Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Its mainland is bordered to the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea except for a small land boundary with Gibraltar; to the north by France, Andorra, and the Bay of Biscay; and to the northwest and west by the Atlantic Ocean and Portugal. Spanish territory also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the African coast, and two autonomous cities in North Africa, Ceuta and Melilla, that border Morocco. With an area of 504,030 km², Spain is the second largest country in Western Europe and the European Union after France. Since January 1, 2010, Spain has held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Spain’s capital city is Madrid and with almost 6 million people its the third most populous city in Europe ( after London and Berlin ). Other major cities of note in Spain are Barcelona (3.9 m), Valencia (1.5m), Sevilla (1.1m), Zaragoza (0.6m) and Malaga (0.75m).
Life in Spain has changed significantly over the last 40 years but whilst its industrail and manufacturing industries have been hit with the global slowdown its tourism income has seen steady growths in both the cities and the along the Costas. With recent talks about Spain’s faltering economy dominating its national press Spain needs today more than ever to re-affirm its self and the number one holiday destination for Europeans looking for holidays to Spain. Huge investments into its infrastructure have been made in recent years including the opening of flagship airports such as in Malaga and strategic ties many airline companies.
Because of its location, the territory of Spain was subject to many external influences, often simultaneously, since prehistoric times and through the dawn of Spain as a country. Conversely, the country itself has been an important source of influence to other regions, chiefly during the Modern Era, when it became a global empire that has left a legacy of over 400 million Spanish speakers today—making it the world’s second most spoken language by native speakers.
Spain is a democracy organised in the form of a parliamentary government under a constitutional monarchy. It is a developed country with the ninth or tenth largest economy in the world by nominal GDP, and very high living standards (15th highest Human Development Index), including the tenth-highest quality of life index rating in the world. It is a member of the United Nations, European Union, NATO, OECD, and WTO.
In recent years Spain has become a haven for many Northern Europeans who up sticks and move for the warmer climate and the more relaxed lifestyle. The most popular destinations are along the Costa Del Sol in Andalusia as well as the cultured cities of Barcelona and Madrid. If you are considering a move to Spain and are looking for accommodation in Barcelona , be sure to browse all the high-quality holiday apartments from OH-Barcelona on offer throughout the City in our property section.
