Country Profile: Spain

Spain is a nation located in southwestern Europe, known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse geography. It boasts a population of approximately 47 million people and is recognized as the euro-zone's fourth-largest economy, characterized by a strong service sector, particularly in tourism. The country transitioned to democracy following the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, and continues to face challenges such as high youth unemployment and regional separatist movements, particularly in Catalonia.

Geography

Spain occupies a strategic location in southwestern Europe, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, the North Atlantic Ocean, and the Pyrenees Mountains. Its diverse terrain ranges from flat plateaus to rugged hills, with the highest point being Pico de Teide in the Canary Islands. Spain's total area is approximately 505,370 square kilometers, making it one of the largest countries in Europe.

505,370 sq km - Total area of Spain.
4,964 km - Coastline length.
1,952.7 km - Total length of land borders with neighboring countries.

People and Society

As of 2024, Spain has a population of approximately 47.3 million, with a significant urban population residing in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. The country is ethnically diverse, with around 84.8% identifying as Spanish, and a variety of languages spoken, including Castilian Spanish, Catalan, Galician, and Basque. The society is predominantly Roman Catholic, with a growing percentage of atheists and agnostics.

81.6% - Urban population (2023).
83 years - Life expectancy at birth (2024).
0.12% - Population growth rate (2024).

Economy

Spain has a high-income economy characterized by robust growth driven by public consumption, tourism, and service exports. It has seen an impressive recovery post-2008 recession, with GDP growth rates that outpace the EU average. Despite high unemployment rates, especially among youth, the economy remains dynamic and resilient.

$2.361 trillion - Real GDP (PPP, 2024 est.).
11.4% - Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
69.1% - Services sector contribution to GDP (2024 est.).

Government

Spain is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with the King serving as the head of state and a President as the head of government. The country is divided into 17 autonomous communities and two autonomous cities, each with its own level of governance. The Constitution of 1978 remains in effect, ensuring civil liberties and a robust democratic system.

17 - Autonomous communities.
18 years - Suffrage age.
350 - Seats in the Congress of Deputies.

Military and Security

Spain maintains a comprehensive military force, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with a Civil Guard that performs police duties. It participates in international peacekeeping missions and has personnel deployed in various locations worldwide, including NATO missions in Eastern Europe.

120,000 - Active-duty personnel (2025).
2% - Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2025 est.).
3,000 - Personnel deployed on international missions (2025).

Energy

Spain's energy infrastructure is robust, with a diverse mix of electricity generation sources including fossil fuels, nuclear, and renewable energies such as solar and wind. The country has achieved 100% electrification for its population, demonstrating significant advancements in energy access.

130.366 million kW - Installed electricity capacity (2023).
100% - Population with electricity access (2022).
17.3% - Solar energy as part of total installed capacity (2023).

Environment

Spain faces various environmental challenges, including pollution, drought, and deforestation. It is committed to international agreements aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity preservation, while also striving to manage its water resources and waste recycling effectively.

49.6% - Agricultural land use (2023).
254.823 million metric tonnes - CO2 emissions (2023 est.).
27.7% - Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.).

Transportation

The transportation network in Spain includes a vast railway system, numerous airports, and a significant merchant marine fleet. The country is well-connected by both road and rail, facilitating efficient domestic and international travel.

365 - Airports (2025).
15,489 km - Total railway length (2020).
52 - Total ports (2024).

Communications

Spain has a highly developed communication infrastructure, with widespread internet access and mobile phone subscriptions. The country boasts a mix of publicly operated and privately owned broadcasting services, reflecting its diverse media landscape.

95% - Internet user penetration (2023).
61.2 million - Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
18.2 million - Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	47,280,433 (2024 est.)	Estimated total population
Area	505,370 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$2.361 trillion (2024)	Real GDP estimated
Unemployment Rate	11.4% (2024 est.)	Percentage of labor force seeking employment
Life Expectancy	83 years (2024 est.)	Average life expectancy at birth
Urban Population	81.6% (2023)	Percentage of population living in urban areas
Military Expenditures	2% of GDP (2025 est.)	Military spending as a percentage of GDP
Electricity Access	100% (2022 est.)	Total population electrification
CO2 Emissions	254.823 million metric tonnes (2023)	Total emissions
Total Renewable Water Resources	111.5 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)	Water resources available