Spain
Basic Facts
Official name Kingdom of Spain
Capital Madrid
Area 505,990 square kilometres
195,364 square miles
Administrative divisions (population)
Andalucía 7,173,549 (1997)
Aragón 1,176,614 (1997)
Asturias 1,063,141 (1997)
Baleares 735,058 (1997)
Canarias 1,583,277 (1997)
Cantabria 526,483 (1997)
Castilla-La Mancha 1,704,108 (1997)
Castilla-León 2,499,672 (1997)
Cataluña 6,060,674 (1997)
Ceuta 72,219 (1997)
Extremadura 1,079,214 (1997)
Galicia 2,718,502 (1997)
La Rioja 259,741 (1997)
Madrid 5,025,209 (1997)
Melilla 63,188 (1997)
Murcia 1,094,274 (1997)
Navarra 528,403 (1997)
Valenciano 3,926,871 (1997)
Vasco (Basque Country) 2,057,739 (1997)
Urban areas (population)
Madrid 2,866,850 (1996)
Barcelona 1,508,805 (1996)
Valencia 746,683 (1996)
Seville 697,487 (1996)
Saragossa 601,674 (1996)
Málaga 549,135 (1996)
Bilbao 358,875 (1996)
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 355,563 (1996)
Murcia 345,759 (1996)
Valladolid 319,805 (1996)
Córdoba 306,248 (1996)
Palma 304,250 (1996)
Vigo 286,774 (1996)
Alicante 274,577 (1996)
Gijón 264,381 (1996)
Hospitalet 255,050 (1996)
Granada 245,640 (1996)
Corunna 243,785 (1996)
Vitoria 214,234 (1996)
Badalona 210,987 (1996)
People
Population 39,133,996 (1998 Estimate)
Population growth
Population growth rate 0.08 per cent (1998)
Population density
77 persons per square kilometre
200 persons per square mile
Urbanization
Per cent urban 77 per cent (1997)
Per cent rural 23 per cent (1997)
Life expectancy
Total 77.6 years (1998)
Female 81.6 years (1998)
Male 73.8 years (1998)
Infant mortality rate
7 deaths per 1,000 live births (1998)
Literacy rate
Total 97.1 per cent (1995)
Female 96.1 per cent (1995)
Male 98.2 per cent (1995)
Ethnic divisions
Spanish 74 per cent
Catalan 16 per cent
Galician 8 per cent
Basque 2 per cent
Languages
Castilian Spanish
(official national language) 74 per cent
Catalán 16 per cent
Galician 8 per cent
Basque 2 per cent
Religions
Roman Catholic 97 per cent
Other 3 per cent
Government
Type of government Parliamentary monarchy
Independence
1492 (expulsion of the Moors and unification)
Constitution
6 December 1978, effective 29 December 1978
Voting rights Universal at age 18
Membership of international organizations
AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CAN (observer), CCC, CE, CERN, EBRD, EIB,
ESA, EU, FAO, G-24, G-8, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICC, ICCO, ICFTU, ICO,
ICPO/Interpol, ICRM, IEA, IFRCS, IJO, IMF, INRO, INTELSAT, IOC, IOM
(observer), ISO, ITTO, Inmarsat, LAIA (observer), MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest),
NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe, PCA, UN, UNESCO, WCL, WEU, WFTU, WHO, WToO,
WTrO, ZC
Economy
Gross domestic product (GDP) (US$)
532,034 million (1997)
GDP per capita (US$) 13,530 (1997)
GDP by economic sector
GDP, agriculture 3.5 per cent (1996)
GDP, industry 31.7 per cent (1994)
GDP, services 25.1 per cent (1996)
National budget (US$)
Total revenue 170,037 million (1995)
Total expenditure 205,766 million (1995)
Monetary unit*
1 peseta (Pta), consisting of 100 céntimos
*Exchange rate is linked to the Euro currency. It was set at 166.386 pesetas to 1 Euro
on December 31, 1998. The existing national currency will be replaced by the Euro in
2002.
Exports
Cars and trucks, semi-finished manufactured goods, iron and steel goods, food and
livestock, wine, tobacco, mineral products, chemicals, plastic and rubber products,
wood and paper products, textiles, footwear, machinery
Imports
Machinery, transport equipment, fuels, electrical equipment, food and livestock,
consumer goods, chemicals, minerals, plastics, rubber goods, hides and skins, wood
and paper products, textiles, building materials, precious and semi-precious stones,
precision instruments
Major trading partners for exports
France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Portugal, United States
Major trading partners for imports
France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Belgium, United States, Japan,
Industries
Textiles, footwear, food processing, wine, steel, metals, cement, chemicals,
shipbuilding, cars, machine tools, tourism
Agriculture
Major products: barley, wheat, maize, rice, potatoes, vegetables, olives, wine grapes,
sugar beet, sugar cane, citrus fruits; livestock products: beef, pork, poultry, dairy,
honey, wool, hides, eggs
Natural resources
Coal, petroleum, natural gas, lead, potash salts, fluorspar, salt, gypsum, iron ore,
copper, uranium, mercury, zinc, lead
Sources
Basic Facts and People
Area data are from the individual country statistical bureaus. Population, population
growth rate, infant mortality, and life expectancy data are from the United States
Census Bureau, International Programs Center; International database, 1998;
(www.census.gov). Population density data are from the individual country statistical
bureaus, and the United States Census Bureau, International Programs Center;
International database, 1998; (www.census.gov). Urban areas (city) population data
are from the individual country statistical bureaus. Literacy rate data are from the UN
Education, Science and Culture Organization (UNESCO) database, 1998;
(www.unesco.org). Urban and rural population data are from the Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN), FAOSTAT database,
1998; (www.fao.org). Ethnic divisions, languages, religions, government,
independence, constitution, and voting rights data are largely from the CIA 1995
World Factbook, CIA 1996 World Factbook, and CIA 1997 World Factbook.
Economy
Gross domestic product (GDP), GDP per capita, GDP by economic sectors, and
national budget data are from the International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (IBRD)/World Bank database, 1998; (www.worldbank.org).
Note: Due to rounding, totals may not add up to 100 per cent.
Population
The overwhelming majority of the people of Spain are Spanish, but there are some
distinctive ethnic groups, such as the Basque people. Non-Spanish residents include
Arabs and Greeks, and quite a few Britons have retired to Spain. Only two cities have
a population of more than 1 million: Madrid, the capital, has almost 2,866,850
inhabitants, and Barcelona about 1,508,805. About 77 per cent of total population is
classified as urban.
The importance of regionalism in Spain cannot be overstated; many Spaniards are as
proud of their region as they are of their country, and regional rivalry can be intense.
Language
Four languages are spoken in Spain. Castilian Spanish is the main language of
business and government and is understood by most of the population. Catalan is
spoken by about 17 per cent of the population, mostly in the northeastern corner,
down the coast to País Valenciano, and on the Balearic Islands. About 7 per cent of
the people speak Galician (in the northwest) and about 2 per cent speak Basque (in the
northern provinces bordering southwestern France). More and more people are
learning English, and many Spaniards know some French. In the eastern and southern
coastal areas, those whose livelihood depends on tourism may also speak some
German.
Religion
Since December 1978 there has been no official state religion. About 99 per cent of
the population is nominally Roman Catholic, and many aspects of Spanish life are still
influenced by Catholic traditions. Other Christians and Muslims make up most of the
other 1 per cent. There are also about 13,000 Spanish Jews.
Marriage and Family
The family is central to Spanish life. Today families tend to be small but links with
relatives remain close. The divorce rate is low. The man is traditionally considered to
be the head of the household, and the woman is responsible for caring for the house
and children. Today many women living in urban areas work outside the home.
Women account for about 36.5 per cent of the labour force.
Many people still seek parental approval before marrying, and long engagements are
normal whilst couples save enough money to be able to start married life in their own
home. The average age for men to marry is 27, while women marry between 20 and
24.
Diet and Eating
Breakfast is generally a light meal of bread and jam, or churros (pieces of dough made
of flour and butter, deep-fried and sprinkled with sugar) and coffee or hot chocolate.
For their midday and evening meals Spaniards enjoy a wide range of meats and fish,
salads and fruit, and cheeses. Adults usually drink wine with their meals, and children
drink mineral water or soft drinks. There is usually plenty of bread. Traditional
Spanish dishes include gazpacho (a cold soup of onions, peppers, tomatoes, and
garlic); paella (rice, saffron, chicken, seafood, and a variety of other items cooked and
served in a large, shallow pan); arroz negro (rice with squid ink); and cocido
(Castilian soup). Tapas (snacks), served in many bars, can be as simple as olives or
chunks of cheese, or as elaborate as meatballs in a spicy sauce. There is a rich variety
of regional dishes and local specialities. Spain is a leading producer of both high-
quality and table wines, and it is the home of sherry.
Traditionally, the main meal of the day is eaten at around 2 PM and the evening meal
at 9 PM or 10 PM. Many people have a merienda (snack), often a bocadillo
(sandwich) with a hot drink, at around 5 PM or 6 PM. At a formal dinner, the hosts
indicate the seating arrangements, and women and older people are seated first. Hands
(not elbows) are kept above the table and not placed in the lap during the meal. In
restaurants, a waiter is summoned by raising a hand.
Socializing
Spanish greetings include ¡Hola! (“Hello”), ¡Buenos días! (“Good morning”), and
¡Buenas tardes! (“Good afternoon”). When being introduced to someone, a Spaniard
might say Encantado de conocerle (“Delighted to meet you”). ¿Cómo está Usted?
(“How are you?”) can be answered with Bien, gracias (“Well, thank you”).
A handshake usually accompanies a greeting. Male friends often add a pat on the back
and, if they have not seen each other for some time, an abrazo (hug). Female friends
often kiss each other on both cheeks when greeting or parting. The use of first names
is not widespread, and it is still fairly common in business or when addressing older
people to use Señor (“Mr.”), Señora (“Mrs.”), or Señorita (“Miss”). In some areas, the
titles Don and Doña are used with the first name to show particular respect.
The Spanish often meet their friends in cafés or entertain in restaurants rather than in
their own homes. In general, people make arrangements before visiting, but the
Spanish are considerate hosts and anyone who drops in unannounced during a meal is
likely to be asked to join the others at the table. The invitation is usually out of
courtesy, and is refused with a ¡Que aproveche! (“Enjoy your meal”). When invited to
someone’s home for dinner, it is usual to bring flowers.
Recreation
The main spectator sport is soccer, which is followed with passion. The Spanish also
enjoy golf, basketball, tennis and, in certain regions, hunting, skiing, and fishing.
Bullfights still draw crowds. An important part of Spanish tradition, the bullfight is
far more than a mere spectator sport: fans applaud not only the bravery of the toreros
(bullfighters) but also their dexterity and artistry. Television and cinema are as
popular as anywhere in Europe. Drama, music, dance, and opera are well supported in
cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. The Spanish are also proud of their museums
and art galleries, which house works by Spanish artists such as Goya, Picasso, and
Velázquez. Cafés and bars are the main centres for socializing outside the home.
Holidays and Celebrations
The main three- or four-week holiday tends to be taken in July or August. Official
holidays include New Year’s Day (1 January); the Day of the Three Kings (6
January); the Feast of San José (19 March); Good Friday; Labour Day (1 May);
Corpus Christi; The King’s Birthday (24 June); Santiago Day (25 July); National Day
(12 October); All Saints’ Day (1 November); Constitution Day (6 December); the
feast of the Immaculate Conception (8 December), and Christmas Day (25
December). The Day of the Three Kings, or the Three Magi, is the day on which the
Spanish traditionally open Christmas gifts, commemorating the day that the Magi
presented their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus.
Fiestas (festivals) are an outstanding feature of Spanish life. They usually begin with
high mass followed by a solemn procession in which venerated images are carried on
the shoulders of the participants. Music, dancing, poetry, and singing often enliven
these colourful occasions. The fiesta at Valencia, the April fair in Seville, and the San
Fermín fiesta at Pamplona are three of the more important ones. By contrast, the feast
of Corpus Christi in Toledo and Granada, and the Holy Week observances in
Valladolid, Zamora, and Cuenca, are solemn affairs.
San Blas (Saint Blaise) is the patron saint of people suffering from throat afflictions.
On his feast day on 3 February, special loaves called panecillos del santo (“little
breads of the saint”) are baked. They are blessed at mass and children eat the loaves in
the hope of preventing themselves from choking in the coming year. San José (Saint
Joseph) is the patron saint of the poor and of carpenters. A week-long festival called
Fallas de San José (Bonfires of Saint Joseph) takes place in Valencia. Corpus Christi
is observed in honour of the Eucharist. There are elaborate processions through the
streets, with priests parading consecrated bread in monstrances. People dressed up as
characters from the Bible and various “saints” join the processions, which wind
through streets strewn with flowers. Santiago (Saint James) is the patron saint of
Spain.
Fine Arts
A number of great painters have lived and worked in Spain. Among the most famous
are El Greco, who is noted for his late 16th- and early 17th-century visionary
landscapes and religious scenes; Diego Velázquez, known for his depictions of the
17th-century Spanish court; Francisco Goya, whose work in the late 18th and early
19th centuries greatly influenced the development of modern art; Salvador Dali, the
surrealist artist; and Pablo Picasso, one of the world’s most prolific artists and a
dominant figure in 20th-century art.
Music
Centuries of contact with the Islamic cultures of North Africa have resulted in a
dynamic blend of European and Islamic elements that give Spanish folk music its
distinctive sound. The guitar, the most popular instrument in the country, was
probably also introduced to Spain by North African Arab cultures.
Many genres of Spanish folk music are closely linked to daily activities and to annual
festivals. Highly embellished work songs are performed by a solo singer to
accompany agricultural and domestic activities. Also sung solo in all regions of Spain
and Portugal are lullabies, often using repeated vocables (nonsense syllables) to
soothe children. Several types of religious song exist to commemorate important
Christian celebrations, such as Christmas and Holy Week, a reflection of the
importance of religion in Spanish culture. Other ritual music includes Christian and
Romany wedding songs and laments, typically sung by female mourners called
planideras. Music is also important in accompanying the dances of Spain. Some dance
styles, such as the jota, fandango, and flamenco, are widely known, while others
remain local traditions. The emotional and improvisational intensity of flamenco has
helped to make it Spain’s best-known dance form. Flamenco’s roots lie in Arab,
African, and Romany culture and, historically, one of the most significant traits of the
style has been its capacity to fuse elements from many musical cultures into a
dynamic whole. Such musical syntheses are seen today in nuevo flamenco, a new
style resulting from the blend of traditional flamenco with elements of jazz, pop, and
rock.
Libraries and Museums
The National Library in Madrid, founded in 1712 as the Royal Library, is the largest
in Spain. Rare books, maps, prints, and the magnificent Sala de Cervantes, devoted to
the writings of the great Spanish novelist Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, are among
the special collections of the library. The Library of the Royal Palace in Madrid has
many rare editions dating from the 16th century as well as fine collections of
manuscripts, engravings, and music. One of the most complete libraries in Spain is the
Madrid University Library. The Escorial Library near Madrid is known for its
collection of rare books. The Archives and Library of the Cathedral Chapter in Toledo
is famous for its collection of some 3,000 manuscripts dating from the 8th and 9th
centuries and more than 10,000 documents from the 11th century.
One of the greatest art collections in the world is in the Prado National Museum
(known as the Museo del Prado) in Madrid. The collection is particularly rich in
works by El Greco, Velázquez, Murillo, and Goya, and the Italian painters Botticelli
and Titian, and the Dutch painter Rembrandt. The National Museum of Modern Art in
Madrid specializes in Spanish painting after 1800.
Spanish pottery, brocades, tapestries, and ivory carvings are found in the National
Archaeological Museum in Madrid, which also houses the most notable library on
archaeology in the country. The National Ethnological Museum in Madrid contains
objects from former Spanish possessions, including Equatorial Guinea, the
Philippines, and Bolivia. Other museums in Madrid include the Natural Science
Museum and the Museum of the Spanish People. Situated in Barcelona are the
Maritime Museum and the Archaeological Museum, which has a large collection of
prehistoric, Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Visigoth, and Romanesque art.
Government
The monarch is head of state, but the executive head of government is the prime
minister. The bicameral parliament, called the Cortes Generales, is made up of the
Congress of Deputies and a senate, 208 of whose members are directly elected, with
each of the 17 autonomous regions also sending representatives. The Congress of
Deputies can have between 300 and 400 members but the number elected by
proportional representation at each election since democracy was restored in 1977 has
been 350. Each region has its own legislative assembly and a governing council. The
regions are themselves divided into provinces with responsibilities for local
government. The voting age is 18.
Recent History
Spain was politically neutral in World War I, a period that marked the growth of
republicanism, and King Alfonso XIII abdicated in 1931 after elections had produced
a republican majority. In 1936 civil war broke out between the Nationalists (led by
General Francisco Franco and supported by Fascists in Germany and Italy) and the
Republicans (supported by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics [USSR]). After a
brutal war in which some 750,000 people were killed, the Republicans surrendered in
1939. Franco assumed complete control of the government and ruled as a dictator
until 1975. When Franco died in 1975, Juan Carlos de Borbón y Borbón became King
Juan Carlos I. The following year a Political Reform Law was passed, and in 1977 the
first free elections in four decades were held. They were won by the Union of the
Democratic Centre (UCD). In 1981 an attempted coup failed, due largely to the
intervention of the king. In the 1982 elections, the UCD was defeated by the Spanish
Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) led by Felipe Gonzáles Márquez. Support for the
PSOE, however, has been on the decline in recent years. In the 1989 elections, it won
only half the seats in the Congress of Deputies. In the 1993 elections, it won even
fewer seats, although it remained the largest party. Gonzáles finally lost power in May
1996, when new prime minister Jose-Maria Aznar Lopez, the leader of the
conservative Popular party, put together a coalition with nationalist parties following
a general election.
In 1986 the country joined the European Community, now the European Union (EU).
Membership has affected many aspects of Spanish society, particularly its economy
and infrastructure.
The government continues to face the issue of Basque separatism in the northern part
of the country. Separatist rebels, members of the Basque Homeland and Freedom
(ETA) group, have killed several hundred people since the late 1960s, and clashes
between police and separatists are frequent. In 1997 the Spanish population displayed
increasing impatience and disapproval for ETA's violence. ETA increasingly targeted
members of the Popular party as its victims. In September 1998 ETA announced a
cease-fire, but the group warned that hostilities would resume if it was attacked, and it
maintained its demand for an independent state. Six weeks following the cease-fire,
the Spanish government announced its willingness to begin peace talks with groups
associated with ETA.
Economy
Since the mid-1950s, a programme of economic liberalization has helped to transform
the Spanish economy. During the 1960s and early 1970s, it grew by 9 per cent
annually. Membership of the European Community (now the European Union [EU])
in 1986 provided another boost. Spain's gross domestic product (GDP) is US$532
billion (1997), making the economy the 8th largest in the world and the 5th largest in
Europe. However, the country still lags behind in terms of living standards. The GDP
per capita is US$13,530 US dollars (1997), the 14th highest level in Europe and the
24th highest in the world. The country went into recession in 1992. Since then,
however, the economy has vastly improved. By 1997, the government had stepped up
economic liberalization and privatization, and the economy was growing even more
rapidly than anticipated.
Agriculture accounts for about 3.5 per cent (1996) of the GDP and employs about 12
per cent (1990) of the labour force. Products include grains, citrus and other fruits,
vegetables, and grapes (Spain is a leading wine producer). Industry accounts for about
31.7 per cent (1994) of the GDP. Sectors such as steel, shipbuilding, and textiles,
which were the motors of growth in the 1960s, have shrunk, while the manufacture of
electrical machinery, transport equipment, cars, and consumer goods has expanded.
Food processing is also important. Services now account for 25.1 per cent of the GDP
due to increased tourism and the liberalization and development of financial services.
The country is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
The currency is the peseta. Spain qualified in 1998 for inclusion in the first group of
countries to adopt the EU single currency, or euro. The exchange rate became linked
to the euro on 1 January 1999. Euro coins and bills will replace the peseta as the
national currency in 2002.
Transport and Communication
There are scheduled international air services to Madrid, Barcelona, and a number of
other airports, as well as thousands of charter flights to Spain from all over Europe.
The domestic air and railway networks provide links between the main cities. Buses
compete with rail services and operate in certain areas where rail services do not.
Within cities, buses, taxis, and private cars are the main methods of public transport.
Both Madrid and Barcelona have efficient underground railway systems. The
communication system is modern. There is a thriving national press and there are
many radio and television stations.
Education
School is compulsory fom age 6 number (1997) to 16 (1997), and an increasing
number of students pursue further education. There are more than 30 universities.
Health and Welfare
Public medical facilities in Spain are very good, but there is sometimes a long wait for
non-urgent procedures. Many people opt for private sector care in order to avoid such
a wait or because they believe they will receive more personalized care.
Location
Spain’s territory includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea and the
Canary Islands in the Atlantic.
Neighbours
Occupying the greater part of the Iberian Peninsula, Spain is bordered by water for
about 88 per cent of its periphery. The Bay of Biscay, France, and Andorra border
Spain on the north. The Mediterranean Sea is on the east and south. The Atlantic
Ocean lies on the south and west, and Portugal is also on the west. The British colony
of Gibraltar is situated at the southern extremity of Spain.
Area
505,990 square kilometres (195,364 square miles)
Size Comparison
More than twice the size of the United Kingdom
Topography
Spain occupies about 85 per cent of the Iberian Peninsula and is bordered by water for
about 88 per cent of its periphery. The long, unbroken mountain chain of the
Pyrenees, extending about 435 kilometres (270 miles) from the Bay of Biscay to the
Mediterranean Sea, forms the border with France on the north.
The most important topographical feature of Spain is the large, almost treeless central
plateau called the Meseta Central; it slopes generally downwards from north to south
and from east to west, with an average elevation of about 610 metres (2,000 feet)
above sea level. The tableland is divided into northern and southern sections by
irregular mountain ranges, or sierras, of which the most important are the Guadarrama
Mountains, the Gredos Mountains, and the Toledo Mountains.
Narrow valleys which are drained by rapid rivers are situated between many of the
mountains. The coastal plain is narrow, rarely as much as 32 kilometres (20 miles)
wide and in many areas broken by mountains that descend to the sea to form rocky
headlands, particularly along the Mediterranean coast. There are six principal
mountain chains. The highest peaks are the Aneto Peak (3,404 metres/11,168 feet) in
the Pyrenees and Mulhacén Peak (3,477 metres/11,407 feet) in the Sierra Nevada in
southern Spain. The highest point in Spain and its insular territories is Mount Teide
(3,715 metres/12,188 feet) on Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
Major Rivers And Lakes
The principal rivers of Spain generally flow along deep, rocky courses that they have
cut through the mountain valleys west and south to the Atlantic Ocean. The Rivers
Douro, Minho, Tagus, and Guadiana rise in Spain and flow through Portugal to the
Atlantic. The deepest river in Spain and the only one navigable for any length is the
Guadalquivir, which flows through fertile plains in the south. The Ebro, in northeast
Spain, flows into the Mediterranean Sea; it is navigable by small craft for only part of
its course. The rivers are a good source of electric power.
Climate
The climate of Spain is marked by extremes of temperature, except in the north, and
generally insufficient rainfall. The climate is agreeable along the coasts of the Bay of
Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean, where conditions are generally damp and cool. The
central plateau has summers so arid that nearly all the streams dry up, the earth
parches, and drought is common. Most of Spain receives less than 610 millimetres (24
inches) of precipitation per year; the northern mountains get considerably more
moisture. In Madrid, winter temperatures are sufficiently low to freeze surrounding
streams, while summer temperatures rise as high as 42°C (108°F). In contrast, the
southern Mediterranean coast has a subtropical climate. Málaga, in the extreme south,
has an average winter temperature of 14°C (57°F).
Environmental Issues
The mostly mountainous, semi-arid land of Spain is home to more than 5,000 species
of plants. Forests cover 16.8 per cent (1995) of the country, although this figure
includes plantations of pine and eucalyptus grown for soil stabilization and paper
pulp. Farmland makes up about 53 per cent of the country. Protected areas in Spain
include nine national parks, game reserves, and many smaller sites of special
conservation status, representing a total of about 8.4 per cent (1997) of the land.
Spain faces numerous environmental threats. Deforestation and the erosion and river
pollution that accompany it are major concerns. Other problems include the
encroachment of agriculture onto land designated as protected, desertification in badly
managed agricultural zones, and soil salinization in irrigated regions. Agricultural
productivity has improved in recent years, but partly as a result of increased use of
nitrogen fertilizers, which have in turn added to the problem of nitrates in rivers.
Tourism, an important source of Spain’s income, also produces environmental stress.
Badly planned developments threaten protected areas, and poor sewage- and water-
treatment facilities cause serious pollution, especially on the Mediterranean coast
during the summer months.
In April 1998, a serious toxic waste spill occurred as the result of a burst reservoir at
an iron ore mine in southern Spain. Attempts were made to divert the spillage from
Doñana N.P., a World Heritage Site and important wetland area, towards the
Guadalquivir River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. It was estimated that the
toxic mud from the spill threatened millions of birds and other wildlife. The black
toxic mud covered farms, fields, and orchards, causing farmers to suffer enormous
economic losses.
Spain generates its power from hydroelectricity, coal, and nuclear energy. Nuclear
plants supply more than one-third of the country’s energy, although the government is
committed to reducing the country’s dependence on nuclear energy by developing
alternative power sources.
Spain participates in the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, with 17 sites designated,
and in the World Heritage Convention, with two national parks recognized as World
Heritage Sites. Fourteen biosphere reserves have been set aside under the United
Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Man and the
Biosphere Program. Spain has ratified international environmental agreements
concerning Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Volatile
Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer,
Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, and Whaling. Regionally, Spain has designated
several protected areas for wild birds as part of the European Wild Bird Directive and
six protected marine sites under the Mediterranean Action Plan.