Spain

Spain is a country in Western Europe famous for its colorful bullfights, sunny climate, and beautiful story-book castles. Until the mid-1900's, Spain was one of the most underdeveloped countries of Western Europe. Most of the people were poor farmers.

Then during the 1950's and 1960's, rapid economic development changed Spain into an industrial nation.

A Short Background

Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power.

Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II, but suffered through a devastating Civil War (1936-39). In the second half of the 20th century, it has played a catch-up role in the western international community.

Continuing concerns are large-scale unemployment and the Basque separatist movement.

Location:

Southwestern Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, and Pyrenees Mountains, southwest of France

Geographic coordinates:

40 00 N, 4 00 W

Population:

40,037,995 (July 2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun:  Spaniard(s) adjective:  Spanish

Ethnic groups:

composite of Mediterranean and Nordic types

Religions:

Roman Catholic 99%, other 1%

Languages:

Castilian Spanish (official) 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, Basque 2% (the three official in their regions)

Currency:

euro (EUR) (before euro, Spanish peseta -a fixed rate of 166.386 Spanish pesetas per euro-)

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

1 EURO to US Dollar : 1,1962 (April 2004)

More Informations:

Have a look at this pdf-file for information about the dance from Catalaonia Bella Franca.

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