Spain

GeoCultural Background:  Spain occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula in southwest Europe, and its territory includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic. Much of the mainland is high plateau, with mountain ranges, including the Pyrenees, in the north. The plateau experiences hot summers and cold winters—it is cooler and wetter to the north.

About 200 B.C. the Romans occupied this crossroads between Europe and Africa. Moors invaded in A.D. 711, ruling for almost 800 years before Christian armies routed them. Enriched by its New World empire, Spain dominated Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries; today it rules only the North African territories of Ceuta and Melilla.

Gen. Francisco Franco wielded power from 1936 until his death in 1975, when Juan Carlos became king. Three years later a new constitution confirmed Spain as a parliamentary monarchy. After 1986, when the Socialist Party under Felipe González Márquez led Spain into the European Union, the economy grew faster than any other member nation’s. Yet the government’s pro-business policies in the 1990s were blamed for widening the gap between rich and poor and for the bankruptcy of noncompetitive industries—all contributing to high unemployment. Separatist agitation born of historical regional differences, most pronounced in the Basque country and in Catalonia, still challenges national unity, but a strong national peace movement has developed to counteract terrorist activities.

Food Culture:  Spain's food culture is closely aligned with the food styles of its Mediterranean neighbors. Fresh vegetables, various meats and bold spices are often prepared using olive oil—which is no surprise, given that Spain produces nearly half of the world's olives. Many ingredients are still purchased in open air markets throughout the country.

Popular dishes include gazpacho, paella, jamon serrano and potato omeletes. Standard meals such as these are found throughout the country with various regional adaptations. The northern area of the country tends to rely more on meats as the main course while the southern region features more seafood-based menus.

Tapas are a popular dish—for good reason. They're a great way to enjoy the various flavors of Spain while also enjoying a glass of cerveza or vino.  These mini meals are an excellent way to sample the flavors or this unique region. Be sure to follow a round of tapas and drinks with a taste of Spain's desserts—perhaps a churro and a cup of hot chocolate.

Taste the Culture of Spain