Spain is a very large country, with a long and varied history, and the different provinces are in many ways very different from each other in terms of culture, history, nature, architecture, food and in some cases even language. We start this article with a brief summary of its history and an area guide to the most prominent areas of the country. We end the article with quick facts about Spain.

History of Spain

Spain's geographical location has contributed to its history and development. Located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, Spain has a long coastline facing the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean. The country also has a series of mountain ranges, including the Pyrenees, which form the border between Spain and France.

The history of Spain is complex and multifaceted, shaped by a range of cultural, political and economic factors over the centuries. One of the earliest known civilizations in Spain was the Iberians, who inhabited the region around 3000 BC. In the following centuries, Spain was invaded and inhabited by various groups, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans.

Spain was a province of the Roman Empire for over 500 years, and the Romans left a lasting legacy in Spain, including their language, laws, and architecture. With the fall of the Roman Empire, the Visigoths took control of Spain in the 5th century AD, and they ruled until the Muslim invasion in the 8th century AD.

Muslim Moors ruled large parts of Spain for over 700 years, and their culture had a profound impact on the Spanish language, art, and architecture. The Reconquista, a centuries-long struggle to reclaim Spain from the Moors, was finally completed in 1492, the same year that Columbus discovered America. A discovery that would fundamentally change not only Spain, but the entire world.

During the 16th century, Spain became a major European power, with an enormous empire spanning the Americas, Asia and Africa. The country's wealth and power, which arose in the wake of all the goods imported from the New World, allowed it to become a leader in art and culture, with famous writers such as Cervantes and artists such as Velázquez and Goya. For a long period, Seville was the "Capital of the World".

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Spain underwent significant political and social upheaval, including Napoleon's disastrous invasion, the Carlist Wars, and the Spanish–American War. These conflicts weakened the country's political institutions and led to a period of political instability. The Civil War of 1936 was the greatest disaster in its modern history.

During the 20th century, Spain underwent a period of authoritarianism under the dictatorship of General Francisco Franco. Franco ruled Spain with an iron fist for nearly four decades, suppressing political dissent and implementing conservative social policies.

After Franco's death in 1975, Spain transitioned to a constitutional monarchy with a democratic government. The country joined the European Union in 1986 and has since experienced significant economic growth and social change.

Spain is also known for its gastronomy, with a wide range of delicacies from paella to tapas and the famous Spanish wines such as Rioja and Cava. Spain's food culture has been influenced by its geographical location and historical influences from other countries.

Today, Spain is known for its vibrant culture, with a rich tradition of music, art and cuisine. The country is also a popular tourist destination, with millions of visitors each year. However, Spain still struggles with political and social challenges, including the ongoing debate over Catalan independence, as well as economic inequality and high unemployment rates (although Spain seems to be weathering the inflation and energy crises better than most countries in the EU). Despite these challenges, Spain remains a fascinating and important country with a rich history and a bright future.

Short guide to Spain – north to south

Barcelona The Catalan capital is known for La Ramblas, La Familia Sagrada, the FC Barcelona football team, the Gothic old town and bustling markets. Nearby Barcelona is Catalunya (Salvador Dalí's birthplace), the hiking trails on the rugged mountain of Montserrat and the seaside resort of Sitges.

Basque Country: The moody people offer, among other things, Spain's culinary capital San Sebastian and the iconic, modern Guggenheim Museum in the capital Bilbao.

The Way of St. James: This pilgrimage route with the Swedish name Jakobsleden (the first walk took place in 950) starts in the French city of Le Puy and ends in the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, the city that is a hub in green Galicia.

Cantabria forms the rustic northern coastal strip of Spain. Here you will find world-class prehistoric art (the Altamira caves) and stunning mountain views from the Picos de Europa.

Salamanca is Spain's number one university city. Many also consider the city to have the country's finest square.

Madrid: Madrid is not only the political capital but also a major center for art, including the Prado Museum. The capital is also the best place to party, and do so long and often. Northwest of Madrid are also the cozy and historically interesting cities of Segovia and Àvila.

Toledo is the old capital that is now best known for its magnificent cathedral and the birthplace of El Greco.

Andalusia is the heart of the Spanish folk soul. Here we find Granada with its stunning Alhambra Palace, the historic city Cordoba, Seville with its flamenco and architectural splendor. Between these two regions and the “California of Europe” Costa del Sol There are countless whitewashed villages nestled in the beautiful and rolling landscape.

Costa del Sol has the best climate on mainland Europe and several lovely old fishing villages that have been transformed into seaside resorts such as Torrox Costa, Torre del Mar and not least The Swedes' new favorite NerjaThe capital of the region is Malaga which has undergone major beautification changes in recent years with wide avenues and a new marina. West of Malaga is the now somewhat worn old "Swedish village" Fuengirola, seaside resort of Mijas Costa and the eternal jet-set resort Marbella, where celebrities, luxury yachts, royalty and exclusive fashion brands continue to leave a strong mark on the city.

If we head north again along the coast, we will eventually pass the unspoiled natural landscape Costa Calida, and further north lies Costa Blanca with, among other things, popular seaside resort Torrevieja with its famous salt lakes, and the region's capital Alicante.

Valencia is known for its modern architecture, oranges, and of course, that this was where the national dish Paella was born. Guide to attractions etc. in Valencia.

Facts Spain

Spain is a wonderful country, as any Swede knows, with its eternal sun, happy and friendly people and delicious food. But do you know the following facts?

• Population: approximately 47 million
• Population density 2008: 92 inhabitants per square kilometer
• GDP: 1,493,513 US dollars (2012, twelfth on the global list)
• Birth rate: 1.30
• Capital: Madrid
• Internet domain: .ES
• Country code: +34
• Life expectancy: 82.4 years for women and 78.6 for men
• National Day: October 12
• National Anthem: Marcha Real
• Highest point: Teide in Tenerife, which is 3718 meters above sea level
• Highest recorded temperature: Murcia, 47.2 Celsius (July 4, 1994)
• Government: Parliamentary monarchy
• Largest city (population) Madrid (second largest city is Barcelona and Valencia is the third largest city)
• Largest religion: Catholicism
• Major economic sectors: tourism, chemical products, manufactured goods, fashion, components for the construction industry
• Time zone mainland: Central European Time (o hour time difference with Sweden)
• Currency: Euro
• Area: 504782 square kilometers

Spaniards will soon live the longest in the world 

According to a study conducted by Washington University in 2023, Spain will have the highest life expectancy in the world by 2040 (ahead of Japan). By 2066, the country is expected to have a whopping 220,000 centenarians! There has been much discussion previously about the Spanish life expectancy being positively influenced by its diet consisting of lots of fresh olive oil (the olive oil we have in Sweden is barely comparable!), fresh fruits and vegetables, proximity to the sea, and many hours of sunshine

Provinces:

Asturias, Madrid, Cantabria, La Rioja, Navarra, Biscay, Barcelona, ​​Gipuzkoa, Alicante, Murcia, Álava, Almeria, Málaga, Castellón, Pontevedra, Cadiz, Granada, Girona(guide to Palma,and guide to the rest of Mallorca).