Spain is a fascinating country. It lies southwest of Europe with the Mediterranean Sea on its east and south; Portugal and Atlantic Ocean on the west and France to the north. Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean and cities like Ceuta and Melilla in North Africa also form part of Spain.

How to go to Spain
If you are keen to see the famous bullfights, dances, and flamenco music of Spain then do not hesitate to make Spain your next holiday destination. You can travel to Spain by road from any European country, by air to Madrid or Barcelona or take a cruise from the Mediterranean Sea. A common visa called the Schengen visa is necessary to enter Spain and this can be obtained from any European Embassy. The common Euro currency is applicable and there is not much of a problem booking tours or getting hotel accommodation. These can be done through a reliable travel agent or through the Internet. Guides are also available who can talk in English, French, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.

History
Spain is a constitutional monarchy organized as a parliamentary democracy and is the eighth largest economy in the world. Spain is a melting pot of several civilizations as it is situated between Europe and Africa and has a long history. Christians, Muslims and Protestants have ruled the country while the English, French and Italians have fought with it. Great travelers like Christopher Columbus led Spanish people to the New World (Americas), and Spain has had many colonies. Spain announced its return to the world stage by hosting the Olympic Games at Barcelona in 1992 and Seville hosting the Expo 92. Madrid, its capital has been declared the European Cultural Capital.

Specialties of Spain
The Alhambra at Granada is a great accomplishment of Islamic art and culture while Seville’s immense cathedral is featured in the Guinness Book of Records. Tourism is one of Spain’s main businesses and is the second biggest in the world. Buses and coaches have definite routes, hotels, and shopping places, and tourists are given enough time to eat and sight see. The weather is varied but the best time to visit is from May to October when it is pleasant and comfortable. The famous and popular Spanish bullfight takes place on Sundays from March to October. The Spanish gypsy dances are colorful and lovely. A specialty is the use of castanets (small hand instruments), which make a unique click clacking sound which keeps in tune with the music and the dance.

Economy
According to the World Bank, Spain’s economy is the ninth largest worldwide and the fifth largest in Europe. In 2007 the absolute GDP was valued at $1.362 trillion. The per capita income is estimated at $33,000, placing Spain at par with France and Japan. The Spanish economy grew 3.8% in 2007 outpacing all the G7 members and all the big EU economies for the third consecutive year. This dynamic economy has attracted significant amounts of foreign investments. The Spanish peseta was replaced by the euro on January 1, 2002.

Education is compulsory and free for Spaniards. The food is mostly a large variety of seafood.
Important cities of Spain, which are worth visiting, are Madrid, Barcelona, Granada and Seville. Most Spaniards are Roman Catholics.