By: Addison Reynolds

BULL RUNNING ‘ROUND TOWN

Geography and Climate Spain occupies 85 % of the Iberian peninsula in Europe. Covering 194,897 square miles Much of central Spain is high plateau surrounded by low coastal plains. The northern coast enjoys moderate climates with frequent rainfall year-round. The southern and eastern coasts have a more moderate climate ,with long, dry summers Central Spain climate is characterized by long winters and hot summers The famous Pyrenees mountains are in the north. Other important mountain Ranges include the Iberian in the central part of the country and the Sierra Nevada in the south The Ebro ( 564 miles, and 910 kilometers ) is Spain’s longest river

A : Due to the geography of Spain, the kingdoms were usually localized, small and based on mountain ranges, or rivers, this helped to shape Spain’s history. Spain's perimeter is mountainous, the mountains generally rising from relatively narrow coastal plains. The country's interior is high plateau, or meseta. This affects their daily life because this geography naturally divides the country into hamlets, towns,and villages

Economy Economic conditions have improved since 1986

The GDP per capita is $30,400

Spain’s poverty rate is high compared to US(15%) with 19.8%

It is a developed country, but like any other countries has a lot of troubles.

There are areas of Spain, like Catalonia or Valencia which are more developed than other areas like Extremadura

A: The average salary of a skilled worker in Spain is much lower than it is for an American but their cost of living is also much lower. An average salary can be 30-60 % lower compared to a US salary but the expenses can be up to 75% lower.

Culture● Spain has four official languages, Castilian Spanish is the main language. The other

languages are Catalan ( spoken by 17% ), Galiccian ( 7% ), and Basque ( 2% ).

● Spain is a largely Roman Catholic nation. Catholic traditions like

baptisms, weddings, funerals, and family relationships are important to the citizens.

● Some of the most popular foods in Spain are fish, potatoes, rice, ham, cheese and sausage. Most Spaniards eat potatoes on a daily basis. Many of them also grow their

own fruits and vegetables.

● Traditional clothing includes bright colors, gold and silver thread, and gems.

THE DECLINE OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCTSpain’s recession worsened dramatically at the end of last year as the government made a push in order to meet deficit targets. Spain’s GDP fell by 0.8% over the final quarter of 2012,. The state’s spending was reduced and the public continued to lose jobs. The deficit dropped to 6.7% of GDP from last year's 8.9%. This number leaves the country just short of 6.3% which is the deficit target it had been set.

The government claimed the economy had touched bottom and would return to growth this year. Budget minister Cristóbal Montoro promised that, as Spain tried to meet this year's deficit target of 4.5% of GDP, there would be no more tax rises or spending cuts beyond those already in this year's budget.

This improved economic state helps all countries including the United States.

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