- Although it looks like a mosque, the mezquita now functions as a Roman Catholic Church.
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Spain is a diverse country in Mediterranean Europe, sharing the Iberian Peninsula with Portugal at the western end of the Mediterranean Sea. Spanish territory also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands off the African coast. It shares land borders with Portugal, France, Andorra, the British colony of Gibraltar and Morocco. With an area of about 314,000 square miles, Spain is the second largest country in Western Europe (behind France).
Spain is a country with an extremely rich cultural and historical background, due in large part to the fact that—at various points in its history—it was ruled by three separate cultural and religious groups: Muslims (Moors), Jews and Christians. Spain also boasts a beautiful and varied landscape, full of mountains, beaches and vineyards. Spain’s cities are world-famous, and include the thriving capital Madrid, the vibrant coastal city of Barcelona, Pamplona with its annual bull-running, and the city where flamenco flourishes, Sevilla (which also boasts the world’s largest gothic cathedral). Historic Granada, home to the Alhambra, and Córdoba, home to La Mezquita, are also popular travel destinations.
With wonderful food, wine (and sherry) and some of Europe’s most vibrant festivals—including Las Fallas in Valencia, Carnaval in Cadiz (the oldest city in Western Europe) and La Feria de Abril in Sevilla—there is never a dull moment in Spain.
Country Destination Facts
- Population: 40,341,462
- Languages: Spanish, Catalan, Gallegan, Basque
- Currency: EUR
- Capital: Madrid
- Area: 504,782 km2, 194,896 sq mi
Destinations for Spain
Articles on Spain
Feature
Satisfy Your Inner Art Student in Madrid
by Andrew Weiss July 23, 2008Explore Madrid’s art world on your family vacation, from Spanish masterpieces by Goya and Dalí, to contemporary art and photography festivals.
Editor's Take
Tackling Orlando
by Donna M. Airoldi March 7, 2008Every parent knows they must plan a family vacation to this theme park mecca at some point. Our latest issue tells you how.
Offbeat Travel
Valencia’s Las Fallas: A Fire in the Night
by Miranda Young March 3, 2008The Spanish city Valencia builds hundreds of huge, whimsical statues each March for its Las Fallas festival—then torches all but one in a single night.
Travel Deals
Cause Abroad, American Girl Experience and Family Deals
by Rebekah Tsadik February 21, 2008Walk for charity, pamper your American Girl, visit Vancouver and bring the whole crew for cheap to Ireland or Mexico.
