Moving to Spain: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

47,280,433

Population Growth Rate

0.12%

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

• 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

Population: Male/Female

• male: 23,069,327
• female: 24,211,106

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Age Structure

• 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)

Median Age

• total: 46.8 years
• male: 45.7 years
• female: 47.8 years

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

7

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

10

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

1.3

Gross reproduction rate

1

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

62.1%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

62.1%

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

50.1%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

31.2

Mother's mean age at first birth

31.2

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

• birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14
• years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64
• years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and
• over: 0.76 male(s)/female total
• population: 0.95 male(s)/female

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

4.1

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

Nationality Noun

• noun: Spaniard(s)
• adjective: Spanish

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Literacy - total population

98.6%

Literacy - male

99%

Literacy - female

98.2%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

4.6%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

• total: 18 years
• male: 18 years
• female: 19 years

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Life Expectancy at Birth

• population: 83 years
• male: 80.3 years
• female: 85.8 years

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

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

• total: 2.4 deaths/1,000 live births
• male: 2.7 deaths/1,000 live births
• female: 2.1 deaths/1,000 live births

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

3

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

4.44

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

3

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

10.7%

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

23.8%

Tobacco Use

• total: 27.7%
• male: 28.6%
• female: 26.7%

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

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

• improved: urban: 99.9% of population
• rural: 100% of population
• total: 99.9% of population
• unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population
• rural: 0% of population
• total: 0.1% of population

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

• improved: urban: 100% of population
• rural: 100% of population
• total: 100% of population
• unimproved: urban: 0% of population
• rural: 0% of population
• total: 0% of population

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Economic Overview

• Growth: Spain is one of the largest economies in Europe and the world. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Spain had experienced several years of economic growth. However, the pandemic had a significant impact on the country's economy, causing a contraction in GDP in 2020. Recovery efforts were underway in 2021.
• Unemployment: Spain has historically struggled with high unemployment rates, particularly among its youth. In 2020, the pandemic worsened this issue, but the government introduced measures to support employment and job retention.
• Tourism: Tourism is a critical sector of the Spanish economy. Spain is a top tourist destination globally, but the pandemic severely affected this industry in 2020 and 2021. As international travel gradually resumes, Spain's tourism sector is expected to recover, although the timing and pace may vary. Exports and
• Imports: Spain is a significant exporter of goods and services, with key exports including machinery, vehicles, agricultural products, and chemicals. The European Union is a major trading partner. Imports consist of machinery, equipment, fuels, and consumer goods. Government
• Debt: Spain's government debt had increased due to stimulus measures taken during the pandemic. The government has focused on fiscal consolidation and implementing structural reforms to improve economic resilience. Banking
• Sector: The Spanish banking sector underwent significant reforms after the 2008 financial crisis. It has become more stable and resilient, with stronger regulations in place. Foreign
• Investment: Spain has attracted foreign investment in various sectors, including renewable energy, real estate, and technology. The country's location, infrastructure, and a skilled workforce make it appealing to foreign investors. Energy
• Transition: Spain has been investing in renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. The government aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a more sustainable energy system. Political
• Stability: Spain is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. While political stability has generally been maintained, regional issues, like the Catalonia independence movement, have occasionally caused tensions. COVID-19
• Impact: Like many countries, Spain faced challenges due to the pandemic, including economic disruption, job losses, and increased government spending on healthcare and stimulus measures. Vaccination campaigns have been underway to mitigate the impact. EU Recovery
• Fund: Spain is a recipient of funds from the European Union's Recovery and Resilience Facility, which is intended to support post-pandemic economic recovery and long-term resilience. These funds are expected to be used for various projects and reforms.

Industries

textiles and apparel (including footwear), food and beverages, metals and metal manufactures, chemicals, shipbuilding, automobiles, machine tools, tourism, clay and refractory products, footwear, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$35,200.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

3.1%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$1,714,860,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$35,200.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

3.1%

GDP - official exchange rate

$1,221,000,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 58.8% government
• consumption: 18.7% investment in fixed
• capital: 19.3% investment in
• inventories: 0.3% exports of goods and
• services: 32.2% imports of goods and
• services: -29.3%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

2.5%

GDP by Sector- Industry

22.7%

GDP by Sector- services

74.8%

Industrial Growth Rate

5.9%

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Inflation Rate

2.4%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

euro (EUR)

Currency Name and Code

Euro (EUR)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

8%

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Labor Force

23,110,000

Unemployment Rate

26%

Major Industries

textiles and apparel (including footwear), food and beverages, metals and metal manufactures, chemicals, shipbuilding, automobiles, machine tools, tourism, clay and refractory products, footwear, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment

Agriculture Products

• grain, vegetables, olives, wine grapes, sugar beets, citrus
• beef, pork, poultry, dairy products
• fish

Population Below Poverty Line

21.1%

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

4.2%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

24%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

71.7%

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Annual Budget

$485,100,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

85.3%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-6.8%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

37.1%

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Full Country Name

Kingdom of Spain

Country Name

Spain

Local - Long

Reino de Espana

Local - Short

Espana

Etymology- history of name

derivation of the name "Espana" is uncertain, but may come from the Phoenician term "span," related to the word "spy," meaning "to forge metals," so, "i-spn-ya" would mean "place where metals are forged"

the ancient Phoenicians long exploited the Iberian Peninsula for its mineral wealth

Independence

• 1492
• the Iberian peninsula was characterized by a variety of independent kingdoms prior to the Muslim 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 immediately, culminating in the seizure of Granada in 1492
• this event completed the unification of several kingdoms and is traditionally considered the forging of present-day Spain

National Holiday

National Day (Hispanic Day), 12 October (1492); note - commemorates the arrival of COLUMBUS in the Americas

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Government Type

parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Constitution

• history: several previous; latest approved by the General Courts 31 October 1978, passed by referendum 6 December 1978, signed by the king 27 December 1978, effective 29 December 1978
• amendments: proposed by the government, by the General Courts (the Congress or the Senate), or by the self-governing communities submitted through the government; passage requires three-fifths majority vote by both houses and passage by referendum if requested by one tenth of the members of either house; proposals disapproved by both houses are submitted to a joint committee, which submits an agreed upon text for another vote; passage requires two-thirds majority vote in Congress and simple majority vote in the Senate; amended 1992, 2011

Legal System:

civil law system with regional variations

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: King FELIPE VI (since 19 June 2014); Heir Apparent Princess LEONOR, Princess of Asturias (daughter of the monarch, born 31 October 2005)
• head of government: President of the Government of Spain (prime minister-equivalent) Pedro SANCHEZ PEREZ-CASTEJON (since 2 June 2018); Vice President Nadia Maria CALVINO Santamaria (since 12 July 2021)
• cabinet: Council of Ministers designated by the president
• elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the monarch usually proposes as president the leader of the majority party or coalition, who is then indirectly elected by the Congress of Deputies; election last held on 23 July 2023 (next to be held on 31 July 2027); vice president and Council of Ministers appointed by the president
• election results: Congress of Deputies vote - NA
• note: there is also a Council of State that is the supreme consultative organ of the government, but its recommendations are non-binding

Legislative Branch:

• Description: bicameral General Courts or Las Cortes Generales consists of: Senate or Senado (265 seats; 208 members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 57 members indirectly elected by the legislatures of the autonomous communities; members serve 4-year terms) Congress of Deputies or Congreso de los Diputados (350 seats; 348 members directly elected in 50 multi-seat constituencies by closed-list proportional representation vote, with a 3% threshold needed to gain a seat, and 2 directly elected from the North African Ceuta and Melilla enclaves by simple majority vote; members serve 4-year terms or until the government is dissolved)
• Elections: - Senate - last held on 23 July 2023 (next to be held no later than July 2027) Congress of Deputies - last held on 23 July 2023 (next to be held no later than July 2027)
• Election Results: - Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PP 120, PSOE 72, ERC 7, PNV 4, other 5; composition as of February 2024 - men 153, women 112; percentage women 42.3% Congress of Deputies - percent of vote by party - PP 33.1%, PSOE 31.7%, Vox 12.4%, Sumar 12.3%, ERC 1.7%, Junts 1.6%, EH-Bildu 1.4%, PNV 1.1% other 4.7%; seats by party - PP 137, PSOE 121, Vox 33, Sumar 31, ERC 7, Junts 7, EH-Bildu 6, PNV 5, other 3; composition as of February 2024 - men 195, women 155, percentage women 44.3%; total General Courts percentage women 42%

Judicial Branch:

• office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the monarch from candidates proposed by the General Council of the Judiciary Power, a 20-member governing board chaired by the monarch that includes presidential appointees, lawyers, and jurists confirmed by the National Assembly; judges can serve until age 70; Constitutional Court judges nominated by the National Assembly, executive branch, and the General Council of the Judiciary, and appointed by the monarch for 9-year terms
• subordinate courts: National High Court; High Courts of Justice (in each of the autonomous communities); provincial courts; courts of first instance

Regions or States:

17 autonomous communities (comunidades autonomas, singular - comunidad autonoma) and 2 autonomous cities* (ciudades autonomas, singular - ciudad autonoma); Andalucia; Aragon; Asturias; Canarias (Canary Islands); Cantabria; Castilla-La Mancha; Castilla-Leon; Cataluna (Castilian), Catalunya (Catalan), Catalonha (Aranese) [Catalonia]; Ceuta*; Comunidad Valenciana (Castilian), Comunitat Valenciana (Valencian) [Valencian Community]; Extremadura; Galicia; Illes Baleares (Balearic Islands); La Rioja; Madrid; Melilla*; Murcia; Navarra (Castilian), Nafarroa (Basque) [Navarre]; Pais Vasco (Castilian), Euskadi (Basque) [Basque Country] note: the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla plus three small islands of Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera, administered directly by the Spanish central government, are all along the coast of Morocco and are collectively referred to as Places of Sovereignty (Plazas de Soberania)

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Asturias Forum or FAC [Carmen MORIYON]
• Basque Country Unite (Euskal Herria Bildu) or EH Bildu [Arnaldo OTEGI] (coalition of 4 Basque pro-independence parties)
• Basque Nationalist Party or PNV or EAJ [Andoni ORTUZAR]
• Canarian Coalition or CC [Fernando Clavijo BATLLE] (coalition of 5 parties)
• Ciudadanos Party (Citizens Party) or Cs [Adrian Vazquez LAZARA]
• Compromis - Compromise Coalition [Enric MORERA i Català]
• Navarrese People's Union or UPN [Javier ESPARZA]
• Together for Catalonia or Junts [Carles PUIGDEMONT]
• People's Party or PP [Alberto Nunez FEIJOO]
• Republican Left of Catalonia or ERC [Oriol JUNQUERAS]
• Spanish Socialist Workers Party or PSOE [Pedro SANCHEZ]
• Teruel Existe or TE [Tomas GUITARTE]
• Unidas (Unite) or Sumar [Yolanda Diaz] (electoral coalition formed in March 2022) (formerly Unidas Podemos or UP)
• Vox or VOX [Santiago ABASCAL]

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Spain dual citizenship
• recognized: only with select Latin American countries residency requirement for
• naturalization: 10 years for persons with no ties to Spain

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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)

Daylight Savings Time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

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International Organization Participation:

• ADB (nonregional member)
• AfDB (nonregional member)
• Arctic Council (observer)
• Australia Group
• BCIE
• BIS
• CABEI
• CAN (observer)
• CBSS (observer)
• CD
• CE
• CERN
• EAPC
• EBRD
• ECB
• EIB
• EITI (implementing country)
• EMU
• ESA
• EU
• FAO
• FATF
• IADB
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (national committees)
• ICCt
• ICRM
• IDA
• IEA
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• IHO
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• IMSO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO
• ITSO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• LAIA (observer)
• MIGA
• NATO
• NEA
• NSG
• OAS (observer)
• OECD
• OPCW
• OSCE
• Pacific Alliance (observer)
• Paris Club
• PCA
• PIF (partner)
• Schengen Convention
• SELEC (observer)
• SICA (observer)
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNHCR
• UNIDO
• UNIFIL
• Union Latina
• UNOCI
• UNOOSA
• UNRWA
• UNWTO
• UPU
• Wassenaar Arrangement
• WCO
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO
• ZC

International Law Organization Participation:

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Julissa REYNOSO (since 2 February 2022); note - also accredited to Andorra
• Embassy: Calle de Serrano, 75, 28006 Madrid
• Mailing Address: 8500 Madrid Place, Washington DC 20521-8500
• Telephone: [34] (91) 587-2200
• FAX: [34] (91) 587-2303
• Email: askACS@state.gov
• Website: https://es.usembassy.gov/
• Consulate(s) General: Barcelona

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Ángeles MORENO Bau (since 27 February 2024)
• Chancery: 2375 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037
• Telephone: [1] (202) 452-0100
• FAX: [1] (202) 833-5670
• Email: emb.washington@maec.es
• Website: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/washington/en/Paginas/index.aspx
• Consulate(s) General: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

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Geographic Location

Europe

Geographic Coordinates

40 00 N, 4 00 W

Total Area

195,123 Square Miles 505,370 Square Kilometers

Land Area

192,656 Square Miles 498,980 Square Kilometers

Water Area

2,467 Square Miles 6,390 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

1,192 Miles 1,918 Kilometers

Border Countries

Andorra 63.7 km, France 623 km, Gibraltar 1.2 km, Portugal 1,214 km, Morocco (Ceuta) 6.3 km, Morocco (Melilla) 9.6 km

Coastline

3,084 Miles 4,964 Kilometers

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Terrain

large, flat to dissected plateau surrounded by rugged hills; Pyrenees Mountains in north

Highest Point

3,718 Meters

Highest Point Location

Pico de Teide (Tenerife) on Canary Islands 3,718 m

Lowest Point Location

Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources

coal, lignite, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, uranium, tungsten, mercury, pyrites, magnesite, fluorspar, gypsum, sepiolite, kaolin, potash, hydropower, arable land

Irrigated Land

13,398 Square Miles 34,700 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

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)

Daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

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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.

Terrain

large, flat to dissected plateau surrounded by rugged hills; Pyrenees Mountains in north

Location

Southwestern Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, Bay of Biscay, and Pyrenees Mountains

southwest of France

Total Area

195,123 Square Miles 505,370 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Andorra 63.7 km, France 623 km, Gibraltar 1.2 km, Portugal 1,214 km, Morocco (Ceuta) 6.3 km, Morocco (Melilla) 9.6 km

Environment - Current 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

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

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Exports

$303,800,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$322,700,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

machinery, motor vehicles; foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, medicines, other consumer goods

Major Imports

machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals, semifinished goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods, measuring and medical control instruments

Top Export Partners

France 17.8%, Germany 10.6%, Portugal 8.3%, Italy 8.3%, UK 6.7%

Top Import Partners

Germany 13%, France 11.8%, Italy 6.7%, China 5.8%, Netherlands 5%, UK 4.5%

Export Partners

France 17.8%, Germany 10.6%, Portugal 8.3%, Italy 8.3%, UK 6.7%

Import Partners

Germany 13%, France 11.8%, Italy 6.7%, China 5.8%, Netherlands 5%, UK 4.5%

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Country Description

Spain and Andorra are both advanced, stable democracies with modern economies.

Spain is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union.

Safety & Security

Spain and Andorra share with the rest of the world an increased threat of international terrorist incidents.

Like other countries in the Schengen area, Spain's open borders with its Western European neighbors allow the possibility of terrorist groups entering and exiting the country with anonymity.

Spain’s proximity to North Africa makes it vulnerable to attack from al-Qa’ida terrorists in the Maghreb region.

We remind U.S. citizens to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution at all times.

In March 2004, Islamist extremists bombed four commuter trains entering Madrid, causing 191 deaths and over 1,400 injuries.

Spanish authorities tried the suspected terrorists and their co-conspirators in February 2007 and they were convicted in October 2007.

In 2011, the Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) terrorist organization publicly announced a “definitive cessation of armed activity.” While recent arrests have seriously weakened the organization, and despite the announcement, ETA remains a threat and has not disarmed or disbanded.

ETA has historically avoided targeting foreigners, instead directing their attacks against the police, military, local politicians, and Spanish government targets as well as towards disrupting transportation and daily life.

However, foreigners have been killed or injured collaterally in ETA attacks, and the risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time in event of an ETA action is a concern for foreign visitors and tourists.

Two Ecuadorian nationals were killed in a bombing at the Barajas Airport in Madrid in 2006, and 17 students were injured, including one U.S. citizen, in a bombing at the University of Navarre in 2008.

U.S. citizen tourists traveling to Spain should remain vigilant, exercise caution, monitor local developments, and avoid demonstrations and other potentially violent situations.

Bombings outside the Basque Country in Burgos and Palma de Mallorca in July 2009 underscore the importance of being vigilant.

Though extortion threats have recently ceased in the Basque region, bombs have been used as part of criminal extortion of businesses in the past.

Prior police approval is required for all public demonstrations in Spain, and police are present to ensure adequate security for participants and passers-by.

Nonetheless, spontaneous demonstrations do take place in Spain from time to time in response to world events or local developments.

Even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can become unpredictable and even violent; you should avoid them if at all possible.

Be alert and aware of your surroundings, and pay attention to what the local news media have to say.

In general, larger public demonstrations are announced on the Demonstrations page on the U.S.

Embassy Madrid website.

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Crime

Andorra has a low rate of crime.

While most of Spain has a moderate rate of crime and most of the estimated one million U.S. citizen tourists have trouble-free visits to Spain each year, street crimes against tourists occur in the principal tourist areas.

Madrid and Barcelona, in particular, report incidents of pick-pocketing, mugging, and occasional violent attacks, some of which require the victim to seek medical attention.

Criminals tend to frequent tourist areas and major attractions such as museums, monuments, restaurants, outdoor cafes, Internet cafes, hotel lobbies, beach resorts, city buses, subways, trains, train stations, airports, and ATMs.

In Madrid, incidents have been reported in all major tourist areas, including the area near the Prado Museum, near Atocha train station, in Retiro Park, in areas of old Madrid including near the Royal Palace, and in Plaza Mayor.

There have been a number of passport and bag thefts reported at Barajas Airport, local hotels, as well as in El Rastro (Madrid’s flea market) and in the Metro.

In Barcelona, the largest number of incidents reported also occurred in major tourist areas--on Las Ramblas, El Prat Airport, Sants train station, inside Metro stations, in the Sagrada Familia Area, in the Gothic Quarter, in Park Güell, in Plaza Real, and along Barcelona’s beaches.

There have been a number of thefts reported at the Port Olimpic Area and nearby beaches.

Travelers should remain alert to their personal security and exercise caution.

We suggest that travelers carry limited cash, only one credit card, and a copy of their passport; leaving extra cash, extra credit cards, passports and personal documents in a safe location.

Be especially careful in crowds.

Avoid placing passports, cash or other valuables in the outer pockets of backpacks or purses.

Pickpockets often use the cover of a crowd to rob unsuspecting tourists and visitors.

Do not leave belongings unattended in public areas.

Do not put purses on the floor or on the backs of chairs at restaurants.

Keep valuable belongings within sight and within easy reach at all times in public areas to reduce the risk of theft.

Thieves often work in teams of two or more people using tactics limited only by their own creativity and imagination.

In many cases, one person distracts a victim while the accomplices perform the robbery.

For example, someone might wave a map in your face and ask for directions, ”inadvertently” spill something on you, or help you clean up bird droppings thrown on you by a third unseen accomplice.

While your attention is diverted, an accomplice makes off with your valuables.

Thieves may drop coins or keys at your feet to distract you and try to take your belongings while you are trying to help.

Physical assaults rarely happen.

In the past, such attacks were initiated from behind, with the victim being grabbed around the neck and choked by one assailant while others rifle through or grab the belongings.

A group of assailants may surround the victim in a crowded popular tourist area or on public transportation, and only after the group has departed does the person discover he/she has been robbed.

Purse snatchers may grab purses or wallets and run away, or immediately pass the stolen item to an accomplice.

A passenger on a passing motorcycle sometimes robs pedestrians.

There have been reports of thieves posing as plainclothes police officers, beckoning to pedestrians from cars and sometimes confronting them on the street asking for documents, or to inspect their cash for counterfeit bills, which they ultimately confiscate as “evidence.” The U.S.

Embassy in Madrid has received reports of cars on limited access motorways being pulled over by supposed unmarked police cars.

The Spanish police do not operate in this fashion.

We encourage U.S. citizens to ask for a uniformed law enforcement officer if approached.

Theft from vehicles is also common. “Good Samaritan" scams are unfortunately common, where a passing car or helpful str

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Spain and Andorra, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own and criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

In Spain, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States.

You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Spain and Andorra, your U.S. passport or citizenship won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go.

Persons violating the laws of Spain and Andorra, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Spain and Andorra are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

The cities of Madrid and Barcelona and the Balearic Islands regional government have banned the consumption of alcohol in the street, other than in registered street cafes and bars.

Visitors to Madrid, Barcelona, Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca should be aware that failure to respect this law might result in the imposition of fines.

Throughout Spain and Andorra, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

Spain takes illegal immigration seriously and police may stop people to ask for identification and proof of legal status.

We recommend that you carry a copy of your U.S. passport at all times.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case here.

To ensure that the United States Government is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

Languages 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,

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Medical Facilities

Good medical care is available in both Spain and Andorra.

Regulations regarding medications may vary from those in the United States.

Spanish regulations do not permit the international shipment of medication, so please do not ship medication from the United States to Spain.

U.S. citizens who plan a lengthy trip to Spain should bring their medication or obtain a prescription for that medication from a Spanish physician.

Traffic Safety

While in Spain and Andorra, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

Traffic in Madrid and Barcelona is faster paced than in U.S. cities and can be unnerving because of unfamiliar signs or motorbikes weaving between traffic lanes.

Drivers should always obey the traffic light located at their stop line, as there are separate traffic lights for each side of the intersection.

For example, the traffic light at the stop line of an intersection may be red, but across the intersection the light may be green, allowing for right/left hand turns only.

An amber flashing light indicates that drivers must yield to pedestrians.

Drivers should be alert when driving at night in urban areas because of the possibility of encountering drivers or pedestrians under the influence of alcohol.

Night driving in isolated rural areas can be dangerous because of farm animals and poorly marked roads.

Rural traffic is generally heavier in July and August as well as during the Christmas and Easter seasons.

Traffic regulations in effect in Spain include the prohibition on the use of a mobile phone without a hands-free device while driving a car.

There is a fine of 300 euros for violation of this regulation and loss of driving privileges.

In addition, all drivers and passengers are required to carry a reflective vest and put it on if they need to stop on the roadside.

A reflective triangle warning sign for a vehicle stopped on the side of the road is also mandatory.

Liability insurance, at a minimum, is also required to legally operate any car or motorcycle.

Those renting vehicles are encouraged to check with the rental company about traffic regulations and safety equipment.

U.S. citizen tourists must obtain International Driving Permits prior to their arrival if they plan to drive in Spain.

Those Permits are only valid for one year.

You are not allowed to drive on your U.S. license.

While rental car companies may rent a vehicle to you without the International Driving Permit, this is illegal and, if pulled over for a traffic violation, your rental car may be detained and towed to the nearest impound lot.

Pedestrians should use designated crossing areas when crossing streets and obey traffic lights.

One of the facets of Spanish traffic laws that many U.S. citizens find troublesome is traffic stops by the Spanish National Police or the Guardia Civil.

Unlike in the United States, where drivers receive traffic tickets and then pay the court via mail or in person, Spanish police authorities may levy fines on the spot and issue a receipt for the payment.

This is done to ensure the traffic fine is paid by foreigners who rarely come back to Spain to pay the fine.

Public transportation in large Spanish cities is generally excellent.

All major cities have metered taxis, in which extra charges must be posted in the vehicle.

We advise travelers to use only clearly identified cabs and to ensure that taxi drivers always switch on the meter.

A green light on the roof indicates that the taxi is available.

If you have a problem or suspect you are being over charged, ask for an official receipt.

The license number for the taxi should be located in a metal plaque by the passenger window.

This number identifies a specific taxi and can prove useful in the event of forgotten property or if you decide to file a complaint.

Rail service is comfortable and reliable, but varies in quality and speed.

Intercity buses are usually comfortable and inexpensive.

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Airports - total

150

Airports with Paved Runways

99

Heliports

10

Railways

9,503 Miles 15,293 Kilometers

Roadways- total

424,505 Miles 683,175 Kilometers

Waterways

621 Miles 1,000 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Algeciras, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cartagena, Huelva, Tarragona, Valencia (Spain); Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands)

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Pipelines: Gas

6,513 Miles 10,481 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil

383 Miles 616 Kilometers

Pipelines: Refined Products

2,151 Miles 3,461 Kilometers

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Telephones

19,867,000

Cell Phones

52,598,000

Internet Users

28,119,000

Internet Country Code

.es

Internet Hosts

4,228,000

Broadcast Media

• a mixture of both publicly operated and privately owned TV and radio stations
• overall, hundreds of TV channels are available including national, regional, local, public, and international channels
• satellite and cable TV systems available
• multiple national radio networks, a large number of regional radio networks, and a larger number of local radio stations
• overall, hundreds of radio stations

Telephone System

• assessment: well-developed, modern facilities; fixed-line teledensity exceeds 40 per 100 persons
• domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 150 telephones per 100 persons
• international: country code - 34; submarine cables provide connectivity to Europe, Middle East, Asia, and US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), NA Eutelsat; tropospheric scatter to adjacent countries

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

249,700,000,000

Electricity Exports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

13,520,000,000

Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

5,169,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

279,600,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

35,820,000,000

Natural Gas Exports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

4,414,000,000

Natural Gas Imports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

36,750,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

61,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

2,548,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

1,384,000

Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

1,061,000

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

12,090

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

150,000,000

Anthem History

La Marcha Real (English: The Royal March) is the national anthem of Spain. La Marcha Real has no lyrics