INTRODUCTION TO SPAIN

Geography:
Spain, country in southern Europe, south of France. The total area is 505,990 sq km (195,364 sq mi). The capital and largest city is Madrid.

Land and Resources
The largest part of Spain is a dry central plateau divided by mountain ranges, where rapid rivers flow through narrow valleys. A narrow plain edges the long coast. The Pyrenees Mountains form the border with France, and the narrow Strait of Gibraltar separates Spain from Africa.

Despite a climate with extremes of temperature and generally low rainfall, nearly one-third of Spain's land is suitable for cultivation. Olive trees and grapevines are widely grown. The country also has many mineral resources, including coal, iron, and petroleum.

Population:
The population of Spain is 39,107,912 (1997 estimate), with 77 percent of the people living in towns and cities. Ethnic groups include the Catalans, the Galicians, the Basques, and the Roma (Gypsies). About 97 percent of Spain's population is Roman Catholic. Education is free and compulsory. Most of the people of Spain speak Castilian Spanish, but Catalan, Galician, and Basque are also spoken.

Culture:
Traditionally an agricultural country, Spain saw rapid industrial growth during the late 1900s. Manufacturing now employs twice as many workers as agriculture and related activities. The country has a flourishing tourism industry. Fishing also contributes to the Spanish economy.

Spain is a leading wine producer. Among its manufactures are textiles, iron and steel, motor vehicles, ships, and cement. The unit of currency is the peseta (127 pesetas equal U.S.$1; 1996).