Spain
Motto:
Plus ultra (Latin - "Further beyond")
Language:
Spanish (Castilian), Catalan, Gallego (Galician), Euskera (Basque)
Population:
44.1 million (official figure, 2005)
Brief history:
Spain is located in Europe north of Africa between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Following the Spanish Civil War 1936-1939, Spain was ruled by dictator General Franco for more than 40 years, (1939-1975). A member of the European Union since 1955, Spain made the transition to democratic government in 1977 under the leadership of King Juan Carlos. The country has 17 regions each with its own elected officials. Regions include Catalonia, Basque Country, Andalucia, Canaries, and Valencia. Currently, Spain is led by Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero who was elected in March 2004.
Culturally Spain is rich in art and is known for world-renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, writer Cervantes, and flamenco music.
Below Unieros friend Roberto recommends Spanish music, film, food, and famous Spanish people you should know.
Movies:
Habla con ella (Talk to her) (2002) film directed by Pedro Almodovar
Jamon Jamon (1992) film by Bigas Luna
The Sea Inside (2004) film directed by Alejandro Amenabar
Books:
Spanish Book 1: "DON QUIXOTE DE LA MANCHA\" I, 1605; part II, 1615 by Miguel de Cervantes.
Spanish Book 2: "LA COLMENA\" (1951) by Camilo Jose Cela
Spanish Book 3: "ROMANCERO GITANO\"(1928; tr. Gypsy Ballads, 1953)by Federico Garcia Lorca.
World Music:
Music 1: Flamenco (spanish guitar), Paco de Lucia
Music 2: Classic, Manuel de Falla
Music 3: Rock-Pop, Joaqun Sabina
Music Description:
Paco de Lucia is considered the greatest spanish guitarist in the world. Simply amazing.
Manuel de Falla is a very famous Spanish composer who lives in the first half of the last century.
Joaquin Sabina in Spain is similar to Bob Marley in Jamaica.
Influential People:
Salvador Dali Painting: Spanish painter
Pablo Picasso Painting: Spanish artist
Milwaukee Art Museum 2001 Design by: Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava
Turning Torso Skyscraper in Malmo Sweden : By Santiago Calatrava
Athens Sports Complex : Redesign by Santiago Calatrava
Ethnic Groups:
My personal opinion is that Spain is amazing and the spaniards wonderful. So, try to visit Spain because you will never regret, and of course meet some spaniards, you will discover they are great people.
Exports:
Transport equipment, agricultural products
Links:
Newspaper 
El Mundo – Madrid Daily
HYPERLINK "http://www.elmundo.es/" http://www.elmundo.es/
La Vanguardia – Barcelona daily
HYPERLINK "http://www.lavanguardia.es/" http://www.lavanguardia.es/
Spanish Culture
http://www.donquijote.org/culture/spain/
Instituto Cervantes of Chicago
http://www.cervantes1.org/
