Spain

Occupying the majority of the Iberian Peninsula and sharing land borders only with France, Andorra, Gibraltar and Portugal, Spain is one of only three countries to have both Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines. The country also has numerous island territories including the Balearic Islands of the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands located off the south west Moroccan coast, and several exclaves in North Africa. After spending much of the twentieth century as a dictatorship, democracy was restored along with the monarchy in 1975 and Spain has since developed into a tourist haven. The capital of Spain is Madrid and its official language is Spanish. Spain’s ancient history has seen many cultures pass through and there are definite Roman, Moorish and Catholic influences present today. Modern Spaniards have a reputation for being relaxed and welcoming, and quality of life is an important commodity within the country. The population is predominantly made up of ethnic Spaniards, but regional identities are strong and several areas continue to seek autonomous rule.

Spanish cuisine has much in common with other Mediterranean nations, but regional influences are distinct and the way even simple dishes are prepared varies hugely across the country. Tapas-style meals are the traditional way to enjoy Spanish food, and great for tourists wishing to sample the many meats and cheeses of the country. Seafood is important to the Spanish, and seafood paellas are popular sharing dishes. Garlic is also prevalent in Spanish cooking. The most popular traditional dish is Gazpacho, a cold soup from Spain made with tomatoes, cucumber, pepper, garlic, onion, bread, Xérès vinegar and olive oil. It is served as a starter and is most eaten at just the right moment during hot summer days. The reddest, ripest tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, bread, peppers and cucumber are blended until silky smooth, then chilled and poured into bowls or glasses. It is so delicious and so refreshing that in Andalucía in southern Spain, people have it every day in summer and there is always a jug on the counter in tapas bars. Tortilla española is a Spanish omelette made of eggs, potatoes and onions cooked in olive oil. The potatoes and onions are slow fried in olive oil then mixed with the beaten eggs for the flavours to mix before cooking. Served hot or cold, as a meal or as a tapa, on its own or in a sandwich, the tortilla española is certainly a category of its own. Patatas bravas meaning "spicy potatoes" is a dish native to Spain. It typically consists of white potatoes that have been cut into cubes, then fried in oil and served warm with a spicy sauce. This dish is commonly served in restaurants and bars in Madrid. With vibrant, historic cities and sunny beaches, Spain attracts more tourists than any other European country except France. Services to the tourism industry drive Spain's economy, the eighth largest in the world. In 1986 Spain joined the European Community and further modernized its economy. Important industries include mining, shipbuilding and textiles.

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