Spain  (España) - is a wonderful country with fascinating history located on the south-west of the Iberian Peninsula.

Spain is number one location with its spectacular views, gorgeous mountain peaks, sparkling in all shades of blue sea waters, incredible sandy beaches, beautiful lakes and rivers, best ski resorts, classic landscapes and burnt-brown hills, natural diversity and semi-tropical climate.

Spain is the first country in the number of cities inscribed on the World Heritage List and the second after Italy in the number of Natural and Cultural sites protected by UNESCO.

This is the best destination for those who loves European culture, ancient cities, virgin landscapes, rivers and mountains, sea, mild and warm climate, Mediterranean cuisine and hospitality.

Spain has the most positive image in Europe. Friendly inhabitants, quiet way of life, great variety of cuisines, well-known folklore and bright unforgettable festivals attract millions of tourists here from all over the world.

Apart from its rich history, art, bullfight, flamenco, best beaches and abundance of sunny days year-round, Spain is one of the most prominent cultural centers in Europe. Spanish cities can boast of their historical and cultural sights of exceptional value not to mention the country’s views and natural diversity.

Spain is different from other European countries but you will find more differences inside the country. Spain is full of contrasts in everything: extraordinary range of scenery, climate, languages and cuisine. This made Spain a desired piece of land for invaders of all times. Nowadays it is the top attraction and paradise for life and tourism.

Spain occupies most part of the Iberian Peninsula. It borders with France and Andorra on the northeast and with Portugal on the west. Spain also comprises the Balearic Islands archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean and two cities Ceuta and Melilla on the north coast of Africa.

14 kilometers separate Spain on the south from Africa where it borders with Gibraltar, which is a British Overseas Territory.

Spain is a constitutional monarchy governed under the constitution of 1978. Legislative power is vested in the Cortes Generals (General Courts), executive power is exercised by the government, which is integrated by the prime minister. The king proposes the prime minister after consultations with the representatives of political parties.

The country is divided in 17 autonomous regions:

• Andalusia;
• Aragon;
• Asturias;
• Balearic Islands;
• Basque Country;
• Canary Islands;
• Cantabria;
• Catalonia;
• Castile and Leon;
• Castile la Mancha;
• Estremadura;
• Galicia;
• La Rioja;
• Madrid;
• Murcia;
• Navarra;
• Valencia.

Ceuta and Melilla cities have autonomous status.

Most autonomous regions are divided into provinces but some of them comprise only one province, e.g. La-Rioja, Navarra and Murcia.

Castilian Spanish is the official national language of Spain and is also defined as a standard language.

Apart from Castilian Spanish  four official languages are spoken in 6 out of 17 autonomous regions: Catalan (catalán) is spoken in Catalonia, Valencia and the Balearic Islands, Basque (euskera) is spoken in Basque Country and Navarra, Galician (gallego) is spoken in Galicia, Asturian or Bable ( asturiano/bable) is spoken in Asturias. Some experts claim that there are 17 languages spoken in different provinces of Spain. 9% of the population use Catalan as a second language, 5% use Galicia and 1% use Basque.

The Spanish national anthem, the "Marcha Real", or "Royal March", is one of only four in the world to have no words.