Spain occupies 85% of the Iberian Peninsula, which it shares
with Portugal, in southwest Europe.Africa is less than 10 mi (16 km) south at the Strait of Gibraltar.A broad central plateau slopes to the south and east, crossed by a series of mountain ranges and river valleys.Principal rivers are the Ebro in the northeast, the Tajo in the central region, and the Guadalquivir in the south.
Spain is a European country located
on the Iberian Peninsula in the Mediterranean region, making it a bridge between Europe and Africa.The country has a long and rich cultural history and boasts a wide variety of terrain including beaches, pastures, mountains, and desert- like areas.Known for art, music, cuisine and other cultural activities, Spain is also a leader in renewable energy development, particularly in the areas of solar power and wind energy.In addition, Spain has a goal to
replace one million cars
with electric vehicles by 2014. Spain also produces nearly half of the world’
s olives.
Climate
Spain has one of the warmest climates in Europe. Although the country experiences all four seasons, the overall climate is very mild, with winter temperatures often rising to 15 degrees C during the day. Temperatures in Madrid are usually 25-36 degrees C in the summer and 9-15 degrees C in the winter.
Culture
Spanish culture emphasizes the arts and healthy cuisine inspired by Mediterranean foods such as olive oil. Castilian Spanish is the official language, but several other Spanish dialects are also recognized throughout the country. Regional identities are very strong in some parts of the country.
Spanish nightlife is known for continuing well into the next morning. A typical evening might
begin with dinner and drinks or a movie followed by a trip to a bar or disco. There are many all-night discos and after-hours clubs where festivities can continue into the next day.
Cost of Living
Spain has one of the lowest costs of living in Europe, with rent and food costing about €
800 per month. To help with defraying expenses, international students are allowed to work for up to 20 hours a week.