Spain Directory

Spain is the fourth largest country in Europe; it is separated from the rest of Europe by the Pyrenees in the north and Africa by the strait of Gibraltar to the south. Ibiza, Majorca, and Minrco are the largest of the Balearic Islands, which are governed by Spain, and thousands of holidaymakers visit these islands each year. The Spanish are divided into regional groups; about 16 per cent are Catalan, Galician's make up seven per cent, and just two percent are Basques and most of the rest are Castilian Spanish. Spanish is the official language and a dialect taught in schools. King Philip II made Madrid the capital city of Spain, because he liked the climate and its location. Spain is famous for producing sherry, a fortified wine. Demand for the drink has made sherry production a major industry. Although Spain has few mineral resources, it is a major world producer of mercury. In recent years, Spain has experienced rapid economic growth.