Spain

Spain is located in southwestern Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula. Spain borders Portugal to the west, France to the north, and has coastlines on both the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas. With around 47 million inhabitants, Spain is one of the most populous countries in Europe and the capital is Madrid. The country's 17 autonomous regions, such as Catalonia, the Basque Country and Andalusia, have their own languages, traditions and identities, which contribute to Spain's cultural diversity. Spain also has a warm and varied climate, making it a popular tourist destination all year round. The Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, which belong to Spain but are located in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas respectively, are also popular holiday resorts. The country's food culture is world-famous, with dishes such as paella, tapas and gazpacho. Each region has its own specialties, and the Spanish lifestyle is often characterized by long lunches, late dinners and a social atmosphere. Spain is also a major producer of wine and olive oil.