Spain

World Book Index

Introduction

Spain, a nation with a rich historical tapestry, was once the heart of a vast empire that dominated global trade and culture during the 16th and 17th centuries. This period of imperial grandeur eventually gave way to a decline in maritime supremacy as England rose to prominence. Following the end of Francisco FRANCO's dictatorship in 1975, Spain embarked on a transformative journey towards democracy, characterized by significant political and social reforms. The accession to the European Union in 1986 marked a pivotal moment, catalyzing rapid economic modernization and integration into the global economy. Today, Spain stands as a vibrant democracy with a dynamic economy, reflecting its resilience and adaptability in the face of historical challenges.

Neighboring countries

Andorra - France - Morocco - Portugal

Geography

Area
Total: 505,370 sq km
Land: 498,980 sq km
Water: 6,390 sq km

Climate
Spain's climate is predominantly temperate, with distinct seasonal variations. The interior experiences clear, hot summers, while coastal regions enjoy more moderate and often cloudy conditions. Winters in the interior are typically cold and cloudy, contrasting with the cooler, partly cloudy winters along the coast. This climatic diversity contributes to the country's rich agricultural output and varied ecosystems.

Natural resources
Spain is endowed with a wealth of natural resources, including coal, lignite, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, uranium, tungsten, mercury, pyrites, magnesite, fluorspar, gypsum, sepiolite, kaolin, potash, hydropower, and arable land. These resources play a crucial role in supporting the country's industrial base and agricultural sector, providing a foundation for economic growth and development.

People and Society

Population
Total: 47,280,433 (2024 estimated)

Ethnic groups
The population of Spain is predominantly Spanish, comprising 84.8% of the total demographic. Other ethnic groups include Moroccan (1.7%), Romanian (1.2%), and various other groups making up 12.3% (2021 estimated). This ethnic composition reflects Spain's historical connections and contemporary migration patterns, contributing to a multicultural society.

Languages
The official language, Castilian Spanish, is spoken by 74% of the population. Additionally, regional languages such as Catalan (17%, official in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the Valencian Community), Galician (7%, official in Galicia), Basque (2%, official in the Basque Country and Navarre), and Aranese (official in part of Catalonia, with fewer than 5,000 speakers) highlight the linguistic diversity within the country.

Religions
Spain's religious landscape is predominantly Roman Catholic (58.2%), followed by a significant proportion of individuals identifying as atheist (16.2%), agnostic (10.8%), and other beliefs (2.7%). A notable 10.5% of the population identifies as non-believers, with 1.7% remaining unspecified (2021 estimated). This diversity in belief systems reflects the country's historical roots and contemporary secular trends.

Population growth rate
The population growth rate stands at 0.12% (2024 estimated), indicating a stable demographic trend that poses both challenges and opportunities for social and economic policy planning.

Government

Government type
Spain operates as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, a system that balances the roles of the monarchy and elected representatives in governance.

Capital
Name: Madrid

Executive branch
The chief of state is King FELIPE VI, who has held the position since 19 June 2014. The head of government is the President of the Government of Spain, currently Pedro SANCHEZ PEREZ-CASTEJON, who has been in office since 2 June 2018. This dual leadership structure facilitates a democratic process while maintaining traditional monarchical elements.

Diplomatic representation in the US
The chief of mission is Ambassador Ángeles MORENO Bau, who has been serving since 27 February 2024.

Diplomatic representation from the US
The chief of mission is currently vacant; however, Chargé d’Affaires Rian Harker HARRIS has been in position since 15 July 2024, and is also accredited to Andorra.

Economy

Economic overview
Spain is classified as a high-income, core-EU and eurozone economy, characterized by robust growth primarily driven by public consumption, tourism, and service exports. Despite facing challenges such as high structural unemployment, the labor market remains tight, reflecting a dynamic economic environment. The government is actively working to address persistent fiscal deficits through strategic tax reforms and spending measures. While unemployment rates are high, they are on a declining trend, supported by job growth and immigration, indicating a gradual recovery and resilience in the labor market.

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$2.361 trillion (2024 estimated)
$2.289 trillion (2023 estimated)
$2.229 trillion (2022 estimated)

Real GDP per capita
$48,400 (2024 estimated)
$47,300 (2023 estimated)
$46,600 (2022 estimated)

Exports
$642.358 billion (2024 estimated)
$616.648 billion (2023 estimated)
$573.598 billion (2022 estimated)

Exports - partners
France 15%, Germany 10%, Portugal 9%, Italy 9%, UK 6% (2023)

Exports - commodities
Key exports include cars, packaged medicine, refined petroleum, vehicle parts/accessories, and garments (2023).

Imports
$568.502 billion (2024 estimated)
$552.948 billion (2023 estimated)
$561.448 billion (2022 estimated)

Imports - partners
Major import partners include Germany (11%), China (10%), France (10%), Italy (7%), and the USA (7%) (2023).

Imports - commodities
Spain's imports primarily consist of crude petroleum, cars, garments, vehicle parts/accessories, and natural gas (2023).

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.918, ranking it 28th out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 57th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 6.043. (more information)