1. Spain
By: Stephen Moore

2. Quick Facts about Spain
• Capital: Madrid
• Ethnic Groups: Basques, Catalans, and Galicians
• Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant and Islamic faiths
• Languages: Spanish, Catalan- Valencian, Galician, and Basque
• Government: Constitutional Monarchy

3. Physical Characteristics of Spain
• With an average altitude of more than 600 meters, Spain is
one of the highest countries in the world.
• It’s highest peak is a doormat volcano, Mount Tiede (The Pico
de Teide in Spanish) at 3,719 meters.
• The main plateau of Spain is the Meseta central, with an
average altitude of 650 meters, which occupies about 40
percent of the peninsula.

4. Cultural Characteristics of Spain
• Historically in Spain it has been a Roman Catholic nation and
about 99 percent of the people in Spain are baptized.
• Fiestas are a major part of Spanish life. Each city and region in
Spain has its own special fiesta, often honoring a patron saint.
• Fiesta activities include processions, fireworks, dancing,
bullfights, amusement attractions, and wearing costumes.
• Spain’s official language is Castilian which is the language
perceived to be Spanish.

5. Customs and Traditions in Spain
• One of the most popular traditions in Spain is bullfighting.
• Many tourists are excited to watch it and view it as a major
part of Spanish culture.
• Flamenco, commonly found in the Spanish region of
Andalusia, started as the typical music and dance of gypsies
that inhabited the south of Spain.
• The central part of life for almost all Spaniards is Roman
Catholic religion, which can be seen in their religious festivals,
parades, and celebrations.