Weather
While the famous Mediterranean climate exerts its influence over much of the peninsula, the landmass of Spain and Portugal gives it a continental climate, i.e., extremes of temperature, hot summers and cold winters, with short spring and autumn. Western Andalusia and the Algarve are warmed by the Gulf Stream, and in summer south winds from the Sahara can be suffocating. Portugal's west coast and Galicia, though also bathed by the Gulf Stream, face the Atlantic and can be cold and rainy. The Cantabrian regions of Spain (Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country) have a temperate climate with a great deal of rainfall. The Levante (Castellon, Valencia and Alicante) often suffers from tremendous rainstorms, usually in autumn, which can cause a great deal of material damage. In the Pyrenees, too, flash floods can be a hazard. The peninsula as a whole, though, is extremely dry, especially in those long, hot summers which are its main attraction for many tourists.
Fiestas and Traditions
All Spanish towns and cities have their own special celebrations, as well as the national holidays such as Christmas, Easter Week, All Saints Day etc. The way in which the national events are celebrated also varies from place to place. Most festivities are of religious base, mainly Catholic. See our full listing of holidays.
Bullfighting
We understand that many people do not agree with this sport but IdealSpain.com felt it right to attend and report on this Spanish tradition. See our report.
Conformities
Spanish life has changed dramatically over recent years and many of the strict religious customs are giving way to more modern ways. However, many old customs and traditions have not faded. Handshaking is the customary form of greeting and kisses on both cheeks is normal. If invited to a private home, a small gift is appreciated. Flowers are only sent for special celebrations. Away from the holiday resorts beachwear should be confined to beach or poolside and shirts should always be worn in public places and on public transport. Smoking is widely accepted, even in banks and shops but not on public transport. Spanish men tend to maintain eye contact with females for longer, although this does not mean anything.The Spanish way of life is somewhat slower than the rest of Europe, especially in the south. This may be seen as lazy, but when the Spanish work, they work hard. They have adapted to the weather and play hard too. It is quite common for life to begin when the sun goes down, especially in the summer. They are a very happy people who enjoy life to the full. They love music, dance and food.
Dress codes
In general the Spanish have a very modern outlook on clothing. They are keen on designer clothes but quality is more mportant than a designer name. Spanish made clothes tend to be high quality and reasonably priced.Teenage girls tend to wear trousers more than skirts. Denim is definitely 'in'. Teenage boys are keen on designer wear and appearance is important to them. Mature Spaniards dress conservatively and with style. Older men in particular tend to wear high quality clothing.It is unclear what the Spanish think of scantily clad holiday-makers but it is not acceptable in small villages, away from the coast. One should be particularly careful of dress code if entering churches. Swim-wear and short skirts are frowned upon.
Economy
With a Gross Inner Product of 798,672 million euros (2004) and one rent per capita of 22,690 U.S.A. dollars (2004), Spain is one of the great European economies. In agreement with the classification established by the World Bank for the 2004, Spain is the eighth economy of the world. The life expectancy of its population is between the 3 higher of the world and infantile mortality between lowest. The quality of life is between highest of the world, being located by the unit of intelligence of the British newspaper The economist in tenth place, in front of countries like France, United Kingdom, the United States or Canada Spain had 40.499.791 inhabitants to the 1 of January of 2000, 43.975.375 inhabitants to the 1 of January of 2005. In 2003 it received 50% of extracommunitarian immigration towards the UE, mainly of magrebíes, sub-Sahara and Latin American citizens in situation illegal, with the corresponding challenges generated by the difficulties of assimilation and integration of those workers.
Demography
Metropolitan areas the metropolitan areas that exceeded in 2003 the 300,000 inhabitants are the following ones:
Madrid 5.603.285
Barcelona 4.667.136
Valencia 1.875.288
Seville 1.594.081
Malaga 1.019.292
Bilbao 946,829
Asturias (Gijon-Oviedo) 850,097
Alicante 688,351
Zaragoza 656,922
Bay of Cadiz (Cadiz-Jerez of the Border) 623,528
The Palms of Great Canary 609,628
Murcia 557,583
Palma de Mallorca 462,010
Granada 450,439
Valladolid 427,562
Vigo 420,672
Santa Cruz de Tenerife 409,621
San Sebastián 395,758
Corunna 388,692
Tarragona 348,921
Cordova 318.628
Religion
The Catholicism is the most popular religion of the country. Four of each five Spaniards consider catholics. Following the catholics, the atheists or agnostics suppose 12% and other minority religions the 1,7%. It is important to stress, nevertheless, that many Spaniards are made call catholics although really they are not medical instructors. According to a study of the 19 of April of 2005 of the New York Times, single 18% of the Spaniards go regularly to mass. Of between the minors of 30 years that percentage it is reduced to 14% what indicates the declivity of the religiosidad of the population. As far as members, the second religion in importance is the Muslim, of whom it calculates that there are about 800,000 faithfuls, come in the recent waves of immigration. They follow the Witnesses to them of Jehovah with 103,784 faithfuls. There are also several protestant denominations that add near 50,000 about 20,000 followers as well as mormones. Like historical detail, to say that the Muslims were forced to become finally to the Christian faith (moriscos) 1502 until being expelled from the country in 1616
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