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Espana
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Customs and Culture
Customs and Culture
About the People
The Spanish are generally friendly, helpful, and individualistic. They enjoy conversation and giving advice. The Spanish often consider it their duty to correct “errors” as they see them in others.
Along with the spirit of individualism comes a strong sense of personal pride. Spanish people feel it is very important to project an impression of affluence and social position. Appearance is extremely important. Regional pride and devotion are strong and increasingly expressed
Cultural Attributes
The Spanish are generally friendly, helpful, and individualistic. They enjoy conversation and giving advice. The Spanish often consider it their duty to correct “errors” as they see them in others.
Passion Runs Deep
Greetings, Gestures & Visiting
The usual greeting by Spanish males is a handshake. Friends may pat one another on the back and, may give a abrazo (hug) if they have not seen each other for a long period of time. Women also shake hands when greeting others, but close female friends also kiss each other on the cheek. A slight embrace and kiss on the cheek are also used among women when parting.
Diet
Typical Spanish food includes fresh vegetables, meat, eggs, chicken, and fish. Most fried foods are cooked in olive oil. Breakfast is generally a light meal of coffee or hot chocolate, bread and jam, or sometimes churros (a batter made of flour and butter, deep-fried and sprinkled with sugar). A substantial meal is eaten at about 2:00 p.m., and it usually includes soup, a salad, a dish with some kind of fish, a main dish, and fresh fruit.
Family
The average Spanish family today has 0.7 children., the Spanish birth rate is one of the lowest in the European Union. At the same time, more and more couples simply live together. In some cases, this is legally recognized by the state.
Dating Customs
Dating often begins around age fourteen with group activities. Many young men and women begin dating at about age eighteen. In some place couples only date if they plan to marry. A boy often meets a girl at a a place outside her home instead of where she lives. Potential spouses must usually be approved by parents. The average marriage age for men is twenty-seven, while women marry between the age of 20 and 24.
Recreation
Football (soccer) is the national sport in Spain. Nearly all children learn how to play the sport, and watching important matches can rise to the level of a national obsession. The Spanish also enjoy cycling and tennis. Because of many miles of coastline, swimming and other water sports are also very popular, such as fishing, sailing, and diving.
Student Life
Because Spanish families tend to stay up late at night, work and school starts later in the morning in Spain than in many other countries. Nonetheless, children must often arise by 7:00 a.m. After showering and dressing, they have a light breakfast, which typically consists of hot chocolate or café con leche (coffee mixed with an equal amount of hot, frothy milk), sweet rolls, or bread or toast with jam or mild cheese. This is also called a continental breakfast.
Holidays
National Day
10/12Independence
Birth date - Placido Domingo
1/21Birthday
Birth date - Placido Domingo, opera singer was born in Madrid, Spain on Jan. 21, 1941.
Birth date - Andres Segovia
2/21Birthday
Birth date - Andres Segovia, Spanish guitarist was born in Linares, Spain on Feb. 21, 1893.
Birth date - Francisco Jose de Goya y Lucientes
3/30Birthday
Birth date - Francisco Jose de Goya y Lucientes, Spanish artist, was born in Fuendetodos, Zaragoza, Spain on March 30, 1746.
Birth date - Pablo Ruiz y Picasso
10/25Birthday
Birth date - Pablo Ruiz y Picasso, artist, was born in Málaga, Spain on Oct. 25, 1881.
Birth date - Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velázquez
6/6Birthday
Birth date - Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velázquez, Spanish artist was born on June 6, 1599.
Birth date - Pablo Ruiz Picasso
10/25Birthday
Birth date - Pablo Ruiz Picasso, Spanish artist, was born on Oct. 25, 1881 in Malaga, Spain.
Birth date - Pablo Casals
12/29Birthday
Birth date - Pablo Casals, Spanish cellist, was born Dec. 29, 1876 in Vendrell, Catalonia, Spain.
Christmas
12/25Christmas
The Christmas season begins with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception traditionally celebrated on December 8th when choirboys costumed in pale blue satin trimmed in lace and with plumed, wide-brimmed hats perform a ritualistic dance called Los Seises (Dance of Sixes). As the boys dance they sing an Advent hymn invoking the presence of Jesus.
Traditionally from December 16 to December 24 towns observe a Novena — a devotional period of nine days in which the Nativity scene is the central figure which does not have the Christ child until Christmas eve. However the Christmas tree and Santa Claus are becoming more popular.
Christmas eve dinner is usually multiple courses which could including escudella (soup with meatballs and grated cheese) turkey stuffed with bacon, sausage or ham, paella (saffron-flavored rice), flan (caramel custard), besuo (Mediterranean sea bream), roasted chestnuts, turron (nougat candy), and an assortment of wines.
Although children may receive gifts on Christmas morning, the traditional gift-giving day is Epiphany (January 6th). Tradition holds that the three Wise Men passed through Spain on the journey to Bethlehem arriving in Bethlehem on Epiphany. The day is known as Dia de los tres Reyes (Day of the Three Kings). In the days before Epiphany children write letters to the Maji with requests for gifts and visit the Maji in department stores much like children in some countries visit Santa Claus. On Epiphany eve children fill their shoes with straw for the Maji camels and place them on window sills, balconies or doorsteps. In the morning the shoes are filled with gifts by the three kings. A favorite Epiphany treat is roscón (a fruit-cake that contains a small toy).
Dates of Interest
- Date varies
This unique tradition, held in the village of Castrillo de Murcia, involves men dressed as the Devil jumping over babies in the street, believed to cleanse them of sin and bring good luck.
How do people greet each other in Spain?
Men typically greet with a handshake, while women shake hands with acquaintances and close female friends kiss on both cheeks; women give two kisses (one on each cheek) to almost everyone, and men greet women with kisses.
Do
- Shake hands as the standard greeting between men
- Use two cheek kisses (one on each cheek) as women often do
- Give an abrazo (hug) to friends or relatives you haven't seen in a long time
- Address older people or professionals with titles like Señor, Señora, or Señorita
Good to know
- A slight embrace and cheek kiss are used among women when parting too
- These social rules also apply when meeting strangers
What are the dining and mealtime customs in Spain?
Spaniards eat their substantial meal around 2:00 p.m. and a lighter dinner at 9:00-10:00 p.m., using the continental style of eating with fork in the left hand and knife in the right.
Do
- Hold the fork in your left hand and knife in your right, continental style
- Keep your hands above the table during the meal
- Rest your wrists or forearms on the table edge
- Compliment the host on the meal
Don’t
- Don't place your hands in your lap during the meal
- Don't rest your elbows on the table
- Don't eat while walking down the street (poor manners for adults)
Good to know
- At formal dinners, the host indicates seating; ladies, older people, and guests of honor are seated first
- Expect a light breakfast, a big midday meal around 2:00 p.m., a merienda snack around 5:00-6:00 p.m., and a light dinner at 9:00-10:00 p.m.
- Fried foods are typically cooked in olive oil
What should I know about visiting and hospitality in Spain?
When invited to dinner or coffee, be punctual and bring a small gift such as wine, dessert, or sweets—the gesture matters more than the present itself.
Do
- Be punctual when invited
- Bring a bottle of wine, dessert (like a frozen tart), sweets, or a small present
Don’t
- Don't bring flowers, which are surprisingly not popular
Good to know
- Older protocol rules, like arriving ten minutes late or avoiding wine as a gift, no longer apply
- The gesture of bringing something is more important than the present itself
How should I dress in Spain?
Appearance is extremely important, and the Spanish dress well even for errands, as clothing style and quality often signal social standing.
Do
- Dress with care and attention to appearance, even for everyday errands
- Men should dress conservatively
Good to know
- Women tend to dress in the latest styles
- Local costumes are frequently worn during festivals
What is family life like in Spain?
The Spanish concept of family is broad, with the close family including distant relatives such as cousins and their spouses and children, and family gatherings remain popular.
Good to know
- Family gatherings happen at least once a year
- At family meals, the father sits at the head of the table
- More couples now live together, sometimes with legal recognition
- Potential spouses must usually be approved by parents
What do people do for fun in Spain?
Football (soccer) is the national sport and near-obsession, while cycling, tennis, water sports, and diverse outdoor activities are also popular.
Good to know
- Watching important football matches can be a national obsession
- Coastal water sports like swimming, fishing, sailing, and diving are popular
- Regional sports include Basque ball, with jai alai considered the fastest sport in the world
- Gardening, music, cultural arts, and evening television are common pastimes
- Spain has a long tradition in literature, architecture, and drama
Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports
Photos of Spain
Photos of Spain
Bullfighting
Spain Sidestreet
Spain Olive Trees
Spain- Barcelona Harbour
Stain glass window in the Monastery of Montserrat, Barcelona
Monastery of Montserrat, Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona
Mountains near Montserrat, Catalonia
Roman Theatre in Merida, Spain
Fira de Barcelona
Caceres, Spain
Palacio Real, Madrid, Spain
Travel and Tourism
Travel and Tourism
- Travel Alert Status
- Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
- Currency
- euro (EUR)
- Time Difference
- UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: Spain has two time zones, including the Canary Islands (UTC 0)
- Climate
- Madrid's climate is predominantly dry, sunny, and agreeable. Because of its elevation (about 2,000 feet above sea level) and its proximity to mountains, Madrid often experiences wide variations in temperature between winter and high summer. In winter, temperatures drop slightly below freezing and many winter days can be uncomfortably cold. Summers are quite warm with average midday temperatures of 95°F to 100°F. Except at the height of summer, evenings and nights are cool. Daily mean temperature ranges from 50°F to 68°F during 8 months of the year. Rainfall is scarce, except during a brief rainy season in October and November and again in spring. Snow, uncommon in Madrid, usually becomes rain and slush within hours.
- Airports
- 152
Read the full travel guide — health, safety, vaccinations, disease risk, sanitation, and transit details.
View full travel guideRecipes
Recipes
History
History
Historical Eras
Ancient Hispania
218 BCE – 476
Roman legions entered the Iberian Peninsula during the Second Punic War, gradually subjugating Carthaginian and Iberian peoples to forge the province of Hispania. Over six centuries, Roman rule brought Latin language, law, urban infrastructure, and Christianity to the region. The era ended as Germanic tribes — Vandals, Suevi, and ultimately Visigoths — swept across the collapsing Western Empire.
Visigothic & Moorish Spain
476 – 1479
The Visigoths established a Germanic Christian kingdom across Hispania by the late fifth century, but their realm collapsed swiftly when Umayyad Muslim forces crossed from North Africa in 711 and conquered most of the peninsula within a decade. The following centuries were defined by Al-Andalus — a sophisticated Islamic civilization — alongside the gradual Christian Reconquista, during which kingdoms of Asturias, León, Castile, Aragon, and Navarre fought to reclaim territory, producing figures such as El Cid and culminating in the reduction of Muslim rule to the Kingdom of Granada.
Unification & Empire
1479 – 1700
The marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile unified Spain's principal crowns, and their reign brought the fall of Granada in 1492, the expulsion of Jews and Muslims, the establishment of the Inquisition, and Columbus's voyages to the Americas. Under the Habsburg monarchs Charles I and Philip II, Spain became the foremost world power, commanding a global empire stretching from the Americas to the Philippines and controlling vast swaths of Europe. Spanish silver from the New World funded near-constant European wars, even as the defeat of the Armada in 1588 foreshadowed declining naval supremacy.
Decline & Bourbon Reform
1700 – 1808
The death of the last Spanish Habsburg without an heir triggered the War of the Spanish Succession, ultimately seating the French Bourbon dynasty on the throne under Philip V. Bourbon monarchs attempted sweeping administrative and economic reforms throughout the eighteenth century, centralizing power and modernizing institutions, but Spain fell progressively behind Britain and France in commercial and industrial development. The loss of Gibraltar in 1713 and Spain's entanglement in Atlantic imperial rivalries steadily eroded its great-power standing.
Instability & Civil War
1808 – 1939
Napoleon's invasion in 1808 sparked the Peninsular War and ignited independence movements across Spanish America, stripping Spain of nearly all its empire by the 1820s. The nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were plagued by constitutional crises, military coups, the Carlist Wars, and deepening conflicts over regionalism, the Church, and class inequality. These tensions erupted catastrophically in the Spanish Civil War of 1936–39, in which Nationalist forces under General Francisco Franco, aided by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, defeated the Republican government at the cost of over 500,000 lives.
Franco to Democracy
1939 – present
Francisco Franco's authoritarian regime ruled Spain until his death in 1975, suppressing regional autonomy and political opposition while guiding a significant but state-directed economic modernization in the 1960s. King Juan Carlos I, crowned upon Franco's death, defied expectations by overseeing a rapid and peaceful transition to parliamentary democracy alongside Prime Minister Adolfo Suárez, ratifying a new constitution in 1978. Spain joined NATO in 1982 and the European Union in 1986, firmly anchoring itself in the Western democratic order, though challenges including Basque separatist violence and regional tensions have persisted into the twenty-first century.
Overview
El Escorial, northwest of Madrid, built by Philip II in the second half of the sixteenth century
Timeline of Key Events
573
The Visigoths conquered Spain.
The Visigoths conquered Spain.
711
Muslims from northern Africa invaded Spain displacing the Goths.
Muslims from northern Africa invaded Spain displacing the Goths.
1094
El Cid, a Castilian Christian, fought the Moors and conquered Valencia.
El Cid, a Castilian Christian, fought the Moors and conquered Valencia.
1100
Portugal gained its independence.
Portugal gained its independence.
1200
The Christian territory controlled the Kingdoms of Aragon, Navarre, and Castile.
The Christian territory controlled the Kingdoms of Aragon, Navarre, and Castile.
1200
The Muslim territory had been reduced to the Kingdom of Granada.
The Muslim territory had been reduced to the Kingdom of Granada.
1469
The marriage of Prince Ferdinand of Aragon and Princess Isabella of Castille.
The marriage of Prince Ferdinand of Aragon and Princess Isabella of Castille.
Read the full history profile — narrative overview, defining eras, and the complete timeline in one place.
View expanded historyInteresting Facts
Interesting Facts
When a child loses a tooth they put their tooth under their pillow. While they are asleep, the little mouse called Ratoncito Perez will take their tooth and leave money or candy.
The tradition of “el ratoncito Perez” was invented as the character of a story for a young king who had fear of losing his baby teeth.
There is a first tooth ceremony. Whoever finds the first tooth becomes one's Godmother. After finding the tooth she buys the child a new outfit to celebrate.
Every year, Buñol hosts La Tomatina, the world's largest vegetable fight. Situated only 30 kilometers inland from the Mediterranean Sea, and well-connected by motorway and rail to Madrid and Valencia, this town erupts into a fiery blaze of tomato-hurling on the last Wednesday of every August. The “batalla” takes place during a week-long celebration filled with on-going festivities and with even greater anticipation for the tomato battle that serves as the culmination of the week's events.
See every fact — trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits gathered from across the country.
View all interesting factsGeography and Environment
Geography and Environment
- Terrain
- large, flat to dissected plateau surrounded by rugged hills; Pyrenees in north
- Climate
- Madrid's climate is predominantly dry, sunny, and agreeable. Because of its elevation (about 2,000 feet above sea level) and its proximity to mountains, Madrid often experiences wide variations in temperature between winter and high summer. In winter, temperatures drop slightly below freezing and many winter days can be uncomfortably cold. Summers are quite warm with average midday temperatures of 95°F to 100°F are common. Except at the height of summer, evenings and nights are cool. Daily mean temperature ranges from 50°F to 68°F during 8 months of the year. Rainfall is scarce, except during a brief rainy season in October and November and again in spring. Snow, uncommon in Madrid, usually becomes rain and slush within hours.
- Natural Hazards
- periodic droughts
- Current Environmental Issues
- pollution of the Mediterranean Sea from raw sewage and effluents from the offshore production of oil and gas; water quality and quantity nationwide; air pollution; deforestation; desertification
Read the full geography and environment profile — terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, land use, and international agreements.
View full geographyPeople & Demographics
People & Demographics
Religion
Languages Spoken
Castilian Spanish (official) 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, and Basque 2%
note: Catalan is official in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the Valencian Community (where it is known as Valencian); in the northwest corner of Catalonia (Vall d'Aran), Aranese is official along with Catalan; Galician is official in Galicia; Basque is official in the Basque Country
- Spanish
- Basque
Population
- Population
- 40,548,753
- Population: Male/Female
- male: 23,069,327 female: 24,211,106
- Population Distribution
- with the notable exception of Madrid, Sevilla, and Zaragoza, the largest urban agglomerations are found along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts; numerous smaller cities are spread throughout the interior reflecting Spain's agrarian heritage; very dense settlement around the capital of Madrid, as well as the port city of Barcelona
- Urban Population
- urban population: 81.6% of total population rate of urbanization: 0.24% annual rate of change
- Population in Major Urban Areas
- 6.751 million MADRID (capital), 5.687 million Barcelona, 838,000 Valencia
- Nationality Noun
- noun: Spaniard(s) adjective: Spanish
- Ethnic Groups
- Spanish 84.8%, Moroccan 1.7%, Romanian 1.2%, other 12.3%
- Language Note
- Castilian Spanish (official nationwide) 74%, Catalan (official in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the Valencian Community (where it is known as Valencian)) 17%, Galician (official in Galicia) 7%, Basque (official in the Basque Country and in the Basque-speaking area of Navarre) 2%, Aranese (official in the northwest corner of Catalonia (Vall d'Aran) along with Catalan, <5,000 speakers); note - Aragonese, Aranese Asturian, Basque, Calo, Catalan, Galician, and Valencian are recognized as regional languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages
Education
- Literacy Definition
- age 15 and over can read and write
The school system in Spain is free to all children, but families must buy the text books, school supplies, and other materials that might be required for school courses or extracurricular activities. Although the state helps to support all public schools and many private and religious schools, families are required to play a significant role in educating the children.
When it comes to lunch, Spanish schools will follow one of two schedules. One option begins at about 8:00 in the morning and goes through to 1:30 or 2:00. These schools do not provide lunch for their students. Instead, children return home to eat in the early afternoon. Throughout Spain, the midday meal is traditionally the main family meal. Most secondary schools follow this schedule.
However, some schools, including most nursery and primary schools, begin later in the morning (usually 9:00) and then break for lunch at noon. Those schools will offer lunch (which are low-cost but must be paid for by the family), along with some extracurricular activities during the break, and then begin school again at 3:00 in the afternoon, finishing at 5:00. Some families will have their children come home for lunch; others have their children purchase school lunch or send them with a packed lunch from home.
Health Information
- Life Expectancy at Birth
- total population: 83 years male: 80.3 years female: 85.8 years
- Alcohol consumption per capita
- total: 10.72 liters of pure alcohol beer: 4.67 liters of pure alcohol wine: 3.52 liters of pure alcohol spirits: 2.34 liters of pure alcohol other alcohols: 0.19 liters of pure alcohol
- Tobacco Use
- total: 27.7% male: 28.6% female: 26.7%
- Infant Mortality Rate
- total: 2.4 deaths/1,000 live births male: 2.7 deaths/1,000 live births female: 2.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Life Expectancy
- Life Expectancy at Birth
- total population: 83 years male: 80.3 years female: 85.8 years
- Median Age
- total: 46.8 years male: 45.7 years female: 47.8 years
- Age Structure
- 0-14 years: 13% (male 3,147,019/female 3,012,821) 15-64 years: 66.1% (male 15,662,492/female 15,585,138) 65 years and over: 20.9% (male 4,259,816/female 5,613,147)
- Infant Mortality Rate
- total: 2.4 deaths/1,000 live births male: 2.7 deaths/1,000 live births female: 2.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Read the full people and society profile — demographics, health, education, religion, languages, and notable people.
View full people and societyGovernment & Politics
Government & Politics
Country Identity
- Country Name
- Spain
- Full Country Name
- Kingdom of Spain
- Local - Short
- Espana
Government Structure
- Government Type
- parliamentary monarchy
- Legal System
- civil law system, with regional applications; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
- Executive Branch
- chief of state: King FELIPE VI (since 19 June 2014); Heir Apparent Princess LEONOR, daughter of the monarch, born 31 October 2005 head of government: President of the Government (Prime Minister) Pedro SANCHEZ (since 2 June 2018); First Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Maria Jesus MONTERO (since 2024); Second Vice President Yolanda DIAZ (since 2021) cabinet: Council of Ministers designated by the president and appointed by the monarch note: there is also a Council of State that serves as the supreme consultative organ of the government, but its recommendations are non-binding elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually proposed as president by the monarch and then elected by the National Assembly; election last held on 23 July 2023 (next to be held in 2027); vice presidents appointed by the monarch on the proposal of the president election results: Pedro SANCHEZ (PSOE) re-elected president following the July 2023 general election; after coalition negotiations, SANCHEZ secured a parliamentary investiture vote in November 2023, returning to the presidency with support from a coalition of left-wing and regional parties
- Legislative Branch
- Bicameral; General Courts or National Assembly (Las Cortes Generales) consists of the Senate (Senado) and the Congress of Deputies (Congreso de los Diputados). The Senate has 265 seats, with 208 members directly elected by popular vote and 57 appointed by the regional legislatures, all serving four-year terms. The Congress of Deputies has 350 seats, with members elected by popular vote on block lists by proportional representation to serve four-year terms. Elections: Senate - last held on 23 July 2023 (next to be held in 2027); Congress of Deputies - last held on 23 July 2023 (next to be held in 2027). Election results: Senate - seats by party - PSOE 72, PP 137, Vox 4, ERC 4, Junts 4, EAJ-PNV 4, Bildu 2, CC 1, other 37; Congress of Deputies - percent of vote by party - PP 33.0%, PSOE 31.7%, Vox 12.4%, Sumar 12.3%, ERC 1.7%, Junts 1.6%, EAJ-PNV 1.0%, Bildu 1.0%, CC 0.7%, other 4.6%; seats by party - PP 137, PSOE 121, Vox 33, Sumar 31, Junts 7, ERC 7, Bildu 6, EAJ-PNV 5, CC 4, other 5.
- Judicial Branch
- Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo
- Suffrage
- 18 years of age; universal
- Constitution
- 6 December 1978, effective 29 December 1978
- Independence
- the Iberian peninsula was characterized by a variety of independent kingdoms prior to the Moslem occupation that began in the early 8th Century A. D. and lasted nearly seven centuries; the small Christian redoubts of the north began the reconquest almost
- National Holiday
- National Day, 12 October
Capital City
- Capital Name
- Madrid
- Capital - geographic coordinate
- 40 24 N, 3 41 W
- Capital Time Difference
- UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: Spain has two time zones, including the Canary Islands (UTC 0)
the Romans named the original settlement "Matrice" after the river that ran through it; under Arab rule it became "Majerit," meaning "source of water"; in medieval Romance dialects (Mozarabic) it became "Matrit," which over time changed to "Madrid"
Military
Branches: Spanish Armed Forces: Army (Ejercito de Tierra), Spanish Navy (Armada Espanola, AE; includes Marine Corps), Spanish Air Force (Ejercito del Aire Espanola, EdA)
Embassy / Diplomatic Mission
U.S. Embassy Madrid
Calle Serrano, 75
28006 Madrid, Spain
Telephone: (34) 91 587 2240
Emergency after-hours telephone: (34) 91 587 2200
Ask to speak to the duty officer if you need emergency assistance outside business hours.
Facsimile: (34) 91 587 2303
E-mail: askacs@state.gov
Website: U.S. Embassy Madrid
U.S. Consulate General Barcelona
Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23-25
08034 Barcelona, Spain
Telephone: (34) 93 280 2227
Emergency after-hours telephone: (34) 91 587 2200
Ask to speak to the duty officer if you need emergency assistance outside business hours.
Facsimile: (34) 93 280 6175
E-mail: BarcelonaACS@state.gov
Website: U.S. Consulate General Barcelona
Routine and emergency services for U.S. citizens are provided by the American Citizens Services section of the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy. Appointments are required for routine consular services. Additional information is available through the U.S. Citizen Services page on the Embassy’s website. To make an appointment, please visit the U.S. Embassy's online appointment system for U.S. Citizen Services.
The U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona provides many services for U.S. citizens, including emergency passport services. The American Citizens Services section’s assistance also includes, but is not limited to, routine passport services, notary services, and Consular Reports of Births Abroad. The Consulate General also assists in emergencies, including deaths, arrests and crisis situations. You need to make an online appointment for routine consular services. For assistance regarding Andorra, please contact the U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona.
U.S. Consular Agencies: There are six consular agencies in Spain, which provide limited services to U.S. citizens. Passport applications may be submitted at the agencies. However, the agencies are not authorized to issue passports and will forward the applications for processing. Anyone requesting service at one of the consular agencies should call ahead to verify that the service requested will be available on the day you expect to visit the agency. The agencies’ contact information is below. Please note that the emergency after-hours telephone number for all of Spain is: (34) 91 587 2200. Ask to speak to the duty officer if you call this number for emergency assistance outside business hours.
U.S. Consular Agency Fuengirola (Málaga)
Avenida Juan Gómez "Juanito", 8
Edificio Lucía 1º-C
29640 Fuengirola (Málaga), Spain
Telephone: (34) 95 247 4891
Facsimile: (34) 95 246 5189
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
E-mail: conagencymalaga@telefonica.net
Website: U.S. Consular Agency Fuengirola (Málaga)
U.S. Consular Agency A Coruña
Calle Juana de Vega 8
Piso 5, Izquierda
15003 La Coruna, Spain
Telephone: (34) 98 121 3233
Facsimile: (34) 98 122 2808
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
E-mail: acorunacons@telefonica.net
Website: U.S. Consular Agency A Coruña
U.S. Consular Agency Las Palmas
Edificio Arca
Calle Los Martinez de Escobar 3, Oficina 7
35007 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
Telephone: (34) 92 827 1259
Facsimile: (34) 92 822 5863
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
E-mail: canariascons@telefonica.net
Website: U.S. Consular Agency Las Palmas
U.S. Consular Agency Palma de Mallorca
at Edificio Reina Constanza
Porto Pi, 8, 9-D
07015 Palma, Islas Baleares, Spain
Telephone: (34) 97 140 3707 or (34) 97 140 3905
Facsimile: (34) 97 140 3971
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
E-mail: pmagency@telefonica.net
Website: U.S. Consular Agency Palma de Mallorca
U.S. Consular Agency Seville
Plaza Nueva 8-8 duplicado
2nd Floor, Office E-2 No.4
41101 Sevilla, Spain
Telephone: (34) 95 421 8751
Facsimile: (34) 95 422 0791
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
E-mail: sevillecons@telefonica.net
Website: U.S. Consular Agency Seville
U.S. Consular Agency Valencia
Doctor Romagosa 1, 2-J
46002 Valencia, Spain
Telephone: (34) 96 351 6973
Facsimile: (34) 96 352 9565
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
E-mail: valenciacons@telefonica.net
Website: U.S. Consular Agency Valencia
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View full government detailsEconomy
Economy
Spain has a mixed capitalist economy and is the fourth-largest economy in the eurozone, behind Germany, France, and Italy. GDP per capita stands at roughly 85% of the EU average, with the country generating a nominal GDP of approximately $1.7 trillion. Spain adopted the euro upon its launch on 1 January 1999 and has since pursued ongoing structural reforms aimed at liberalization, labor market flexibility, and fiscal consolidation. The services sector dominates the economy, accounting for nearly three-quarters of output and employment, with tourism playing a particularly vital role — Spain consistently ranks among the world's top tourist destinations. Manufacturing, automotive production, renewable energy, and agriculture also remain significant contributors. Following the deep recession triggered by the 2008 financial crisis and the more recent shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Spanish economy has rebounded, supported by EU recovery funds under the NextGenerationEU program. Persistent challenges include relatively high unemployment, particularly among youth, public debt levels exceeding 100% of GDP, and regional economic disparities.
Snapshot
- Currency Name and Code
- Euro (EUR)
- GDP — official exchange rate
- $1,019,000,000,000 (USD)
- GDP Real Growth Rate
- 3.4%
- Gini Index
- 32.5
calendar year
News & Weather
News & Weather
Current Weather
Latest News
Spain Is Starting to Annoy the Rest of Europe - Bloomberg.com
Bloomberg.com · 16h ago
Europe wildfires latest: More than 140,000 evacuated across France and Spain - BBC
BBC · 5h ago
Spain's Gavi: Argentina players shouldn't be punished for World Cup final fracas - ESPN
ESPN · 2d ago
World's first octopus farm halted in Spain - euractiv.com
euractiv.com · 1d ago
IRS in the hot seat over potential cash grab from Spain's World Cup winnings: 'It's a ripoff' - Fox News
Fox News · 3d ago
Fake document factory dismantled in Spain: around 800 IDs seized - Europol
Europol · 50d ago
Spain's World Cup champions return home for parade in front of almost 2 million - NPR
NPR · 3d ago
Trump says he doesn't want anything to do with Spain: 'Cut off all trade' - CNBC
CNBC · 16d ago
News via Google News
Climate Overview
Madrid's climate is predominantly dry, sunny, and agreeable. Because of its elevation (about 2,000 feet above sea level) and its proximity to mountains, Madrid often experiences wide variations in temperature between winter and high summer. In winter, temperatures drop slightly below freezing and many winter days can be uncomfortably cold. Summers are quite warm with average midday temperatures of 95°F to 100°F. Except at the height of summer, evenings and nights are cool. Daily mean temperature ranges from 50°F to 68°F during 8 months of the year. Rainfall is scarce, except during a brief rainy season in October and November and again in spring. Snow, uncommon in Madrid, usually becomes rain and slush within hours.
Videos
Videos
2 curated YouTube videos.
Source: YouTube
Source: YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Spain?
How do people greet each other in Spain?
What are the dining and mealtime customs in Spain?
What should I know about visiting and hospitality in Spain?
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What do people do for fun in Spain?
What is the capital of Spain?
Where is Spain located?
What countries border Spain?
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Last reviewed 2026