Spain Country Handbook 1
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Spain Country Handbook 1. This handbook provides basic reference information on Spain, including its geography, history, government, military forces, and communications and transportation networks. This information is intended to familiarize military personnel with local customs and area knowledge to assist them during their assignment to Spain. 2. This product is published under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Defense Intelligence Production Program (DoDIPP) with the Marine Corps Intelligence Activity designated as the community coordinator for the Country Handbook Program. This product reflects the coordinated U.S. Defense Intelligence Community position on Spain. 3. Dissemination and use of this publication is restricted to official military and government personnel from the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, NATO member countries, and other countries as required and designated for support of coalition operations. 4. The photos and text reproduced herein have been extracted solely for research, comment, and information reporting, and are intended for fair use by designated personnel in their official duties, including local reproduction for training. Further dissemination of copyrighted material contained in this document, to include excerpts and graphics, is strictly prohibited under Title 17, U.S. Code. CONTENTS KEY FACTS. 1 U.S. MISSION . 2 U.S. Embassy. 2 U.S. Consulate . 2 Travel Advisories. 2 Entry Requirements . 3 Customs Restrictions . 3 GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE . 5 Geography . 5 Bodies of Water. 6 Drainage . 6 Topography . 6 Climate. 7 Vegetation . 10 TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION . 11 Transportation . 11 Roads . 11 Rail . 14 Maritime . 16 Communication . 17 Radio and Television. 17 Telephone and Telegraph . 18 Newspapers and Magazines . 19 Postal Services . 19 Satellites . 19 iii Contents (Continued) CULTURE . 20 Statistics. 21 Education and Literacy Rates . 21 Religion . 21 Recreation . 22 Customs and Courtesies. 22 MEDICAL ASSESSMENT . 23 Infectious Disease Risks to Deployed Personnel. 23 Food- and Waterborne Diseases . 23 Vectorborne Diseases . 23 Sexually Transmitted Diseases . 23 Medical Capabilities . 24 HISTORY . 26 Chronology . 26 GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS . 28 Government . 28 National Level. 28 Local Level . 32 Politics . 33 Elections . 33 Foreign Relations . 36 ECONOMY . 39 Statistics. 41 Resources. 42 Utilities . 43 THREAT. 43 Crime and Travel Security. 43 Terrorism . 44 Drug Trafficking . 45 iv Contents (Continued) Major Intelligence Services . 45 Opposition Forces . 47 Threat to U.S. Personnel . 47 ARMED FORCES . 47 Organization . 47 National Military Strategy . 47 Key Military Personnel . 48 Military Statistics. 49 Defense Treaties . 50 Army . 50 Personnel. 54 Equipment. 54 Air Force . 56 Air Defense . 56 Personnel. 57 Deployment. 57 Equipment. 58 Navy. 59 Personnel. 60 Equipment. 61 Marines . 61 Organization . 61 Personnel. 62 Equipment. 62 National Police. 62 Weapons of Mass Destruction . 63 v Contents (Continued) Appendices A. Equipment Recognition . A-1 B. International Time Zones. B-1 C. Conversion Charts . C-1 D. Holidays. D-1 E. Language . E-1 F. Road Signs . F-1 G. Deployed Personnel’s Guide to Health Maintenance . G-1 H. Individual Protective Measures . H-1 I. Dangerous Animals and Plants . ..