What is the capital of Spain?

Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. It is located in the center of the Iberian Peninsula at coordinates 40.4168 N, 3.7038 W. Madrid serves as the country's political, cultural, and economic center and has a metropolitan population of over 6.7 million people. It has been the seat of the Spanish government since the 16th century.

What currency does Spain use?

Spain uses the Euro (EUR, symbol €) as its official currency since January 1, 1999, when it became one of the founding members of the Eurozone. Coins and banknotes entered circulation on January 1, 2002, replacing the Spanish Peseta (ESP). The European Central Bank issues the currency.

What time zone does Spain use?

Mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands observe Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) in winter and Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) during daylight saving time. The Canary Islands use Western European Time (WET, UTC+0) in winter and WEST (UTC+1) in summer. Daylight saving runs from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

What is Spain's population?

As of 2024, Spain's population is approximately 47–48 million people, making it the 30th most populous country in the world and the fifth most populous in the European Union. The most populous cities are Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and Zaragoza.

What is Spain's international calling code?

Spain's country calling code is +34. When dialing from abroad, dial your country's exit code, then 34, followed by the 9-digit local number. Spanish numbers include geographic area codes integrated into the number — unlike many countries, no separate area code prefix is dialed for landlines.

When did Spain become a constitutional monarchy?

Spain transitioned to a parliamentary constitutional monarchy after the death of Francisco Franco in 1975. King Juan Carlos I was proclaimed king on November 22, 1975, and the Spanish Constitution was approved by referendum on December 6, 1978. King Felipe VI has reigned since June 19, 2014, following Juan Carlos I's abdication.

Spain Country Facts

Name: Spain Country Facts
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Author: Nham Vu

Instantly browse key facts about Spain — geography, demographics, economy, and government — all in one organized reference card.

Official Name

Kingdom of Spain

Reino de Espana in Spanish

Capital City

Madrid

40.4168 N, 3.7038 W — largest city in Spain

Total Area

505,990 km²

195,360 sq mi — rank 52nd globally; 2nd largest in EU

Continent / Region

Southern Europe

Iberian Peninsula; also Canary Islands and Balearic Islands

Bordering Countries

Portugal, France, Andorra

Also: Gibraltar (UK); Morocco borders Ceuta and Melilla

Time Zone

UTC+1 / UTC+2

CET (winter); CEST (summer); Canary Islands UTC+0/+1

Coastline

4,964 km

3,084 mi; Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea

Highest Point

Teide — 3,718 m

12,198 ft; active volcano on Tenerife, Canary Islands

Population (2024)

~47.9 million

Rank ~30th globally; 5th most populous in the EU

Official Language

Spanish (Castilian)

Co-official: Catalan, Galician, Basque, Occitan (Aranese)

Calling Code

+34

9-digit numbers; no separate area code when dialing from abroad

Major Religion

Roman Catholic ~58%

Non-religious ~37%; secular state since 1978 constitution

Largest Cities

Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia

Also: Seville, Zaragoza, Malaga, Murcia, Palma

Life Expectancy

~83.2 years

Among the highest in Europe; 2023 estimate

Government Type

Constitutional monarchy

Unitary parliamentary; bicameral Cortes Generales

Head of State (Monarch)

King Felipe VI

Reigning since June 19, 2014; succeeded Juan Carlos I

Prime Minister

Pedro Sanchez

President del Gobierno; in office since June 2, 2018

Constitution Adopted

December 6, 1978

Ended Francoist dictatorship; established democratic monarchy

Administrative Divisions

17 autonomous communities

Plus 2 autonomous cities: Ceuta and Melilla (in Africa)

National Motto

Plus Ultra

Latin for "Further Beyond"; EU member since 1986

Currency

Euro (EUR, €)

Replaced the Spanish Peseta (ESP) on January 1, 2002

Nominal GDP (2023)

~USD 1.58 trillion

Rank ~15th globally (IMF); 4th largest in the EU

GDP per Capita (2023)

~USD 32,700

PPP: ~USD 47,000 (World Bank estimate)

Top Exports

Vehicles, machinery

Also: pharmaceuticals, food, petroleum products, chemicals

Major Industries

Tourism, automotive

Also: food and agriculture, textiles, renewable energy, finance

Internet TLD

.es

Administered by Red.es (SGAE) since 1988

ISO Codes

ES / ESP

ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 and alpha-3

National Holiday

National Day — October 12

Dia de la Hispanidad; marks Columbus's arrival in Americas (1492)

Drives On

Right side of the road

Steering wheel on the left

UNESCO Heritage Sites

50 sites

Among world's top 5; includes Alhambra, Sagrada Familia, Altamira

Annual Tourists

~85 million arrivals

2nd most visited country globally in 2023 (UNWTO)

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Summary

Instantly browse key facts about Spain — geography, demographics, economy, and government — all in one organized reference card.

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Anyone curious about Spain's geography, government, history, or culture.

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Last updated: 2026-06-24 · Reviewed by Nham Vu