economy.
Spain is in the Iberian Peninsula next to Portugal in the south of Europe and also is made up of the Canary and Balearic Islands and two Spanish cities in the north of Africa: Ceuta and Melilla. It is 15 km away from Africa across the Strait of Gibraltar and borders with Andorra, France and Portugal. Spain enjoys of a wide range of climates due to its particular geographic location, but it generally has a warm climate.
The sunshine is not the only advantageous thing about Spain. The folklore that one can experience in Spain is spectacular. Among the most famous traditions are flamenco dance and bullfights, the famous 'corrida'. Bulls indeed are an emblem of Spain and you will find them everywhere, on T-shirts, streets, and while driving around the country. Every year many festivals occur throughout Spain, like the Sanfermines in Pamplona where bulls run after people, the Feria de Sevilla, the Feria de Malaga, Semana Santa celebrations, el Rocio, Las Fallas de San José, and the Carnivales. Spanish people just enjoy partying and any occasion is good. The food is also an essential aspect of the everyday life, people meet in tablaos to listen to flamenco while eating, or enjoy tapas in a bodega. All and all, Spanish people are real epicureans and do not let everyday modern life's stresses affect their capacity to take advantage of their beautiful country.
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