Welcome from the Kingdom of Spain!

The Kingdom of Spain, located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, is a country of remarkable ecological diversity and environmental richness. Home to over 8,000 plant species, including 2,000 endemic varieties, Spain ranks second in Europe for biodiversity. Spanning vast coastal wetlands, mountainous terrain, and dense forests, over 38% of its land is covered by forests, which have significantly expanded since the 1990s. Spain’s natural wealth supports efforts in conservation, such as the successful recovery of the Iberian lynx, a testament to the nation’s commitment to protecting its unique ecosystems.

Each region of Spain reveals its own ecological wonders: the wetlands of Doñana National Park, the rugged peaks of the Pyrenees, and the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands. Spain’s diverse climate, ranging from arid deserts to lush forests, provides habitats for a rich variety of wildlife. The country’s expansive coastline, stretching over 4,964 kilometers, includes vital marine ecosystems in both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, contributing to Spain’s global ecological footprint.Whether exploring the natural beauty of Spain’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserves or the flourishing wildlife in its national parks, visitors and residents alike are immersed in the captivating interplay between nature and human heritage. This is Spain…

Official Language: Spanish (Castilian Spanish) 

• Spanish is the official language – and the predominant native language – of the entire country. Six of Spain’s 17 autonomous communities have other co-official languages in addition to Spanish.
• Spain ranks third in the world for the highest number of Spanish speakers, following Mexico and the United States.
• About 22% of Spaniards speak English as a second language. English is the predominant language used to communicate with non-Spanish speaking foreigners.

Unique Spain Facts: Did You Know…?

• Spain’s strategic position on the Iberian Peninsula has long established it as a pivotal link between Europe and Africa, serving as an essential maritime and cultural intersection for centuries.  
• During the last ice age, glaciers covered most of Europe, but Spain’s southern location allowed its flora to thrive. Spain boasts over 8,000 plant species, 2,000 endemic. 
• Almost 38% of Spain’s surface area is covered in forest.
• Forests serves as a symbol of Spain’s ecological importance and ecological beauty. Forests cover 37.17% of the country’s land area, a 33% increase over its 1990 forest area.
• The Iberian lynx’s recovery is a success story of Spain’s conservation efforts. Once on the brink of extinction, its rebound is due to dedicated programs in Spain aimed at habitat preservation, breeding, and reintroduction. 
• Spain’s coastline stretches over 4,964 km (3,084 miles), bordering the Atlantic Ocean to its north and southwest, the Mediterranean Sea to its south and east, and the Bay of Biscay to its northeast.
• One of Europe’s most mountainous countries and bordered primarily by sea and ocean, Spain boasts a remarkable variety of landscapes ranging from the sun-drenched Costa del Sol beaches, arid deserts and abundant forests to the majestic Pyrenees mountains.
• Spain’s rainfall varies dramatically with “wet” regions like La Coruña getting over 39 inches annually, while “dry” areas like Zaragoza receive under 12 inches.
• Spain ranks second in Europe for biodiversity, housing a wealth of species unique to the Mediterranean Basin.
• Spain has the second highest number of UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserves in the world.
• The Barbary Macaque – Europe’s only free-living monkeys – live on Gibraltar, a narrow peninsula of Spain’s southern Mediterranean coast. Though on Spain’s soil, Gibraltar is technically a British territory.

• The Dragon Tree of the Canary Islands is native is famous for its mythical “dragon’s blood” sap and the legend that when dragons die they become trees. It was considered a divine tree by the early inhabitants of the islands.
• Bullfighting, an historical moniker of Spain with roots dating back to 711 CE, today draws intense opposition and support from both local citizens and tourists.  Bullfighting itself originated around 2000 BCE as a form of bull worship and sacrifice in Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean region.
• Spain ranks second in Europe for biodiversity and is home to over 8,000 plant species, 2,000 of which are endemic. Conservation efforts have led to the recovery of endangered species, such as the Iberian lynx, showcasing Spain’s commitment to protecting its unique ecosystems.
• Nearly 38% of Spain’s surface area is covered in forests, with a significant 33% increase since 1990. This highlights the country’s ecological richness and success in forest regeneration and environmental stewardship.
• Nearly 38% of Spain’s surface area is covered in forests, with a significant 33% increase since 1990. This highlights the country’s ecological richness and success in forest regeneration and environmental stewardship.

• Spain showcases a variety of climates, from the lush wetlands of Doñana National Park to the arid deserts and towering peaks of the Pyrenees. These diverse ecosystems provide habitats for a vast range of wildlife, making Spain one of Europe’s ecological hotspots.
• Spain has the second highest number of UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserves in the world, further underlining its global significance in ecological preservation and the balance between human activity and natural ecosystems.