Country Information
Sovereign State | Yes |
Country Codes | ES, ESP, 724 |
Official Name | Kingdom of Spain |
Continent | Europe |
Capital | Madrid |
Government Type | Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy |
Currency | Euro (EUR) |
Calling Code | +34 |
Member Of | United Nations, European Union, NATO, WTO, OECD, World Bank, IMF |
Population | Approximately 47 million |
Total Area | 505,990 km² |
Highest Point | Mount Teide (3,718 meters, 12,198 feet) – Located in the Canary Islands |
Lowest Point | Atlantic Ocean (0 meters, 0 feet) |
GDP Per Capita | USD 29,600 |
Life Expectancy | 83 years |
Internet TLD | .es |
Spain National Anthem
La Marcha Real (The Royal March)
- Spain’s national anthem the La Marcha Real is one of the few national anthems in the world that does not have official lyrics.
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the Spain Flag
The national flag of Spain, known as the “Roja y Gualda” (Red and Yellow), was officially adopted on December 6, 1978, with the approval of the Spanish Constitution. The flag’s origins, however, date back to the 18th century.
The flag features three horizontal bands of red, yellow, and red, with the yellow band being twice the size of each red band. Emblazoned on the left side of the yellow band is the national coat of arms. This coat of arms includes the royal seal, flanked by the Pillars of Hercules, which represent Gibraltar and Ceuta on either side of the Strait of Gibraltar.
The colors of the flag were chosen by Charles III of Spain from his family’s coat of arms in 1785. Originally used for maritime purposes, the flag was later adopted nationally. The yellow and red colors are traditionally associated with the Crown of Aragon and the Kingdom of Castile, two of the historical kingdoms that unified to form Spain.
Over the years, the flag has undergone several modifications, particularly to the coat of arms, to reflect the political changes within the country. The current version of the coat of arms was introduced in 1981, following the transition to democracy after the Franco regime.
The Spanish flag is a symbol of national pride and unity. It is a representation of Spain’s diverse historical, cultural, and geographical elements. The flag is prominently displayed on national holidays, at international sporting events, and on governmental buildings, signifying the sovereignty and national identity of Spain.