NATIONAL PROFILE SSSPPPAAAIIINNN
CONTENTS
National Profile Spain 1 History 2 Land and Climate 3 Population 4 Language 5 Education 6 Cuisine, Traditions, Diet... 7 Social Life, Leisure, Activities... Family life, Customs and Festivals, Sports, Cultural and Artistic Activities, Nightlife, Transport, Current Prices
Attachment Useful Vocabulary Metro Map
AFAIJ: Asociación para la Formación y Actividades Interculturales para la Juventud
Alfredo Marqueríe, 23 – 28034 Madrid, España. Tel/Fax: +34 91 378 04 13 e-mail: [email protected] Pag. Web:www.afaij.org Asociación Declarada de Utilidad Pública Nacional
GENERAL ORMATIONABOUT SPAIN - ESPAÑOverview about spanish History
From the ninth century BC to 700 AD, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians and Celts entered the Iberian Peninsula, followed by the Romans, who arrived in the second century BC. Spain’s present languages (except Basque), religion and laws come from the Roman period.
When the Roman Empire fell, Spain suffered two important invasions; the first by Germanic tribes, and the second by the Moors, crossing over from North Africa in 711 AD, conquering the whole peninsula. The Visigoths, pushed up to the North, began the Reconquist against the Muslims. Moors, lasted until 1492, the year Columbus arrived to the New World; by 1512, the unification of the present day Spain was complete.
In the 16th Century, Spain became the most powerful Empire of the world, due to the immense wealth derived from the Americas. However, after a long series of wars, Spanish power in Europe began to decline in the 17th century.
In the early 1800s, Napoleon included Spain in his conquests, but French domination was refused after several years of fight, during the Independence War. During the 19th century, all the American colonies were lost; internal problems ended with the King of Spain’s resignation and the establishment of a Republic.
Increasing political polarization led to the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in July 1936. After his victory in 1939, General Franco assumed complete control of the government, ruling as a dictator until his death in 1975. Then, Juan Carlos I was crowned as King and soon he established a constitutional monarchy. First democratic elections to the Parliament were held on 1977; a democratic constitution was approved on 1978. In 1982, the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE), won an absolute majority in both Congress and Senate; it was re-elected in 1986, in 1989 and in 1993, for a forth term, but losing absolute majority.
On March 3rd, 1996 we have had new elections, winning this time the conservative party (Partido Popular) lead by José María Aznar. After reaching certain agreements with the nationalistic but conservative parties from Catalunya (CiU) and the Basque country (PNV), they formed a government with absolute majority in the parliament.
Spain is member of the European Union (EU) since 1986.
AFAIJ: Asociación para la Formación y Actividades Interculturales para la Juventud
Alfredo Marqueríe, 23 – 28034 Madrid, España. Tel/Fax: +34 91 378 04 13 e-mail: [email protected] Pag. Web:www.afaij.org Asociación Declarada de Utilidad Pública Nacional
1. Land and climate
Spain occupies, together with Portugal, the Iberian Peninsula in Europe and the southern coast facing North Africa. It has a high plateau, surrounded with low coastal plains; the Pyrenees Mountains make a natural border with France in the northeast. Spain also includes the Balearic and Canary Islands, and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla in North African coast. Spain is politically divided in 17 Autonomous Communities, which govern their areas in an autonomous way, thus making a reality of the idea of a decentralized state.
Northern coasts enjoy a rainy moderate climate; Mediterranean coasts have long dry summers and mild winters. Central Spain has cold winters and very dry and hot summers.
During the summer the temperature can reach 40 degrees Celsius (in the hottest city) but in general it's around 25 degrees in August. In winter temperatures may drop to 0 degrees. The climate differs a lot between the different geographical areas but still remember to bring winter clothes with you: ¡Spain is not a tropical country!
Due to Spain's geographical situation and orographic conditions, the climate is extremely diverse; discounting the mountain climate, it can be roughly divided into five areas:
• A Continental Mediterranean climate in the inland areas of the Peninsula (largest city, Madrid). • An Oceanic climate in Galicia and the coastal strip near the Bay of Biscay or (largest city, Bilbao). This area is often called Green Spain. • A Semiarid climate or arid Mediterranean in the southeast (largest city, Murcia). • A Mediterranean climate region extends from the Andalusian plain along the southern and eastern coasts up to the Pyrenees, on the seaward side of the mountain ranges that run near the coast. Also in Ceuta and Melilla (largest city, Barcelona). Localized Subtropical climate areas exist in the coasts of Granada and Málaga (Costa Tropical). • A Subtropical climate in the Canary Islands (largest city, Las Palmas). AFAIJ: Asociación para la Formación y Actividades Interculturales para la Juventud
Alfredo Marqueríe, 23 – 28034 Madrid, España. Tel/Fax: +34 91 378 04 13 e-mail: [email protected] Pag. Web:www.afaij.org Asociación Declarada de Utilidad Pública Nacional
3. Population
Spain has 46,157,822 inhabitants according to 2008 census. Its population density, at 91.4/km² (229/sq. mile), is lower than that of most Western European countries. With the exception of the capital, Madrid, the most populous regions lie around the coast.
The most important metropolitan areas in 2007 are:
1. Madrid 5,603,285 2. Barcelona 4,667,136 3. Valencia 1,671,189 4. Sevilla 1,499,673 (INE 2008) 5. Bilbao 950,829 6. Málaga 897,563 7. Asturias (Gijón-Oviedo) 857,079 8. Sabadell and Terrassa 817,641 9. Alicante-Elche 748,565 10. Zaragoza 731,803
4. Language
Spanish (español or castellano, Castilian) is spoken all over the country and so is the only language with official status nationwide. But a number of regional languages have been declared co-official, along with Spanish, in the constituent communities where they are spoken:
• Basque (euskera) (2%) in the Basque Country and Navarre; • Catalan (català) (17%) in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands; Valencian (valencià), a distinct variant of Catalan, is official in the Valencian Community; [110] • Galician (galego) (7%) in Galicia.
AFAIJ: Asociación para la Formación y Actividades Interculturales para la Juventud
Alfredo Marqueríe, 23 – 28034 Madrid, España. Tel/Fax: +34 91 378 04 13 e-mail: [email protected] Pag. Web:www.afaij.org Asociación Declarada de Utilidad Pública Nacional
5. Education
Below Higher Education the system can be seen as consisting of four levels:
• Pre-school (Educación Infantil, segundo ciclo) - 3 to 5 years of age • Primary School (Educación Primaria) six years of schooling - 6 to 11 years of age • Compulsory Secondary Education (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria) four years of schooling - 12 to 15 years of age • Post-Compulsory Schooling (Bachillerato) two years of schooling - 16 and 17 years of age
Children from 3 to 5 years old in Spain have the option of attending the Pre- school stage (infantil or popularly known as preescolar), which is non- compulsory and free for all students. It is regarded as an integral part of the education system with infants' classes at almost every primary school. There are some separate nursery schools (Colegios Infantiles).
Children (whose parents chose that they should) enter pre-school (Educación Infantil) in the autumn of the calendar year in which they turn three years old. Following this pattern, the ages given here as corresponding to the different phases are the ages turned by children in the calendar year in which the academic year begins. Age ranges are inclusive: 3 to 5 years of age is 3 academic years.
Spanish students aged 6 to 15 undergo primary (colegio) and secondary school (instituto) education, which are compulsory and (like the preceding preschool from age 3) free of charge. Successful students are awarded a Secondary Education Certificate, which is necessary to enter the post-compulsory stage of Schooling (principally the Bachillerato) for their University or Vocational (Formación Profesional) Studies. Once students have finished their Bachillerato, they can take their University Entrance Exam (Pruebas de Acceso a la Universidad, popularly called Selectividad) which differs greatly from region to region. The compulsory stage of secondary education is normally referred to by its initials: ESO (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria).
AFAIJ: Asociación para la Formación y Actividades Interculturales para la Juventud
Alfredo Marqueríe, 23 – 28034 Madrid, España. Tel/Fax: +34 91 378 04 13 e-mail: [email protected] Pag. Web:www.afaij.org Asociación Declarada de Utilidad Pública Nacional
6. Cuisine, Traditions, Food
Spanish cuisine consists of a variety of dishes which stem from differences in geography, culture and climate. It is heavily influenced by seafood available from the waters that surround the country, and reflects the country's deep maritime roots. Spain's extensive history with many cultural influences has led to an array of unique cuisines with literally thousands of recipes and flavors. It is also renowned for its health benefits and fresh ingredients.
Figura 1: Iberian Pork Figura 2: Paella
Among the multitude of recipes that make up the varied cuisines of Spain, a few can be considered Figura 3: Andalusian "pescaíto" frito common to all or almost all of Spain's regions, even though some of them have an origin known and associated with specific places.
Examples include most importantly potato omelet ("tortilla de patata", "tortilla española" or just "tortilla"), paella, various stews, sausages (such as embutidos, chorizo and morcilla), jamón serrano, and cheeses.
There are also many dishes based on beans (chickpeas, lentils, green beans); soups, with many regional variations; and bread, that has numerous forms, with distinct varieties in each region. The regional variations are less pronounced in Spanish desserts and cakes: flan, custard, rice pudding (arroz con leche), torrijas, churros, and madeleines are some of the most representative examples.
AFAIJ: Asociación para la Formación y Actividades Interculturales para la Juventud
Alfredo Marqueríe, 23 – 28034 Madrid, España. Tel/Fax: +34 91 378 04 13 e-mail: [email protected] Pag. Web:www.afaij.org Asociación Declarada de Utilidad Pública Nacional
Habitual Eating Times: Normally spanish people usually eat at hours later than in other countries:
- Breakfast (8.00-9.00 am): light meal; coffee or hot chocolate with bread, butter, cookies, etc.
- Lunch (14.00-15.00 pm) (on weekenks, even later): main meal including two dishes and dessert, often with red wine and plenty of French style bread.
- Merienda: children, and many adults, have a snack around 17.00-18.00 pm, usually a sandwich (“bocadillo”) or milk with toast or cookies.
- Dinner (between 21.00-22.00 pm, or even later), usually including one dish and fruit.
Being vegetarian can be not really easy in Spain because, even if they used to eat lots of vegetables, fish and meat are very present in our everyday menus. But step by step vegetarian and vegan restaurants are more present in the cities.
7 Social life, Leisure, Activities...
7.1 Family life
Family is quite important in Spain. Young people usually live with their parents until they get married, i.e. around 27-32 years old, because becoming independent and having your own home is usually too expensive for young people. Often, either the grandfather or grandmother lives with the family too. Due the fact to that homes are very small, there is a huge tendency to organize social life outside the house. Nonetheless, there exist times when it is important that the whole family be together, like at meals for instance. In houses where there’s no assistant each must make one’s bed and tidy his/her room as well as do chores such as setting the table, washing the dishes, and doing the laundry.
Teenagers rarely work part-time if they are still studying so they usually depend entirely on their parents, who often give them a weekly allowance. The average family has 2 or 3 children. Although divorce rates are increasing, they are still low compared to most European countries. AFAIJ: Asociación para la Formación y Actividades Interculturales para la Juventud
Alfredo Marqueríe, 23 – 28034 Madrid, España. Tel/Fax: +34 91 378 04 13 e-mail: [email protected] Pag. Web:www.afaij.org Asociación Declarada de Utilidad Pública Nacional
7.2 Customs and Festivals
Spain is a country rich in folklore, due to its ethnic diversity and the long history of its people. Also, the Catholic religion brings a lot of significant days and traditions that are celebrated. Festivals like Carnival, Christmas and Holy Week are very popular among the people. There are also Regional Festivals where everybody in the town or city takes part.
The most famous ones are: “Las Fallas” in Valencia, “La Feria de Abril” in Sevilla (Andalucia), “The Carnival” in Tenerife (Canary Island), ”San Fermín” in Pamplona (Navarra), “El Pilar” and many others.
All of them include bullfights, traditional dress from the region and typical dances.
7.3 Sport
Because of the land and the weather Spain offers a great diversity in sports activities. Outdoor sports such as football, basketball, tennis, cycling, etc.; as well as water sports on the coast, like sailing, windsurfing, and snorkelling can be practiced in most Spanish cities. Schools and universities offer a lot of facilities to practice many different sports. Due to large extent of mountainous regions throughout the Iberian Peninsula, the abundance of nature, panorama, animals and plants make Spain one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. There are also organizations dedicated to the exploration of nature and the outdoors, such as Scouts, “Dirección General de Juventud” of each Autonomous Community, “Instituto de la Juventud”, etc.
The whole country follows the Professional Football League with enthusiasm. Along with the bullfights, it is the national entertainment that moves more people and more money in the country than any other national pastime. Some of the other major teams are Real Madrid C.F., Valencia, Deportivo, Betis and Atletic of Bilbao.
Besides football there are other professional sports, which are popular in Spain: basketball league, Handball league, cycling (in which Spain had the best cyclist in the world: Miguel Indurain and presently Abraham Olano), motor- sports - Carlos Sanz.
AFAIJ: Asociación para la Formación y Actividades Interculturales para la Juventud
Alfredo Marqueríe, 23 – 28034 Madrid, España. Tel/Fax: +34 91 378 04 13 e-mail: [email protected] Pag. Web:www.afaij.org Asociación Declarada de Utilidad Pública Nacional
7.4. Cultural and Artistic Activities
In all Spanish cities an entertainment guide (Guia del Ocio) is published which gives details of all kinds of local leisure and cultural activities. There is also a section in most newspapers devoted to entertainment and other social activities.
Throughout the year many theatre festivals take place in many capitals of the Autonomous Communities. Music also occupies an important place in a variety of cultural events. There is a great diversity of themes, from jazz, to opera, passing by way of flamenco, concerts of pop or rock & roll groups, folk music, or music of religious character.
There are also a multitude of museums in Spain, which are rich in Spanish history, art, technology, etc. If you visit Madrid, a must is the Prado Museum, considered one of the most important art museums in the world. Bullfights are inevitably an important part of the Spanish cultural events. Although many people are against this typical Spanish “art”, they continue as probably the main cultural and artistic event in our country. In every regional festival you will have the chance to witness a “corrida”. The most famous bullfights festivals are: in April 'La Feria de Sevilla' in Sevilla; in May 'Feria de San Isidro' in Madrid; and in July 'San Fermines' in Pamplona.
7.5. Nightlife
Every weekend or holiday, when the day draws to a close, in Spanish cities a different way of life begins. Spain and its people wouldn’t be the same if we forget this major aspect. Cinemas, theatres, discos and bars become packed with people between 16 and 24 who like to have a good time after the long working week. Our country has probably the highest density of bars in the cities. In every corner of Spain you will find a bar to meet some friends and have some “tapas”. Young people in Spain usually drink when they go out, and that does not mean they’ve got a drinking problem. The law allows 16 year old teenagers to consume alcohol. It is forbidden to consume alcohol drinks in any street for which you could get in trouble with the police. Drugs besides alcohol and cigarettes cannot be
AFAIJ: Asociación para la Formación y Actividades Interculturales para la Juventud
Alfredo Marqueríe, 23 – 28034 Madrid, España. Tel/Fax: +34 91 378 04 13 e-mail: [email protected] Pag. Web:www.afaij.org Asociación Declarada de Utilidad Pública Nacional consumed or possessed in any public place. There are many different ways and places to go out at night. Many people like areas full of little bars where you come and go. Others prefer large discos where you dance “bakalao” (Techno- music) until the early morning. In the summer time, when the weather is nice, the streets become full of “terrazas” (outdoor bars) where people stop by and have a drink. The festivals in the villages are also very popular among young people who spend the whole night enjoying them in the fair. In most Spanish cities, there are a growing number of places where rock and pop groups play and seek to launch their journey up to the charts. You simply pay at the door, or pay a bit more if you want to drink, and then relax yourself and enjoy the music.
7.6. Transport
The best and cheapest way to travel through Spain is by coach. You will find many coach companies operating within Spain. Also trains is a good way to travel. RENFE, the national railway company, reaches almost every corner of Spain. To travel around Europe, it is possible to buy a train ticket called Inter-rail, which allows you to take as many trains as you wish in the European area you choose. The price of this ticket for each zone is around 35.000 urban transports is a different matter. To move somewhere in a big city may seem like a puzzle. People try to use cars as little as possible. The traffic in Spanish towns is often a major problem: there are too many vehicles in too little space. Therefore big cities have well-developed public transport systems which include a network of buses and in some cities a subway or underground. It is also possible to travel between differents cities by plane, you can compare prices in skyscanner.net.
AFAIJ: Asociación para la Formación y Actividades Interculturales para la Juventud
Alfredo Marqueríe, 23 – 28034 Madrid, España. Tel/Fax: +34 91 378 04 13 e-mail: [email protected] Pag. Web:www.afaij.org Asociación Declarada de Utilidad Pública Nacional
7.7. Current prices in Spain
How expensive is...?
Shop:
Bread 0.50 EUR. Milk (1,0 l) 0.90 EUR Chocolat 1.20 EUR chips (100 gr) 1.00 EUR. Apple (1 kg) 1.90 EUR. Sugar (1 kg) 0.90 EUR. Ham(1 kg) 15.00 EUR. Coke. (1,5 l) 1.50 EUR Beer (0,33 l) 1.00 EUR. Beer (1,0 l) 1.20 EUR Wine (1,0 l) 1.20 EUR. tooth-paste 1.80 EUR tooth-brush 1.80 EUR soap 0.90 EUR shampoo 3.00 EUR contact lense cleaner 11.00 EUR tampax (10) 3.00 EUR tampons (40) 4.90 EUR condom(12) 7.80 EUR. condom (1) 1.00 EUR cigarettes 3.50 EUR
Transportation: Taxi (city) 2.20 EUR. + per kilometre 0.97 – 1.18 EUR Round trip bus ticket Madrid-Sevilla 35 EUR. Round trip train ticket Madrid-Sevilla 100-120 EUR. Round trip bus Madrid-Barcelona 80 EUR. Round trip train ticket Madrid-Barcelona 180 – 220 EUR. Flight ticket Madrid-Barcelona 60 – 120 EUR. Round trip train ticket Madrid-Santiago 100 EUR. Round trip train ticket Madrid-Granada 120 EUR. Round trip train ticket Madrid-San.Sebastian 100 – 120 EUR. Madrid’s Bus-metro ticket (10 rides) 9.30 EUR. Bus-metro ticket (1 ride) 1.50 EUR. Airport Metro/ bus (1 ride) 2.50 EUR. Gasoline (1l Super 95) 1.35 EUR.
Restaurant: Mineral water/coke... 2.50 EUR beer (0,25 l) 2.50 EUR Beer (0,5 l) 5.00 EUR Large pizza 7.00 EUR Wine (1,0 l) 15 EUR alcohol drink 7.00 EUR Soft drink 2.00 EUR hamburger 1.00 – 7.00 EUR Full meal 10 EUR coffee/tea (cup) 1.20 EUR Soup 4.00 EUR ice-cream 3.00 EUR
AFAIJ: Asociación para la Formación y Actividades Interculturales para la Juventud
Alfredo Marqueríe, 23 – 28034 Madrid, España. Tel/Fax: +34 91 378 04 13 e-mail: [email protected] Pag. Web:www.afaij.org Asociación Declarada de Utilidad Pública Nacional
Attachment:
USEFUL VOCABULARY
EXPRESIONES COMUNES EVERYDAY EXPRESSIONS
Hola, ¿qué tal? Hello, how are you? Buenos días Good morning Buenas tardes Good afternoon Buenas noches Goodnight Adiós Goodbye Hasta luego See you later ¿Cómo estás? How are you? Encantado de conocerte Pleased to meet you Por favor Please Muchas gracias Thank you very much De nada You’re welcome No gracias No, thank you ¡Estupendo! Great! Exacto That’s right Perdona Excuse me/sorry Lo siento I’m sorry Siento llegar tarde I’m sorry I’m late Está bien That’s good No importa It doesn’t matter No comprendo I don’t understand Por favor, ¿puedes... Please can you... repetir eso? repeat that? hablar más despacio? speak more slowly? escribirlo? write it down? ¿Cómo se llama esto en inglés? What is this called in English?
ENCUENTRO CON LA FAMILIA MEETING THE FAMILY
¡Adelante! Come in! Un momento, por favor One moment please ¿Cómo te llamas? What is your name? Me llamo... My name is... Te presento a... This is... mi esposa my wife mi marido my husband mi hijo my son mi hija my daughter Hijos Children Hermano Brother Hermana Sister Perro Dog Gato Cat Pájaro Bird ¿Cuántos años tienes? How old are you? ¿Quieres tomar algo? Would you like something to drink? ¿Te gusta...? Do you like... Teléfono Telephone Una percha A hanger
AFAIJ: Asociación para la Formación y Actividades Interculturales para la Juventud
Alfredo Marqueríe, 23 – 28034 Madrid, España. Tel/Fax: +34 91 378 04 13 e-mail: [email protected] Pag. Web:www.afaij.org Asociación Declarada de Utilidad Pública Nacional
Una toalla A towel Jabón Soap Manta Blanket Colada Laundry El servicio The toilet El baño The bathroom La ducha The shower Cocina Kitchen Cubo de basura Garbage Dormitorio Bedroom Salón Living room Armario Closet
COMIDAS MEALS
Vaso Glass Taza Cup Plato Plate Cuchillo Knife Tenedor Fork Cuchara Spoon Servilleta Napkin Sal Salt Pimienta Pepper Aceite Oil Vinagre Vinegar Pan Bread Mantequilla Butter Agua Water Vino Wine Cerveza Beer Refresco Soft drink
DESAYUNO BREAKFAST
Café Coffee Té Tea Leche Milk Zumo Juice Azúcar Sugar Cereales Cereal Tostadas Toast Mermelada Jam
ALMUERZO / CENA LUNCH/DINNER
Caliente Hot Frío Cold Entremeses Starters Sopa Soup Ensalada Salad Tortilla Omelette Huevos Eggs Pescado Fish Carne Meat Ternera Veal Cerdo Pork Cordero Lamb Jamón Ham AFAIJ: Asociación para la Formación y Actividades Interculturales para la Juventud
Alfredo Marqueríe, 23 – 28034 Madrid, España. Tel/Fax: +34 91 378 04 13 e-mail: [email protected] Pag. Web:www.afaij.org Asociación Declarada de Utilidad Pública Nacional
Pollo Chicken Verduras/legumbres Vegetables Queso Cheese Fruta Fruit Postre Dessert Bocadillo Sandwich
DIRECCIONES DIRECTIONS
Izquierda Left Derecha Right Todo recto Straight ahead Allí There En el cruce At the intersection En el semáforo At the traffic light Está cerca/lejos It is close/far A un kilómetro One kilometer A cinco minutos... Five minutes... a pie walking en autobús by bus en tren by train Coge... Take... el autobús the bus el metro the subway
LUGARES DE INTERES PLACES OF INTEREST
Farmacia Drug store Librería Bookstore Papelería Stationary store Banco Bank Colegio School Correos Post office Tienda Shop Kiosco News stand Estanco Tabacco store Bar Bar Pastelería Bakery Heladería Ice cream parlor Supermercado Supermarket Restaurante Restaurant Estacion de tren Train station Parada de autobús Bus stop Parada de metro Subway station
ACTIVIDADES ACTIVITIES
El cine The movies La discoteca The disco El museo The museum La piscina The swimming pool El teatro The theater Fútbol Soccer Tenis Tennis
AFAIJ: Asociación para la Formación y Actividades Interculturales para la Juventud
Alfredo Marqueríe, 23 – 28034 Madrid, España. Tel/Fax: +34 91 378 04 13 e-mail: [email protected] Pag. Web:www.afaij.org Asociación Declarada de Utilidad Pública Nacional
Metro de MADRID:
AFAIJ: Asociación para la Formación y Actividades Interculturales para la Juventud
Alfredo Marqueríe, 23 – 28034 Madrid, España. Tel/Fax: +34 91 378 04 13 e-mail: [email protected] Pag. Web:www.afaij.org Asociación Declarada de Utilidad Pública Nacional