Spain is a country located in Southwestern Europe, occupying most of the Iberian Peninsula, along with two archipelagos (the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands), two exclaves (Ceuta and Melilla in North Africa), and several small islands in the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by France to the northeast and Portugal to the west, and it shares maritime borders with Italy. The country has a rich history and diverse culture, influenced by various civilizations including the Romans, Visigoths, and Moors.
Spain is known for its distinct regions, each with its own traditions, languages, and customs, including Catalonia, Andalusia, and the Basque Country. The official language is Spanish (Castilian), but regional languages such as Catalan, Galician, and Basque are also spoken. Spain is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a history of significant cultural contributions to art, literature, architecture, and cuisine. Notable elements of Spanish culture include flamenco dancing, tapas, and festivals like La Tomatina and San Fermín. The capital city is Madrid, which serves as the political and cultural center of the country. Spain is a member of the European Union and has a varied landscape ranging from mountainous regions to beautiful coastlines.