Spain Travel: Fast Facts

Spain Travel: Fast Facts

Travel to Spain can be an absolute delight. The country is very welcoming to visitors and has something to offer just about anyone. Before embarking on a trip to Spain one should know a few facts about the country. In this article we will look at some basic facts about Spain that tourists should know.

Spain is the fourth largest country in Europe. It comes in behind Russia, the Ukraine and France. The size of the country is important to consider as it will affect the weather patterns of the particular regions. Those who think everywhere in Spain is warm and sunny could be in for a bit of a surprise.

The Capital city of Spain is Madrid. Madrid is definitely worth a look as it holds many of Spain’s cultural and historical sites. Most of the embassies are located in Madrid however; you will find consulates in other cities around the country.

The unit of currency is currently the Euro. Spain entered the 12 Euro zone countries in 2002. The former currency was the Spanish peseta.

The Language is Castilian Spanish. However there are many dialects of the language that can be difficult to understand. There is the Catalan dialect of the north and the Andulisian dialect of the south. There is also the Basque language that is entirely separate from Spanish. Those that speak English should not have a problem as many people in Spain will understand a decent level of English. However, feel free to try your Spanish out. It is always appreciated.

The Religion of Spain is 98% Roman Catholic. The remaining 2% of the population is made up of Muslims, Jewish and gypsy populations.

Business hours in Spain take a little getting used to. Most shops and stores open at about 9 or 10 am and stay open until about 1pm. There is generally a 2-3 hour siesta in the afternoon. Most places are re-opened at about 4 and stay open until about 9-10 at night. Many large department stores and shopping centers now stay open all day.

Spain is a wonderful place to visit. Knowing a little about the country can make your stay even more enjoyable. Knowing a few facts about the country you intend to visit will help you avoid headaches and hassles later on.