Spain Exciting. Beautiful. Welcoming. Warm. Fast Facts Capital: Madrid Currency: Euro Government: Parliamentary Monarchy Language: Spanish King: Felipe VI Flamenco dancer with the most important instrument: la guitarra! Culture The music and dance style of flamenco originated in Spain, influencing other styles like the tango of Argentina and the folkloric singing and dress of Mexico Spain’s Catholic faith influences many cultural practices, including Semana Santa, or Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter), when processions fill the streets! Siesta is important in Spain, & shops close during the day in recognition of it! History Over the centuries, Spain’s been ruled by the Roman Empire, by the Germanic tribes, and by Muslim caliphates until 1492 when Spain’s Christian king & queen kicked out the Moors! No longer fighting a war to win back their nation, Spain was able to invest in exploration, sending Columbus on his infamous journey and launching Spain into a global empire! Annual Feria poster Experience…. Sevilla, the cultural capital of the country, is at its best during the Feria de Abril, a 7 day party that celebrates the region’s success in ranching & agriculture! Madrid, the capital, and home to some the best museums in the world, including the Museo del Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, where you can see famous works by Picasso, Goya & El Greco! Hike the Road to Santiago (commonly referred to as “the Camino” or “the way of St. James”), one of the most famous religious pilgrimages in the world for 1000+ years! Seville’s Toro del Oro, where Spain’s gold was stored after it was brought back from the Americas

Research here… CIA world factbook: http://www.ciaworldfactbook.us More country facts: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/countries.html If you’ve chosen VIETNAM, JAPAN, S. KOREA, THAILAND, CHINA, or INDIA, check out: http://www.atozkidsstuff.com/world.html If you’ve chosen MONGOLIA, PHILIPPINES, JAPAN, CHINA, THAILAND, have a look at: http://www.softschools.com/facts/countries/ Researching NEPAL, LAOS, INDIA, MONGOLIA, PHILIPPINES, S. KOREA, JAPAN, CHINA, THAILAND, & VIETNAM? check out Nat Geo! Kids: http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/world/ Time Magazine for Kids Around the world resources http://www.timeforkids.com/around-the-world Travel destinations: Frommers, Rough Guides, Lonely Planet, National Geographic