Spain is situated in south western Europe. It occupies part of the Iberian Peninsula
and is bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian
Sea. It also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary
Islands in the Atlantic and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla. Its total
surface area is 504,788 sq. kms. More
General information about Spain
Situation
Southwestern Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean Sea, North
Atlantic Ocean, and Pyrenees Mountains, southwest of France.
Coordinates: 40 00 N, 4 00 W.
Population
40,217,413 Inhabitants (July 2003 estimate).
Languages
Castilian Spanish (official) 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, Basque 2%.
Time Zone
PENINSULA AND BALEARIC ISLANDS:
GMT + 1 hour (in summer GMT + 2)
THE CANARY ISLANDS:
GMT (in summer GMT +1)
Religion
The Spanish Constitution guarantees religious freedom. Roman Catholic
94%, other 6%.
Electricity
220 volts AC
Measurement System
Decimal Metric System
Passports/Visas
To enter Spain it is necessary to show a valid passport or another document
adhering to international conventions and reciprocity criteria that verifies
the identity of the traveller. For citizens of Andorra, Austria, Liechtenstein,
Monaco, Switzerland and of those countries, belonging to the European
Economic Community, the presentation of a national identification document
is sufficient. For nationals of certain countries, and in function of
the duration of the visit, a visa is required. Inc case of doubt, consultation
at any Spanish Consulate is advisable. Travellers arriving by car must
have the so- called "Green Letter" that covers insurance costs
in case of accident, except for citizens of Sweden, Switzerland, Norway,
Austria or any EEC nation.
Customs
Travellers entering Spain may transport a series of personal items (such
as personal jewellery, cameras, viewfinders, musical instruments, portable
video and sound equipment, athletic gear, camping articles, etc) without
having to pay customs charges. Upon request, Spanish customs officials
will issue receipts to justify the entry into the country of any item.
For certain articles, such as cigarettes, cigars, perfume, wines and liquor,
maximum limits have been established, with customs fees required on surpassing
quantities.
There is no limit to the amount of Euros (€) tourists may bring into
Spain. Also permitted is the entry of cheques or vouchers issued against
foreign accounts in convertible Euros, as are travellers' cheques, with
no limits. Foreign currency can also be brought into Spain with no limits,
both banknotes and coins, providing they are of legal issue.
Currency
The Spanish currency is the Euro (€).
Coins and Banknotes
Banknote fractions are:
€ 5, € 10, € 20, € 50, € 100, € 200 and
€ 500.
Coins' fractions are:
€ 0.01, € 0.02, € 0.05, € 0.10, € 0.20, €
0.50, € 1 and € 2.
Currency Exchange
All bank branch offices offer foreign currency exchange services, as do
a considerable number of hotels and many travel agencies. Most hotels
and restaurants and many commercial establishments also accept the most
popular international credit cards and travellers cheques.
Pets
To bring pets into Spain, visitors must present at customs certificates
of origin and good health in keeping with international norms on such
matters, and signed by officially recognised veterinaries in the respective
country of origin. The date and nature of the vaccines administered
to the animal, especially anti-rabies vaccine, must appear on the certificate.
Many Spanish hotels permit dogs and cats under specific conditions.
The entrance of dogs and cats in restaurants is usually prohibited,
as is the case with many business establishments.
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