General Information about Spain

In 2008 Spain’s population reached 46 million. The average population density is lower than that of most Western European countries, with the highest concentration in and around Madrid. Population patterns have fluctuated due to a decrease in the birth rate, an influx of immigrants, the return of many Spaniards who had emigrated to other countries, and a migration from rural areas to urban centers. In regions like the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands, there are significant pockets of retirees and tele-workers of British, French, Dutch, German and Scandinavian origin.

The national identity of Spain’s people is complex due to an overlap of regional identities. Many Spaniards think of themselves as, for example, Catalans, Basques, and Galicians. Minority groups include Jews, Africans, Asians, Filipinos, Roma, and Latin Americans. Spain has the second highest immigration rate in the European Union. Many immigrants of African and Latin American origin provide cheap labor for the agricultural and construction industries. A high percentage of these immigrants enter the country illegally and participate in a problematic underground economy.

The official language is Spanish, but it can be sub-categorized into several dialects, with Castilian being dominant. In specific regions some languages and dialects have semi-official or protected status. They include Basque, Catalan, and Galician.

Spain is strongly Roman Catholic, but Catholicism is no longer the country’s official religion. Spain’s constitution guarantees freedom of worship to Protestant, Jewish, Islamic, and other religious minorities. About 76% of Spaniards are self-described Roman Catholics. Of the remainder, 19% say they are secular or non-religious.

In Spain education is free and compulsory for children from ages six to sixteen. The current educational structure, based on the Law of the General Organization of the Educational System, has been in effect since 1990. Spain has more than 70 universities in centers such as Barcelona, Madrid and Seville.

Carthaginian, Roman, Visigothic, and Islamic. The definitive Spanish culture has been characterized by a unique struggle between distinct regions and a centralized state. Spain’s dramatic history and its Atlantic and Mediterranean environments have played strong roles in shaping its culture. Spain has a total of 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it second in the world only to Italy.

Spain has given the world such legendary artists as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, El Greco, and Francisco de Goya. Spain has influenced, and been influenced by, various European artistic movements. Historical, generational and geographical diversity have all influenced Spanish artistic expression. Spain’s Moorish influence is still clearly evident in the historic structures of such cities as Granada, Cordoba, and Seville. Influences from Western and Mediterranean Europe, particularly during the Baroque and Neoclassical periods, have come from France, Germany, and Italy.

Spanish filmmakers have developed a vibrant cinema industry that has achieved remarkable international success. Spanish films such as Volver  (2006), and Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) have been the recipients of Academy Awards. In its long, distinguished history, Spanish cinema has been elevated by such great filmmakers as Luis Bunuel and Pedro Almodovar, and by an impressive list of exceptional directors: Florian Rey, Segundo de Chomon, Carlos Saura, Alejandro Amenabar, and Julio Medem.

Spanish architecture dates back to the Classical ancient world, as is evident in cities like Cordoba which have extensive Roman ruins. Over the centuries Spanish architectural style has undergone Islamic and European Christian influences. Romanesque, Gothic, and Mudejar styles can all be seen in Spanish communities, and combinations of architectural styles in one building are not uncommon. Much of Spain’s 20th century architecture was influenced by Modernism. Several Spanish architects such as Santiago Calatrava, Rafael Moneo, and Ricardo Bofill, have gained international renown.

Spanish music is often immediately associated with flamenco, a musical style that originated in Andalusia. However, Spanish folk music is as diverse as the regions in which it was created, with different styles coming from Catalonia, Aragon, Asturias, Valencia, Castile, Galicia, and the Basque country. Spanish music lovers also enjoy rock, pop, heavy metal, and hip hop. Spain is renowned for such composers of classical music as Manuel de Falla, Isaac Albeniz, and Enrique Granados. Esteemed Spanish vocalists and performers include Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras, Montserrat Caballe, and Teresa Berganza. Spain has more than 40 professional orchestras, including the Orquesta Nacional de Espana and the Orquesta Sinfonica de Madrid. There are several major opera houses.