SPAIN

Physical geography

There are high plateau and mountains such as the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada. To the north, the country is bordered by France and Andorra, and to the west by Portugal. Spain is in southwest Europe. It’s bordered by the Atlantic to the west and the Mediterranean to the south and east. It is 505, 990 km²

                                             

An iconic place

La Sagrada Familia is an emblematic monument of Spain. The beginning of its construction was in 1882 but it is still not finished. Its tallest tower is 170 meters tall. It is the most visited monument in Spain. In 2008, it attracted more than 2.7 million visitors.

An iconic object

The muleta is the red flag used in bullfighting to excite the bull; it is a symbol of Spain. The bull is the emblem of Spain and bullfighting is a very strong Spanish tradition.

Something the country has done for the world

In 1492, Christopher Columbus was sent by Spain to find a new route to the Indies; he discovered the Americas instead!

Famous historical figure

Pablo Ruiz Picasso was a painter, draftsman and sculptor who spent most of his life in France. He is one of the most important artists of the twentieth century. He was one of the founders of Cubism. He produced nearly 50,000 works.

Important living person

Rafael Nadal is not yet thirty. He was born in Manacor He is one of the world’s top tennis players. He is considered one of the best Spanish sportsmen.

History after 2000

Because of the financial and economic crisis started in 2008, Spain is in a crisis situation. Unemployment in Spain is increasing.

Human geography

Language(s) and culture(s)

The official language of Spain is Spanish (Castilian), but regional languages such as Catalan and Galician are important. Each region of Spain has its own language and culture. Paella is a typical dish. Bullfighting is characteristic of Iberian culture.

Politics, place in the EU, economy

Spain joined the European Union on 1 January 1986. The most dynamic industrial areas are located around Madrid, the capital, and Barcelona. The country’s commercial exchanges are mainly with France, Germany and Italy. Half of Spain’s agricultural lands are not cultivated because of the on-going drought. The crisis, started in the construction industry, due to the collapse of house prices, was aggravated by the global economic downturn of 2008. There has been a sharp rise in unemployment.

Youth

Being young in Spain is not easy because finding a job is very difficult. However, the country is very nice and youth have the opportunity to go to the beach and relax in the pleasant climate of the Iberian Peninsula…

Article by Corentin Croissant