1. España

2. Where is Spain? On the Iberian Peninsula Comprises of mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic The Strait of Gibraltar separates Spain from the African continent.

3. Mountains and Rivers The Cantabrian Mountains separates the country into 2 distinct halves: Rainy North Dry South There are 3 main rivers: Ebro in north-east Tajo in Central Spain Guadalquivir in the South

4. How big is Spain? Total Area: 505,992 square kilometers Population: 46,464,000 (2014)

5. Currency Euro

6. Government Parliamentary Monarchy

7. Official Language Castilian Spanish Other language dialects are also in use

8. Religion Roman Catholicism

9. Visa A visa is not required for any EU (European Union) national staying in the country for 3 months. Other nationals however require a visa.

10. Museums Generally remain closed on Mondays and public holidays but stays open on Sunday mornings. Museum hours vary each season.

11. Business Normal working hours for shops across the country are from 9am to 8pm, Monday- Saturday During the afternoon, shops normally stay closed. Large business stay open throughout the day. Restaurants and bars, especially in Madrid, stay closed during the holidays in August.

12. Tipping The people of Spain are not used to big tipping, but if one is satisfied with the food one can leave a few coins which will be appreciated.

13. National Holiday October 12, the same date in 1492 when Columbus set foot in the Americas.

14. Flag Depicts a Coat of Arms which is the exact replica of the original Coat of Arms worn by King Ferdinand.

15. Airports There are 154 Airports in Spain.

16. Disputes Disputes with the United Kingdom and Portugal dates back to almost 200 years in history. Disputes with the U.K. exists over the Dispute with Portugal exists over Rock of Gibraltar.Olivenza.

17. Foreigners Almost one-third of the nation’s population are foreigners.

18. Food Olive oil is used in all dishes. Paella is a very popular rice dish that is known all over the world. A seafood specialty is served in every region of Spain.

19. Banks They function on all days throughout the week until Saturday, from 9am until midday or 1pm. Banks have longer hours in the summer.

20. Economy Spain has the 14 th largest economy in the world.

21. Taxis Taxis for hire are easily identifiable with the green light overhead, but tourist should be careful with the meter.