Geographical location
Spain is located in the South west of Europe, occupying 80% of the Iberian Peninsula, shared with Portugal. It limits to the north with the Bay of Biscay, France and Andorra; to the west with the Mediterranean Sea; to the south with the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and to the east with the Atlantic Ocean and Portugal.

It has a surface of 505,957 Km2, including the peninsula, and the territories of the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and the Spanish cities located in the north of Africa: Ceuta and Melilla.

In comparison to the rest of the countries of the world, Spain is a small country. Nevertheless, within the Europe, it is the third largest country, after Russia and France.

It has five big mountain chains crossing the country and almost 50% of the territory is seated on two plateaus. After Switzerland, Spain is the most elevated country in Europe, with an average height of 600 m.

Political-territorial divisions
Spain is one of the fifteen member countries of the European Union. The Spanish territory is divided in seventeen Autonomous Regions, with their own Government bodies and representative institutions. It also has two autonomous cities.

Capital
Madrid is the capital of Spain and one of the most important Autonomous Regions. Its population is 4,726,000 inhabitants and houses the most important national institutions and public administration organisms. Among them we find the Moncloa Palace – residence of the President of the Government – the Congress, the Senate and the Zarzuela Palace, house of Juan Carlos I, king of Spain.

Autonomous Regions and main provinces:
The Autonomous Regions have a capital and are divided in provinces. Each province has several cities; nevertheless, in Spain, provinces are more a reference than the cities that compose them. Besides, each region has several city councils and municipalities.

The seventeen Autonomous Regions are: Andalusia, Galicia, Aragón, Balearic Islands, Asturias, Canary Islands, Cantabria, La Rioja, Castilla y León, Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, Murcia, Catalonia, Navarre, Valencian Community, Basque Country and Extremadura. The Autonomous Regions are Ceuta and Melilla.

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