Spain takes up four fifths of the Iberian Peninsula. The Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean and several islands in the Mediterranean also belong to its territory. On the territory of Spain is located Europe’s southernmost point – Point Tarifa.

The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Mediterranean with the Atlantic Ocean and separates Europe from Africa. Its narrowest part is only 13.5 km. On the European shore is located the Rock of Gibraltar, which represents a narrow 1-km limestone peninsula, jutting out to the south. The only representative of the monkeys in Europe can be seen here – the Barbary macaque.
Gibraltar, whose area is 6.5 sq. km, has a population of 25,000 and is a British overseas territory.

The better part of Spain’s area is covered with mountains and plateaus. In the Andalusian mountains is located the highest peak in the Iberian peninsula and whole Southern Europe – Mount Mulhacen (3,478 m), which is covered with eternal snow.

The Andalusian plain is the granary of Spain. Spain’s climate is diverse. Here are grown diverse cereal plants, but citrus fruits grow best. Spain is one of biggest producers and exporters of lemons, oranges, tangerines, etc. in the world. As for olive production Spain ranks first in the world. It ranks third in terms of wine production – malaga, jerez (sherry), etiel, etc. By production of high quality olive oil the country ranks first in the world.

Spain has a rich history. The different rulers left their mark on the development of the country. This is proven by the numerous historical monuments of culture, which impress with their beauty and magnificence. In the outskirts of Toledo is located the Alcazar castle, built in 14th c. and restored several times. The famous El Prado museum is one of the 100 museums in Madrid. The Plaza Mayor, the main square in the centre of the Spanish capital, was built in the beginning of 17th c. so as the kings could watch games, bull fights, royal carnival processions, etc.

The city of Barcelona is one of the biggest ports on the Mediterranean. The magnificent botanical garden in the city of Valencia is home to over 6,000 plant species.

The Canary Islands are paradise for the tourists, who are attracted by the almost all-year-round sunshine and the mild winter.

The Guggenheim museum, established in 1997 in the industrial city of Bilbao, attracts 1.9 million visitors every year. This modernistic building was designed by the architect Frank Gehry. It is entirely built of titanium and glass, with curved lines that symbolically represent fishes and boats and is an example of the contemporary art.