Spain fact file
Location & geography
Spain is located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. The Spanish mainland is bordered to the south and east almost entirely by the Mediterranean Sea (except for a tiny land boundary with Gibraltar); to the north is France and the Bay of Biscay; and to the west is the Atlantic Ocean and Portugal. Spanish territory also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands. Due to Spain's geographical situation the climate is extremely diverse; roughly described as Continental in the inland areas, Mediterranean along the coasts to the Pyrenees, and Oceanic in Galicia and the coastal strip by the Bay of Biscay.
Capital city
Art and nightlife are the two main reasons to visit Madrid. The city is compact and easy to navigate on foot - most of the sights of interest are found in the downtown area. The city sits atop a plateau and is the highest capital in Europe, making its climate somewhat extreme with steaming hot summers and bitterly cold winters. Madrid is home to Plaza de Toros, Spain's largest bullring, along with football teams Real Madrid, and Atletico de Madrid.
Natural world
Because of its wide variety of climate, Spain has a greater variety of natural vegetation than any other European country. Nevertheless, vegetation is generally sparse. In the humid areas of the north there are deciduous trees (including oak, chestnut, elm, beech, and poplar), as well as varieties of pine. Pine, juniper, and drought-resistant shrubs predominate in the dry southern region. The Canaries support both Mediterranean and African flora. A small, yellow-tinged finch on the islands has given the name "canary" to a variety of yellow songbirds widely bred as house pets. Animal life in Spain is limited by the pressure of population and few wild species remain.
Food & drink
Spanish Cuisine is heavily influenced by seafood available from the waters that surround the country, and reflects the country's deep Mediterranean roots. Traditional dishes include: Paella (rice dish garnished with vegetables and meat or seafood) Chorizo (fatty pork sausages seasoned with chili, paprika and garlic) Tortilla de Patatas (egg omelette with fried potatoes, onion and garlic) Sangrķa (a red wine punch with fruit, honey or orange juice and brandy)
Health & safety
There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. For a list of relevant vaccinations and other health precautions click here. Most visits to Spain are trouble-free, except for street crime, which is common in the big cities, and travellers are advised to take precautions to avoid theft of passports, credit cards, travel documents and money. Be wary of strangers offering or asking for help of any kind, as it is often a distraction for accomplices.
Travelling
Smoking in public places is banned and stiff fines will be imposed for smoking in areas such as enclosed public spaces, areas where food is prepared and sold, public transport, bars and restaurants, and any places that cater for children. Drinking alcohol in the streets of Madrid, and in the Canary and Balearic Islands is illegal. British citizens must hold a passport, but no visa is required for a maximum stay of three months. Spain is +1 hour (GMT) and a flight from the UK is approximately 2.5 hours long.
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