Interesting Facts

Only spanish-speaking country in Europe.

Spain has a King and Queen.

Spain (including Andorra) and Portugal make up the "Iberian Peninsula".

Spain also owns 2 cities on the northern coast of Africa, Cueta and Melilla. 

Spanish is the official language of Spain, but there are 4 other languages spoken there as well--Galician- Portuguese, Basque, Catalan and Aranese.  

Spain also owns 2 sets of islands.  The Canary Islands are in the Atlantic Ocean and the Balearic Islands are in the Mediterranean Sea. 

Soccer is the national sport of Spain; but Bullfighting is also a very popular sport in Spain.

Shops in Spain close between 2 pm and 5 pm every day for the SIESTA (nap), but department stores and supermarkets stay open until 9 pm or 10 pm without a break.

Spain's currency is the euro. 

Spain has 5 mountain ranges, including the Pyrenees Mountains.

Flamenco is the national dance of Spain.

La Corrida de Toros, or the Running of the Bulls, happens every July in Pamplona, Spain. You can trace La Corrida de Toros to 1385.  It's actually a series of short runs 875 yards long (half a mile) that last just 15 to 20 seconds. One legend says the look of the men's costume is meant to honor San Fermin, a saint, and name of the Fiesta: Día de San Fermín. Others believe they are dressed like the butchers who originated the tradition. People also believe that it is better to be trampled than gored. Did you know that bulls are colorblind? 

Castanets are the national instrument of Spain.

Antonio Gaudí - Architect

 ¿Sabías que...?

World Records

The oldest restaurant in the world, Restaurante Botín, is in Madrid Spain (1725).

The tallest human pyramid (39 ft) high was mounted in Valls, Spain, in October 1981.

Spain has the largest food fight in the world--La Tomatina.

Rafael Nadal has won 19 major titles, including 12 French Open titles at Roland Garros, making him the only male player with double digit titles at one particular Grand Slam event.

Don Quixote (1605–1615) by Miguel de Cervantes is considered the world's first novel.

La Tomatina is a giant tomato fight that takes place in Buñol, Spain, every August. 

The flag of Spain is red and yellow with the Spanish coat of arms in the middle.

You might know...

Antonio Banderas (El Zorro, Shrek, the bee in the Nasonex commercial, Genius-Picasso).

Penelope Cruz (Pirates of the Caribbean)

Rafael Nadal (Tennis player--lives in Malloraca, one of the Balearic Islands)

Pablo Picasso (paintings, sculptures, prints, ceramic, engravings) 

Enrique Iglesias (pop music's most influential singer/songwriter with the highest success in English/Spanish crossover.)

Ricky Martin (Began his career with Menudo, a Puerto Rican band of 5 pre-adolescent boys. Song: Vive la vida loca)

Salvador Dalí (Surrealist artist)