All About Spain

Written by: Natalie Yao

Spain is known for having a very vibrant culture and atmosphere with dancing and celebrations! Let’s learn more about Spain!

Geography and Nature

Located on the Iberian Peninsula, Spain borders five countries: France to the North, Morocco to the South, Portugal to the West, Andorra between France and Spain, and Gibraltar (UK) to the South. The country also contains many mountain ranges, including the Pyrenees Mountains which create a natural border between France and Spain. Also, Spain is in close proximity to North Africa, only separated by 36 miles through the Strait of Gibraltar.

Since Africa and Spain are so close, the nation is also the home of migrating birds. Some other animals that live in Spain are wolves, lynx, wildcats, foxes, boars, deers, hares, and goats. The country has also created many national parks to preserve the natural land, one being the Doñana National Park.

Cuisine

Food is a significant part of Spanish culture. One of the most vital traits of Spain is that their people value spending time with family and eating and drinking with them. Their diets are made up of local ingredients such as seafood, pork, and fresh produce (figs, tomatoes, grapes, olives), and use paprika and garlic to spice dishes. Olive oil is also used religiously in the Spanish diet, used for cooking and topping on finished dishes. They also use cured meats like jamón ibérico, cured ham, and chorizo, a pork sausage. 

Some dishes include:

• Paella: a rice dish paired with many other ingredients, originating in Valencia

• Tapas: many small plates of different dishes, meant to share with others

• Gazpacho: cold soups made of blended vegetables

• Churros: a sweet deep fried dough covered in sugar that is served with dipping chocolate

• Callos: stew that is slowly cooked with beef from Madrid

• Tortillas de Patatas: an omelet made with eggs and potatoes, and can also be served as a tapa

People

The main religion of Spain, and the one most people follow, is Roman Catholic. There are also many languages spoken in Spain, mainly Castilian, which is more commonly known as Spanish. Other languages are spoken depending on the region, Catalan in the East, Gallego/Galician in the northwest, and Basque in the northern region. Most Spaniards live in cities and towns like their capital Madrid. In addition to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville are highly populated.

National Symbols

• National Animal: The Bull

• National Dish: Paella

• National Flower: Carnation

• National Fruit: Grapes

• National Anthem: “Marcha Real”