Spain
Spain really stands out among European countries. Its location between Europe and Africa, the Christian and the Islamic worlds, enclosed Mediterranean and borderless Atlantic, left an unmemorable mark on the country. Tourists are attracted to Spain mostly by old cities and sunny beaches. But a vacation in Spain is much more than a tourist trip – an opportunity to dive into the special atmosphere of a sunny country, become a part of a multinational experience unified through the common love for the country of Spain. Over forty million people chose Spain as a tour destination each year, making it one of the three most visited countries in the world. A tour to Spain is about flamenco dancing, meeting the sun, exclusive cuisine and Spanish wines, the hospitality and joy of life.
Spain is located in the south-west of Europe and occupies a large portion of the Pyrenean peninsula. To the North lies France and Andorra, to the west – Portugal. From the north Spain is washed by the Biscay gulf, from the east –the Mediterranean Sea, from the south –the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, and from the east –the Atlantic Ocean. Several island archipelagos are in control of Spain, most notable of which are the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. The Pyrenean mountain range stretches out for 485 km from the Biscay Bay to the Mediterranean Sea and represents a natural border between Spain and France.
The southern and eastern coasts have a Mediterranean climate. Inside of the country the climate is temperate. The center of Spain has the hottest summers and coldest winters. The southern side, right at the bottom of the mountains, has the warmest winter in all of Europe. On the Atlantic coast the summers are not as hot and rains are much more common. The peak of tourist activity falls into the months of July through November.
Since 1978 and until this day Spain is a constitutional monarchy. A king is head of the country. The supreme executive powers are held by the government, while the judicial powers and the monitoring of the king are done by the Generals Cortes, a bicameral Parliament consisting of the Senate and a Congress of representatives. The king represents the country in international affairs, has the right to dismiss Corteses, and has other important duties. Spain is divided into 17 administrative areas comprising 50 provinces.
The population of Spain is 39.6 million people. For the most part these are Catalonians, Andalusians, and Basks. The average density of Spain's population is about 80 people per square kilometer. A slightly higher density of population can be seen in the coastal regions, while the central regions, with the exception of big cities, show a tendency for diminishing population density.
The official language is Spanish. However there are several variations of Spanish language spoken: Catalonian in Catalonia, Galician in Galicia, Bask in Bask country, Valencian in Valencia. German, French, and Italian are spoken as well.
The country's transportation infrastructure is supported by a wide network of highways and railroads, and regular air fares between all major cities. The connection between the continental part of the country and Africa, Balearic and Canary Islands is guaranteed by boats and barges. The busy tourist spots always have car rentals available. The driver has to be at least 21 years old. The rental of an Opel Corsa or a Ford Fiesta will cost an average of 40 USD per day. At the time of signing the contract you will need a passport, driver's license (at least 1 year of experience), and a deposit of around 100-200 USD, which is refunded at the end of the rental period (in the case that the vehicle is not damaged). As a general rule, the price of gas is not included in the price of the rental. If the customer receives the car with a full tank he should return it with a full tank as well. The rental price includes insurance.
The maximal amounts of tobacco and alcoholic beverages allowed to be brought into the country a currently 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco per person; and one bottle of wine plus and additional bottle of any liquor per person. There are no limitations as to the amount of bank or travel checks, convertible peseta, or any other world currency in banknotes or coins that can be brought into Spanish territory.
It is considerably cheaper to use phone cabins and payphones of "Telefonica", a Spanish telecommunications company, than call from your hotel room. Coins and prepaid cards (Tarjeta telefonica) can be used for payment, and they can be purchased in any hotel or tobacco kiosk. To make an international call you need to dial -00, wait for the tone and dial the country code, the area code, and the number you wish to call.
The remains of ancient Greek, Cartagena, and other Roman settlements cover the territory of Spain quite densely. The past froze here in its primordial state and became entangled with the present in an amazingly harmonious way: ancient mosks restored into Catholic churches, beautiful parks and hanging gardens, decorated with fountains and quiet ponds. Spain has the greatest beaches, white sands, clean, warm, and gentle Mediterranean Sea that collides with the transparent blue skies.
All the beaches in Spain are municipal –no entrance fees apply. You do have to pay for the use of chairs and umbrellas however. The most famous Spanish beaches are Costa Bravo, Costa Dorado, Costa del Sol, Costa del Maresme, and Costa de la Luz.
