Get to Know Spain Before Making a Relocating Decision
Relocating to a new country is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and planning. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling cities, the serene countryside, or the picturesque coastal regions, Spain offers a diverse range of experiences.
Sun & Beaches, the Most Wanted
Spain has approximately 8,000 kilometres of coastline. International tourist arrivals to Spain in 2023 exceed forecasts and reach 85 million for the first time. “Sol y playa” (Sun & Beache) accounts for 65% income in the tourism sector.
Spanish Peninsula
Spanish Islands
Is it Always Sunny?
Temperatures are mild, but there are still differences depending on the seasons and areas of the country.
North: Cold winters and mild summers
Center: Cold winters and hot summers
South: Mild winters and hot summers
Languages Spoken in Spain
The official language in Spain is Spanish or Castilian Spanish, which is spoken by all citizens. However, certain Autonomous Communities have their own official language in addition to Spanish. From a tourist experience, you may find official signs and labels in both languages. Sometimes, restaurantes menus, official websites, or media can be in both languages. In some areas, people tend to use more their native language, but they can easily switch to Spanish.
On the other hand, around 25% of the population can speak English. It is widely spoken among young people, as it is part of most primary and secondary school syllabus. On top of that, almost bilingual education Spanish-English has been widely spread in the last decades.
Those languages have their own dialects and varieties.
- Galician
- Basque
- Catalan
- Aranese
Other Useful Information
Spain has mountain ranges that span the country. This provides opportunities for hiking, skiing, and exploring nature.
Highways make it easy to drive from one big city to another, but there are many bends, ups and downs, in the roads connecting small cities and villages. You can also find unexpected mountain passes.
Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities that include 52 provinces. These regional governments are in charge of several powers. Each autonomy statute sets out the devolved power for each community; typically those communities with stronger local nationalism have more powers.
Mapping Spain
Mapping Spain will drill down in greater detail and will cater more to those specifically interested in travelling to Spain and/or looking to settle in Spain as we have. I’ll be writing about Spanish destinations, culture, food, wine, as well as hiking and cycling (a couple of my favorite activities). I’ll only cover Spain on this blog.
Spain Info
In the official tourism website you can find interactive maps and useful information.
