Kingdom of Spain
"A country of contrasts, ancient history and vibrant culture in the heart of southern Europe."
Overview
Spain, officially called the Kingdom of Spain, is a sovereign transcontinental country and a member of the European Union. Its form of government is a parliamentary monarchy. Its territory, with its capital in Madrid, is organized into seventeen autonomous communities and two autonomous cities.
Located mainly on the Iberian Peninsula, its territory also includes the Balearic archipelago (Mediterranean) and the Canary Islands (Atlantic), plus the cities of Ceuta and Melilla in North Africa.
| Capital | Madrid |
|---|---|
| Language | Spanish |
| Population | 47.4 Million |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
Etymology
Hispania · Spania · EspanaThe name Spain comes from Hispania, the Roman name for the Iberian Peninsula.
Phoenician Hypothesis
It comes from i-spn-ya ("island of the hyraxes"). The Romans mistranslated it as "land of rabbits," an animal very common on the peninsula that they stamped on their coins.
Other Theories
Some authors suggest the meaning "land of the north" (for the Phoenicians who sailed around it) or Basque roots related to "lip" or "edge" (because of the peninsula's shape).
Full History →
From Atapuerca to the Transition. A journey through the centuries.
Art and Culture →
Museums, literature, fiestas and the famous food of Spain.
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