Short general data on Spain

Spain is divided into 17 autonomous regions which merge 50 provinces:

• Madrid,
• Catalonia,
• Valencia,
• Basque Provinces,
• Navarra,
• Rioha,
• Murcia,
• Aragon,
• Andalusia,
• Kantabrija,
• Kastilja-Leon,
• Kastilja La-Mancha,
• Asturias,
• Galicia,
• Estremadura,
• the Balearic islands,
• Canary Islands.
• country Capital - Madrid.

Spain is recognised by the uniform nation generated on the basis of various historical ranges and ethnic groups, basic of which Catalans (15,6 %), andalusijtsy (15,6 %), kastiltsy (11,1 %), valensijtsy (9,7 %), galisijtsy (7,4 %) and Basques (5,6 %) are. In Spain speak in four tongues: Spanish, basque, Catalan and galisijskom. The state and most widespread tongue in the country is Spanish. The aggregate number of the population of the country compounds 39,6  million persons; population density - 78,5 persons on 1  sq. km; an annual increase in population - 0,2 %; illiteracy level - 4,6 %; life span - 78 years.

The Population of Spain is in many respects formed at the expense of migrations. In days of board of the dictator Ex the powerful torrent of migrants in job huntings and the best share was directed to the countries of Latin America and Europe (France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, etc.). Last 10-15 years in connection with variated political and economic circumstances the torrent of the Spaniards who are returning home, much more exceeds quantity emigrirujushchih. Besides repatriates, the population of Spain grows last 10-15 years and at the expense of immigrants from other countries, mainly from the Arabian countries of the North Africa.

Almost all the population of Spain (99 %) - roman catholics. The latin church, being simultaneously large land owner, the industrialist and the banker, has the big agency in the country.

Since Phoenicians have delivered on Pirenejsky ïîëóîñòðîâ  a grape and olive trees, a Spanish cuisine basis became wine and olive-kernel oil. Later the huge investment in formation a Spanish cuisine was made by Arabs. They have injected into it citrus (a lemon, an orange), many aspects of spices and grasses, and from wines - sidr. The Spanish paella - plov For the whole world is famous on-valensijski. Its basic components - rice, butter, slices of a chicken and pork, dotted cymatoas, artichokes, pepper, garlic, an onion, a saffron è  aromatic grasses. Wash down a paella with dry wines.

the Roman catholic religion long since rendered huge agency on family and public life of Spaniards. Centuries-old religious traditions so are strong in the country, that the majority observes church ceremonials, posts, celebrates feasts. From religious feasts in Spain the Holy Week which note from Middle Ages times is especially popular. On all cities and country villages there pass brightly issued sacred processions. Separate pictures from life of the Christ - the crucifixion of the Christ, rising of the Christ and so forth

One of bright national lines of Spaniards - ardent temperament. Spaniards very much shumlivy, that is especially appreciable on populous beaches and in a night city, and very much ekspansivny. If you have liked them - they with you will be extremely affable and hospitable, if are not present - keep aloof is better. Spaniards - the hazardous people, they adore a lotto and lotteries. But, certainly, most full the temperament of Spaniards is manifested in èõ  love to bullfight and football.

  In Spain are celebrated also numerous carnivals and cheerful fairs. The most noisy and cheerful of carnivals - faljas - is spent in Valencia in day St. Joseph (San Jose), the promoter of carpenters and cabinetmakers. This day on streets wear the big cardboard and rag dolls - faljas, and at night under music notes, at flashes of Bengal fires and petards them burn.

Absolutely especial and unique phenomenon in Spain - the bullfight, well-known bullfight. This traditional show originating in depths of history of the Mediterranean. It was known on Crete in blossoming minojskoj crops (2000-1450 B.C.) to what the frescos representing dancers and bulls bear. Bullfight in Spain is spent practically everywhere, but its largest centre - Seville. A main character of bullfight - a matador killing a bull. The most known matadors, for example, Juan Antonio Ruis, became national heroes of Spain.