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Spain, situated in Southern Europe has derived its name from the Roman name ‘Hispania’. The South and East of Spain are surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. Bay of Biscay shares the borders of Spain in the north. Atlantic Ocean surrounds the west of Spain. France, Gibraltar, Morocco, Andorra and Portugal share the terrestrial borders of Spain. It is the largest sovereign state making up in Iberian Peninsula.
The original habitants of Spain are Basques, Iberians and the Celts. In 206 B.C it became a part of the Roman Empire. Different rulers like the Christians, Muslims, the Franks and Visigthic rulers later ruled it. Spain has contributed a lot to the culture and history of the world. In the ancient era the Phoenicians traded with Spain for minerals. Spain was famous as a great seat of learning during the rule of the Muslims and Cordoba was one of the worldwide centers for philosophy, literature, science and medicine. The Basque population, which lives in the Pyrenees of North Central of Spain, speaks the language ‘Eusaska’, which is one of the oldest living languages in the world.
Spain has contributed in discovering places and other significant landmarks in the global extension. Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer who was financed by Spain, completed the first circumnavigation of the globe.
King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella ruled the Castille and Aragon in Spain. They financed Christopher Columbus for his journey to America. In the early sixteenth century, Spanish explorers claimed a number of countries. Francisco Pizarro invaded Peru. Pedro de Mendonza settled Argentina. Hernan Cortes annexed Mexico.
Spain has contributed a lot in the field of literature too. Ernest Hemingway wrote the famous novel ‘For Whom The Bells Toll’ on Spanish Civil War. The Spanish writer, Miguel de Cervantes wrote the novel ‘Don Quixote’, which is considered as the first modern novel. ‘Eil Cid’ is the oldest known Spanish poem about the eleventh century hero from Castille. Spain has a hereditary monarch and a parliament with two legislative chambers. Today, it is constitutional monarchy with the president of the Government controlling the council of ministers for the executive branch.
The strength of Congress of Deputies is approximately 355 members, who are elected by the popular voting system. The legislative branch, ‘Senate’ comprises of 250 seats. Spain is considered as one of the largest economy in the world. Spain is also known as the country of mountains. 44% of olive oil production is made in Spain. Spain grows about three-quarters of the world’s saffron production. Fried Fish is claimed to be a Spanish invention. Spain is more famous for red wines than white. Spain imports potatoes, tobacco, tomatoes, avocadoes and cacao to Europe. It ranks among the top five importers of Scotch whiskey.
Spanish is the official language of Spain. Famous Flamenco dance is an art form including guitar, dancing, singing and ‘palmas’.
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