Spain

Spain

In this Spain Investor Immigration Permit guide, learn about:

Spain, officially known as the Kingdom of Spain, is predominantly located on the Iberian Peninsula in Europe. It includes two archipelagos: the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa and the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea.

Additionally, Spain possesses two cities, Ceuta and Melilla, on the African continent. With an area of approximately 505,990 square kilometers, Spain is the 52nd largest country in the world and the fourth largest in Europe.

Spain is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with the King as the head of state and the Prime Minister as the head of government. The country is divided into 17 autonomous communities and two autonomous cities, each with its own administrative autonomy. Spain\'s legal system is based on civil law with regional applications, reflecting its diverse cultural and historical influences.

The population of Spain is over 47 million, making it the 30th most populous country globally. Madrid, the capital, is also the largest city, followed by other major urban areas such as Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and Zaragoza. Barcelona and Madrid are also home to two of the country\'s busiest airports, Barcelona-El Prat Airport and Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, serving as key gateways for international and domestic travel.

Spain\'s economy is the 14th largest worldwide and the 4th largest in the European Union, exhibiting a diverse industrial mix that includes tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, and energy. The country is renowned for its vibrant tourism industry, with attractions ranging from the beaches of the Costa del Sol and the Balearic Islands to historic cities and cultural festivals. The Euro (EUR) is the official currency.

The cost of living in Spain varies significantly between cities and rural areas, with the Mediterranean coast and major cities being more expensive. Despite this, Spain offers a high quality of life, excellent healthcare and education systems, a rich cultural life, and a renowned Mediterranean diet.

Spain is a predominantly Roman Catholic country, though its constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Spanish culture is marked by a rich history of art, architecture, literature, and music, with contributions from Roman, Islamic, Christian, and Jewish traditions. Spain has produced renowned artists and architects such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Antoni Gaudí, whose works have impacted global culture.

Tourism plays a vital role in the Spanish economy, making the country one of the world\'s leading tourist destinations. Notable attractions include the Alhambra in Granada, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Madrid\'s Prado Museum, and the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona. Spain\'s diverse landscapes offer various activities, from skiing in the Pyrenees to surfing in the Canary Islands.

Spain operates on Central European Time (CET) and observes daylight saving time, switching to Central European Summer Time (CEST) in the summer months. The country\'s rich cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and dynamic economy make Spain a compelling place to live, work, and visit.