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'''Spain''' (Spanish: ''España''), officially the '''Kingdom of Spain''' (Spanish: ''Reino de España'') is a country located on the [[Iberian Peninsula]] in southwestern Europe, bordered by [[Portugal]] and the [[Atlantic Ocean]] to the [[west]], [[Gibraltar]] to the [[south]], the [[Mediterranean Sea]] to the east, and [[France]] and [[Andorra]] to the [[north]]. The Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla also border [[Morocco]]. Spain is a member of both [[NATO]] and the [[European Union]], and a [[United States of America|U.S.]] ally.  

'''Spain''' (Spanish: ''España''), officially the '''Kingdom of Spain''' (Spanish: ''Reino de España'') is a country located on the [[Iberian Peninsula]] in southwestern Europe, bordered by [[Portugal]] and the [[Atlantic Ocean]] to the [[west]], [[Gibraltar]] to the [[south]], the [[Mediterranean Sea]] to the east, and [[France]] and [[Andorra]] to the [[north]]. The Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla also border [[Morocco]] in Africa. Spain is a member of both [[NATO]] and the [[European Union]], and a [[United States of America|U.S.]] ally.  

Spain has universal government-controlled health care which is virtually free to patients, at the expense of taxpayers.  Its system is highly rated by [[liberal]] organizations, but fared very poorly during the [[coronavirus]] pandemic in 2020 with a mortality rate much higher than every country other than [[Italy]].

Spain has universal government-controlled health care which is virtually free to patients, at the expense of taxpayers.  Its system is highly rated by [[liberal]] organizations, but fared very poorly during the [[coronavirus]] pandemic in 2020 with a mortality rate much higher than every country other than [[Italy]].

==People==

==People==

[[File:People of Spain.jpg|left|240px]]

[[File:People of Spain.jpg|left|240px]]

Spain's [[population density]], lower than that of most European countries, is roughly equivalent to [[New England]]'s. In recent years, following a longstanding pattern in the rest of Europe, [[rural]] populations are moving to [[cities]]. [[Urban]] areas are also experiencing a significant increase in [[immigrant]] populations, chiefly from [[North Africa]], [[America (continent)|America]], and [[Eastern Europe]]. Distinct ethnic groups within Spain include the Basques, Catalans, and Galicians. They compromise 91% of the population, 8% are Eastern European immigrants and North Africans number roughly 1%.

Spain's [[population density]], lower than that of most European countries, is roughly equivalent to [[New England]]'s. In recent years, following a longstanding pattern in the rest of Europe, [[rural]] populations are moving to [[cities]]. [[Urban]] areas are also experiencing a significant increase in [[immigrant]] populations, chiefly from [[North Africa]], [[America (continent)|America]], and [[Eastern Europe]]. Distinct ethnic groups within Spain include the Basques, Catalans, and Galicians. They compromise 91% of the population, 8% are Eastern European immigrants and North Africans number roughly 1%.

Spain has no official [[religion]]. The constitution of 1978 disestablished the [[Roman Catholic Church]] as the official state religion, while recognizing the role it plays in Spanish society. More than 70% of the population is at least nominally Catholic. Among the remaining population, there are about 1.2 million evangelical Christians and other Protestants (2006 est.), 1 million Muslims (2006 est.) and 48,000 Jews (2006 est.).  

Spain has no official [[religion]]. The constitution of 1978 disestablished the [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic Church]] as the official state religion, while recognizing the role it plays in Spanish society. More than 70% of the population is at least nominally Catholic. Among the remaining population, there are about 1.2 million evangelical Christians and other Protestants (2006 est.), 1 million Muslims (2006 est.) and 48,000 Jews (2006 est.).  

====Educational system====  

====Educational system====  

[[File:Francisco Franco.jpg|thumb|left|Francisco Franco.]]

[[File:Francisco Franco.jpg|thumb|left|Francisco Franco.]]

Parliamentary democracy was restored following the death of General [[Francisco Franco]] in 1975, who had ruled since the end of the civil war in 1939. The 1978 constitution established Spain as a parliamentary monarchy, with the prime minister responsible to the bicameral Cortes (Congress of Deputies and Senate) elected every 4 years. On February 23, 1981, rebel pro-Franco elements among the security forces seized the Cortes and tried to impose a military-backed government. However, the great majority of the military forces remained loyal to King [[Juan Carlos]], who used his personal authority to put down the bloodless coup attempt.  

Parliamentary democracy was restored following the death of General [[Francisco Franco]] in 1975, who had ruled since the end of the civil war in 1939. [[Luis Carrero Blanco]], was designed by Franco to be the successor as the Head of Government, while [[Juan Carlos]] was designed as King and therefore, Head of State. In 1973 Carrero Blanco was assassinated by the terrorist organization [[ETA]] by blowing out his car after he attended Holy Mass, investigations claim that it happened with the help of the [[CIA]]<ref>[https://theobjective.com/espana/pais-vasco/2023-04-01/cia-espias-pnv-asesinato-carrero/ La CIA, los espías del PNV y el asesinato de Carrero Blanco]</ref><ref>[https://www.amazon.es/%C2%A1Fue-CIA-est%C3%BApidos-cumplirse-aniversario/dp/8419074446 ¡Fue la CIA, estúpidos!: A punto de cumplirse su 48 aniversario: La muerte de Carrero Blanco cambió la historia de España, 2021, Amadeo Martínez Inglés]</ref> by commandment of [[Kissinger]],<ref>[https://www.elotropais.com/index.php/reportajes-estenumero-42/313-kissinger-en-el-asesinato-de-carrero-n-59 Kissinger en el asesinato de Carrero (nº 59)]</ref> since Carrero Blanco wanted Spain to have Nuclear Weapons, maintain its system without a liberal democracy and to not join NATO, after the assassination, the destiny of Spain was changed forever.

 

The 1978 constitution established Spain as a parliamentary monarchy, with the prime minister responsible to the bicameral Cortes (Congress of Deputies and Senate) elected every 4 years. On February 23, 1981, rebel pro-Franco elements among the security forces seized the Cortes and tried to impose a military-backed government. However, the great majority of the military forces remained loyal to King [[Juan Carlos]], who used his personal authority to put down the bloodless coup attempt. The CIA shaped Spain as a liberal democracy with the help of King Juan Carlos who changed the political system that he was supposed to continue.

In October 1982, the Spanish [[Socialist]] Workers Party (PSOE), led by [[Felipe Gonzalez]], swept both the Congress of Deputies and Senate, winning an absolute majority. Gonzalez and the PSOE ruled for the next 13 years. During that period, Spain joined the [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization]] ([[NATO]]) and the [[European Community]].

In October 1982, the Spanish [[Socialist]] Workers Party (PSOE), led by [[Felipe Gonzalez]], swept both the Congress of Deputies and Senate, winning an absolute majority. Gonzalez and the PSOE ruled for the next 13 years. During that period, Spain joined the [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization]] ([[NATO]]) and the [[European Community]].

The PSOE won a plurality of seats in the Congress of Deputies in the 2008 general election, leading to the second Zapatero government.

The PSOE won a plurality of seats in the Congress of Deputies in the 2008 general election, leading to the second Zapatero government.

On November 20, 2011, the PP won a majority in the Congress, and its leader Mariano Rajoy Brey took office as prime minister on December 21. The subsequent general election, held on December 20, 2015, had an uncertain result, with both the PP and the PSOE falling well short of a majority. Rajoy formed a caretaker government, but negotiations among the four leading parties failed to reach an agreement. A snap election held on June 26, 2016, resulted in a better result for Rajoy's PP but it was still short of a majority. The king gave Rajoy the mandate to form a government, but there was no clear path to a majority coalition or a minority government with outside support. Finally, after Pedro Sánchez was ousted as its leader, the PSOE agreed that enough of its deputies would abstain to allow Rajoy to win approval on October 26 to lead a new government with the support of the [[Citizens (Spanish political party)|Citizens]] and several minor regional parties.

On November 20, 2011, the PP won a majority in the Congress, and its leader Mariano Rajoy Brey took office as prime minister on December 21.  

 

 

The subsequent general election, held on December 20, 2015, had an uncertain result, with both the PP and the PSOE falling well short of a majority. Rajoy formed a caretaker government, but negotiations among the four leading parties failed to reach an agreement. A snap election held on June 26, 2016, resulted in a better result for Rajoy's PP but it was still short of a majority. The king gave Rajoy the mandate to form a government, but there was no clear path to a majority coalition or a minority government with outside support. Finally, after [[Pedro Sánchez]] was ousted as its leader, the PSOE agreed that enough of its deputies would abstain to allow Rajoy to win approval on October 26 to lead a new government with the support of the [[Citizens (Spanish political party)|Citizens]] and several minor regional parties.

 

The second Rajoy government lasted until June 1, 2018, when, amid numerous accusations of corruption in the PP, it lost a vote of no confidence. Pedro Sánchez, who had again become leader of the PSOE, formed a minority government with support of the left-wing [[Unidos Podemos]] alliance and minor parties. In 2019 two general elections were held in which the political party [[Vox (Spain)|Vox]] gained seats in the Parliament. The party is the representative of Spanish Conservatism with its leader [[Santiago Abascal]].

The second Rajoy government lasted until June 1, 2018, when, amid numerous accusations of corruption in the PP, it lost a vote of no confidence. Pedro Sánchez, who had again become leader of the PSOE, formed a minority government with support of the left-wing [[Unidos Podemos]] alliance and minor parties.

In 2023 Pedro Sánchez perpetuated himself in the government by obtaining the votes of separatist parties, after losing the majority of the vote in the general election. Mass patriot protests erupt in what was called [[National November]].

===Local Government===  

===Local Government===  

===Principal government officials===  

===Principal government officials===  

*Chief of State, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces—King Felipe VI

*Chief of State, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces—King Felipe VI

*President of the Government (Prime Minister)-- [[Pedro Sánchez]]  

*President of the Government (Prime Minister)—[[Pedro Sánchez]]  

*Minister of Foreign Affairs—Miguel Angel Moratinos  

*Minister of Foreign Affairs—Miguel Angel Moratinos  

*Ambassador to the United States—Carlos Westendorp y Cabeza

*Ambassador to the United States—Carlos Westendorp y Cabeza

During the [[Russo-Ukraine war]], Russian radio pranksters Vovan and Lexus called mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida of Madrid pretending to be mayor [[Vitali Klitschko]] of [[Kyiv]].  They persuaded Martinez-Almeida to organize a [[gay parade]] in honor of [[World War II]] Ukrainian Nazi war criminal [[Stepan Bandera]].  Martinez-Almeida asked if Bandera himself would attend the parade, and expressed condolences to the Ukrainian side after learning that the "icon of the gay community" had already died.  Martinez-Almeida also promised to send Ukrainian refugees to fight in Ukraine: "They should not rest on the beaches of Spain. Now their task is to die on the battlefield."<ref>https://youtu.be/HWIcDIrXFmE</ref>

During the [[Russo-Ukraine war]], Russian radio pranksters Vovan and Lexus called mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida of Madrid pretending to be mayor [[Vitali Klitschko]] of [[Kyiv]].  They persuaded Martinez-Almeida to organize a [[gay parade]] in honor of [[World War II]] Ukrainian Nazi war criminal [[Stepan Bandera]].  Martinez-Almeida asked if Bandera himself would attend the parade, and expressed condolences to the Ukrainian side after learning that the "icon of the gay community" had already died.  Martinez-Almeida also promised to send Ukrainian refugees to fight in Ukraine: "They should not rest on the beaches of Spain. Now their task is to die on the battlefield."<ref>https://youtu.be/HWIcDIrXFmE</ref>

==Economy==

==Economy==

==History==

==History==

[[File:Testamento Isabel la Catolica PDWC.jpg|thumb|Will of Isabel I, Queen of Castile.]]

[[File:Testamento Isabel la Catolica PDWC.jpg|thumb|Will of Isabel I, Queen of Castile.]]

See [[History of Spain]]

{{Main article|History of Spain}}

===Hispanic Catholic Monarchy===

===Hispanic Catholic Monarchy===

The peoples, whatever their development, are sustained by their traditions, habits and customs. those who preceded us, in the Americas before the arrival of Spain, managed, thanks to this, to become a very important part of the Christian civilization, as firm guardians of its limits at the edge of the world. The first encounters, as always happened in history, had their altercations, but after getting to know each other, they built during three centuries an Hispanicamerican Empire of peace and prosperity. The indigenous peoples gained access to the improvement of sowing and cultivation, to water management, which is imperative to pass from the tribal state to the civilizing one.  

The peoples, whatever their development, are sustained by their traditions, habits and customs. those who preceded us, in the Americas before the arrival of Spain, managed, thanks to this, to become a very important part of the Christian civilization, as firm guardians of its limits at the edge of the world. The first encounters, as always happened in history, had their altercations, but after getting to know each other, they built during three centuries an Hispanicamerican Empire of peace and prosperity. The indigenous peoples gained access to the improvement of sowing and cultivation, to water management, which is imperative to pass from the tribal state to the civilizing one.  

Only time healed the wounds: thus emerged - as a substitute term - Hispanidad. which, excluding the political dimension, was based on deep religious, moral and cultural foundations. hence the so-called "patriots" continued to be the object of general worship. and also the "others", the creole realists, were forgotten. it is true that the Novogranadinian Luis Corsi Otálora, the Peruvian Fernán Altuve-Febres or the Rioplatean Manuel González have left us some valuable testimonies about them.<ref>Miguel Ayuso Torres (Madrid, 1961)</ref>

Only time healed the wounds: thus emerged - as a substitute term - Hispanidad. which, excluding the political dimension, was based on deep religious, moral and cultural foundations. hence the so-called "patriots" continued to be the object of general worship. and also the "others", the creole realists, were forgotten. it is true that the Novogranadinian Luis Corsi Otálora, the Peruvian Fernán Altuve-Febres or the Rioplatean Manuel González have left us some valuable testimonies about them.<ref>Miguel Ayuso Torres (Madrid, 1961)</ref>

==The leisure activities==

==The leisure activities==

The so-called national sport of Spain is the [[bullfighting]], although real national sport is Soccer.

The so-called national sport of Spain is the [[bullfighting]], although real national sport is Soccer (''Fútbol'').

[[File:Boldini - Anita de la Ferie - The Spanish Dancer.jpg|thumbnail|300px|center| Portrait of Anita de la Ferie, 'The Spanish Dancer']]

[[File:Boldini - Anita de la Ferie - The Spanish Dancer.jpg|thumbnail|300px|center| Portrait of Anita de la Ferie, 'The Spanish Dancer']]

== See also ==

== See also ==

*[[Spanish Still Life Painting]]

*[[Spanish Still Life Painting]]

*[[Spanish Golden Age]]

*[[Spanish Golden Age]]

[[File:Zurbarán La defensa de Cádiz.jpg|thumb|left|[[Francisco de Zurbarán]], La defensa de Cádiz, 1634.]]

[[File:Zurbarán La defensa de Cádiz.jpg|thumb|left|[[Francisco de Zurbarán]], La defensa de Cádiz, 1634.]]