Spain
Since the late 1950s, Spain has been transformed. ... It also came to mean that Spain, long sealed off from the social changes of Western Europe by a reactionary authoritarian regime, gradually opened up and in the course of a single generation, adopted the living habits and attitudes of its more advanced neighbors. No land in Europe, possibly no land in the Western world, has such a forceful personality, such a strong flavor as Spain, or such a proud history. ... Lying at the southwestern end of the European continent, Spain occupies about eighty-five percent of the Iberian Peninsula. ... Spain is the third largest European country, followed by the Soviet Union and France. Spain covers a total area of 194,900 square miles, which is slightly twice the size of Oregon. ... From the Bay of Bisque to the Mediterranean Sea the mountain chain of the Pyrenees extend 270 miles separating Spain and France. ... For the most part, Spain is generally flat, while being surrounded by rugged hills and mountains, with virtually no trees. ... (weather chart included) Family is very important in Spain. ... Spain’s business culture is structured to honor such familial ties and obligations. ... In Spain children attend school between the ages of six and fourteen, and this is basic schooling is available at no cost. ... The number of university students more than tripled in the sixties, and in the early seventies nearly a quarter of a million students attended one of the 30 odd universities in Spain. ... More women are currently enrolled in Spain’s university than men. ... Spain is a parliamentary monarchy. King Juan Carlos I is Spain’s chief of state, but the prime minister is the head of government. Spain’s bicameral legislature consists of a 257 seat Senate and a 350 seat Congress of Deputies, the latter having the greater power. ... Spain us divided into 17 autonomous communities. ... In the years since Franco’s death, the government has shown a strong commitment to social and economic modernization, which was a prerequisite for Spain’s entry into the European Union (EU). ... If you are coming from a country outside of the European Union and want to work in Spain, you will need to obtain a work permit from the ministry of labor. ... Spain’s employment laws generally favor the employee. ... daily, since this is the time designated in Spain for people to return home to partake in their main meal with their families and also for a siesta. ... Spain is historically a Roman Catholic nation, 99 percent of the people are baptized members. Although Protestant Churches are now treated equally with the Roman Catholic Church, Spain has for centuries been a strongly Catholic country with the church and priests playing a big part in the everyday life of the average citizen. ... Widely known for Flamenco music and dance, bull-fights, fantastic beaches and lots of sunshine, Spain has too much more to offer that that.