Country Overview
Spain or España, as it is called in Spanish, occupies 195,364 square miles on the Iberian Peninsula. It is located in the southwest corner of Europe and shares borders with Portugal to the west, and France to the north. The tiny Strait of Gibraltar separates Spain from Morocco in north Africa.

The people of Spain are Spanish or Spaniards. Ethnically they are divided as Castilians, Catalans, Galicians, and Basques. Although Castilian Spanish is the official language of Spain, the Catalans, Galicians, and Basques all have separate native languages that continue to thrive.

Spanish currency is the Euro, which officially replaced the Spanish Peseta on January 1, 2002.

Spain has a long and complex history that includes King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, the Spanish monarchs who sponsored Christopher Columbus's voyage to the New World.

At one time, the Spanish Empire held much of North and South America including Cuba, Florida, Peru, Mexico, and Bolivia. The Spanish-American War in 1898 brought an end to that empire.

More recently, Spain was a dictatorship ruled by Franco. Franco's regime died with him in the early 1970's, and a new era of democracy was ushered in. Spain's first democratic elections were held in 1977.

Since then great changes have taken place in Spain, both in government, and in personal freedoms, especially for women.

Today Spain is a constitutional monarchy. The reigning monarch is Juan Carlos I, Franco's successor. The true head of state, however, is the prime minister. Along with the prime minister, Spain is governed by a cabinet, a Council of States, and a parliament.

The parliament is made up of a 208-member senate, 47 special regional representatives, and a 350-member Congress of Deputies. The Congress of Deputies votes in the Prime Minister who has been nominated by the monarch. The capital and largest city is Madrid.

Spain's landscape is almost as complex as its history. In an area about twice the size of Oregon, Spain holds mountains, deserts, wetlands, plains, and miles of coastline. The diverse weather and landscape is similar to the West Coast of the United States.

Spain's most famous mountain range is the Pyrenees, which create its border with France.

Spain also has a very rich cultural heritage. Famous artists include El Greco, Goya, Picasso, Velazquez, and Dali. The works of modernist architect Gaudi lure millions of visitors to Spain each year. The author Cervantes, and independent filmmaker Almodovar have helped bring Spanish culture to the rest of the world.

Spain is known for flamenco dancing and music, bullfights, wine, seafood, oranges, and olive oil. Traditional Spanish dishes include paella, gazpacho, and many forms of tapas, small dishes that serve as a snack with wine and beer.

School
Spanish students either attend free public schools, government-subsidized private schools, or private schools.

From 6 to 12, students attend primary school, and then from 12 to 16 they attend secondary school. Students then must decide whether they want to attend a university or a vocational school. Those choosing university must first pass the Bachillerato, which they prepare for from 16 to 18. The Bachillerato is also required for upper-level vocational schools that offer programs in engineering, architecture, and the like.

Teenagers
For recreation, Spanish teens enjoy going to dance clubs, cafes, and going to the movies. They often socialize in large groups.

Soccer and basketball are the most popular sports to play.

Spanish teens are often very style-conscious, but generally dress as all teens do, in jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers.

Spanish teens often start dating in groups around the age of 13. Serious dating begins a few years later.

The subject of sex, birth control, and AIDS is openly discussed with friends and in the media, but not necessarily with parents.

Curfews vary from family to family, but most teens have to be home by 11pm on weekdays, and can stay out later on the weekends.

The drinking and smoking age in Spain is 16. Most teens begin drinking before then. Smoking is more prevalent among Spanish teens.

At 18, Spanish teens can get a driver's license, but excellent public transportation and the cost of keeping a car in Spain often prohibit them from owning cars.

Community
Typical business hours are from 9am to 2pm, and then from 4pm to 7pm. The long break allows time for the main meal of the day, and for a siesta, although very few people use this time for sleeping anymore.

Lunch is the largest meal of the day, usually eaten at around 2pm. Most people will have a snack at 5 or 6pm, then dinner at around 10pm. Dinner is a much smaller meal.

Recycling is not as common in Spain as it is in the U.S., but is becoming more prevalent.

Spanish homes are generally very clean and tidy.

Public transportation is inexpensive and widely used. People also use taxis, private cars, or walk.

The Family
In many urban families, both parents work.

The average family has two children, and many families have a pet dog or cat.

Strong family unity is valued in Spain, but divorces do occur.

Most students live with their parents after high school, and well into their 20's, especially if they attend university. It is very hard for students to get into universities outside of their region because priority is always given to local students.

Many families in Spain have maids. Many Spanish teens are not expected to help with housework.

The elderly rarely live with their adult children. Most live alone or in senior homes. Even so, most families have a close relationship with their extended relatives, and often the whole family will meet on Sundays and holidays.

Customs
Handshakes are very important in Spain, and are more common than in the U.S. Good friends will exchange kisses and hugs when they meet.

Personal space is not valued as much in Spain as it is in the U.S., and when people bump into one another it usually goes by unnoticed.

The art of conversation is valued in Spain, and most people are very expressive and lively in their speech.

Spain has historically been a Catholic country. Over 95 of the population are baptized Catholics, but many do not actively practice their religion or attend church regularly.

Spanish people eat ëcontinental style', with the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right. Both utensils are actively used. Hands are always kept above the table.

Food plays and important role in Spanish life -- at family gatherings, and in socializing with friends and co-workers.

Christmas is one of the most important holidays in Spain; it is celebrated from December 25th to January 6th. Christmas gifts are exchanges on January 6th, the feast of the Epiphany. Most businesses have shortened hours during that time.

Carnival is a big celebration in February that marks the beginning of Lent. The week of Easter, called Holy Week or Semana Santa, is recognized with somber parades.

Spain's most notorious festival is the Festival de San Fermin, also known as the Running of the Bulls, which is held in July in Pamplona. Earnest Hemingway helped make this festival famous with his novel Death in the Afternoon.

Other important holidays are Labor Day (May 1), Columbus Day (October 12), and the King's Birthday (June 24). Most communities also celebrate the feast day of their patron saint. Many people celebrate their Saint's day (the feast day of the saint they were named for) as well as their birthday.

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