2013 Edition

Background

Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. Spain remained neutral in World War I and II but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39). A peaceful transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco FRANCO in 1975, and rapid economic modernization (Spain joined the EU in 1986) gave Spain a dynamic and rapidly growing economy and made it a global champion of freedom and human rights. More recently the government has had to focus on measures to reverse a severe economic recession that began in mid-2008. Austerity measures implemented to reduce a large budget deficit and reassure foreign investors have led to one of the highest unemployment rates in Europe.

Area

505,370 sq km 498,980 sq km 6,390 sq km there are two autonomous cities - Ceuta and Melilla - and 17 autonomous communities including Balearic Islands and Canary Islands, and three small Spanish possessions off the coast of Morocco - Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera

total

505,370 sq km

water

6,390 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly more than twice the size of Oregon

Climate

temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy and cool along coast

Coastline

4,964 km

Elevation extremes

Atlantic Ocean 0 m Pico de Teide (Tenerife) on Canary Islands 3,718 m

highest point

Pico de Teide (Tenerife) on Canary Islands 3,718 m

lowest point

Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Environment - current issues

pollution of the Mediterranean Sea from raw sewage and effluents from the offshore production of oil and gas; water quality and quantity nationwide; air pollution; deforestation; desertification

Environment - international agreements

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

party to

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified

Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

32.46 cu km/yr (18%/22%/61%) 698.7 cu m/yr (2008)

per capita

698.7 cu m/yr (2008)

total

32.46 cu km/yr (18%/22%/61%)

Geographic coordinates

40 00 N, 4 00 W

Geography - note

strategic location along approaches to Strait of Gibraltar; Spain controls a number of territories in northern Morocco including the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, and the islands of Penon de Velez de la Gomera, Penon de Alhucemas, and Islas Chafarinas

Irrigated land

34,700 sq km (2011)

Land boundaries

1,917.8 km Andorra 63.7 km, France 623 km, Gibraltar 1.2 km, Portugal 1,214 km, Morocco (Ceuta) 6.3 km, Morocco (Melilla) 9.6 km

border countries

Andorra 63.7 km, France 623 km, Gibraltar 1.2 km, Portugal 1,214 km, Morocco (Ceuta) 6.3 km, Morocco (Melilla) 9.6 km

total

1,917.8 km

Land use

24.75% 9.29% 65.96% (2011)

arable land

24.75%

other

65.96% (2011)

permanent crops

9.29%

Location

Southwestern Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, Bay of Biscay, and Pyrenees Mountains; southwest of France

Map references

Europe

Maritime claims

12 nm 24 nm 200 nm (applies only to the Atlantic Ocean)

contiguous zone

24 nm

exclusive economic zone

200 nm (applies only to the Atlantic Ocean)

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

periodic droughts, occasional flooding volcanic activity in the Canary Islands, located off Africa's northwest coast; Teide (elev. 3,715 m) has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; La Palma (elev. 2,426 m), which last erupted in 1971, is the most active of the Canary Islands volcanoes; Lanzarote is the only other historically active volcano

volcanism

volcanic activity in the Canary Islands, located off Africa's northwest coast; Teide (elev. 3,715 m) has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; La Palma (elev. 2,426 m), which last erupted in 1971, is the most active of the Canary Islands volcanoes; Lanzarote is the only other historically active volcano

Natural resources

coal, lignite, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, uranium, tungsten, mercury, pyrites, magnesite, fluorspar, gypsum, sepiolite, kaolin, potash, hydropower, arable land

Terrain

large, flat to dissected plateau surrounded by rugged hills; Pyrenees Mountains in north

Total renewable water resources

111.5 cu km (2011)

Age structure

15.4% (male 3,747,028/female 3,531,247) 9.7% (male 2,377,992/female 2,215,742) 46.2% (male 11,141,726/female 10,749,877) 11.3% (male 2,600,682/female 2,738,559) 17.5% (male 3,514,051/female 4,753,638) (2013 est.)

0-14 years

15.4% (male 3,747,028/female 3,531,247)

15-24 years

9.7% (male 2,377,992/female 2,215,742)

25-54 years

46.2% (male 11,141,726/female 10,749,877)

55-64 years

11.3% (male 2,600,682/female 2,738,559)

65 years and over

17.5% (male 3,514,051/female 4,753,638) (2013 est.)

Birth rate

10.14 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

65.7% (2006)

Death rate

8.94 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Dependency ratios

49.5 % 23 % 26.6 % 3.8 (2013)

elderly dependency ratio

26.6 %

potential support ratio

3.8 (2013)

total dependency ratio

49.5 %

youth dependency ratio

23 %

Drinking water source

urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population (2010 est.)

rural

100% of population

total

100% of population (2010 est.)

urban

100% of population

Education expenditures

5% of GDP (2009)

Ethnic groups

composite of Mediterranean and Nordic types

Health expenditures

9.6% of GDP (2010)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.4% (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

1,600 (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

130,000 (2009 est.)

Hospital bed density

3.2 beds/1,000 population (2010)

Infant mortality rate

3.35 deaths/1,000 live births 3.68 deaths/1,000 live births 2.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

female

2.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

total

3.35 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Castilian Spanish (official) 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, and Basque 2% Catalan is official in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the Valencian Community (where it is known as Valencian); in the northwest corner of Catalonia (Vall d'Aran), Aranese is official along with Catalan; Galician is official in Galicia; Basque is official in the Basque Country and in the Basque-speaking area of Navarre

Life expectancy at birth

81.37 years 78.37 years 84.57 years (2013 est.)

female

84.57 years (2013 est.)

total population

81.37 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 97.7% 98.5% 97% (2010 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

97% (2010 est.)

male

98.5%

total population

97.7%

Major urban areas - population

MADRID (capital) 5.762 million; Barcelona 5.029 million; Valencia 812,000 (2009)

Maternal mortality rate

6 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

41.3 years 40 years 42.6 years (2013 est.)

female

42.6 years (2013 est.)

male

40 years

total

41.3 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

29.3 (2006 est.)

Nationality

Spaniard(s) Spanish

adjective

Spanish

noun

Spaniard(s)

Net migration rate

6.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

26.6% (2008)

Physicians density

3.96 physicians/1,000 population (2011)

Population

47,370,542 (July 2013 est.)

Population growth rate

0.73% (2013 est.)

Religions

Roman Catholic 94%, other 6%

Sanitation facility access

urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population (2010 est.)

rural

100% of population

total

100% of population (2010 est.)

urban

100% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

17 years 17 years 18 years (2011)

female

18 years (2011)

male

17 years

total

17 years

Sex ratio

1.07 male(s)/female 1.06 male(s)/female 1.08 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 0.95 male(s)/female 0.74 male(s)/female 0.97 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

0-14 years

1.06 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.08 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1.04 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.74 male(s)/female

at birth

1.07 male(s)/female

total population

0.97 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.48 children born/woman (2013 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

46.4% 48.2% 44.4% (2011)

female

44.4% (2011)

total

46.4%

Urbanization

77% of total population (2010) 1% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

1% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

77% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

17 autonomous communities (comunidades autonomas, singular - comunidad autonoma) and 2 autonomous cities* (ciudades autonomas, singular - ciudad autonoma); Andalucia; Aragon; Asturias; Ceuta*; Canarias (Canary Islands); Cantabria; Castilla-La Mancha; Castilla y Leon; Cataluna (Castilian), Catalunya (Catalan), Catalonha (Aranese) [Catalonia]; Comunidad Valenciana (Castilian), Comunitat Valenciana (Valencian) [Valencian Community]; Extremadura; Galicia; Illes Baleares (Balearic Islands); La Rioja; Madrid; Melilla*; Murcia; Navarra (Castilian), Nafarroa (Basque) [Navarre]; Pais Vasco (Castilian), Euskadi (Basque) [Basque Country] the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla plus three small islands of Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera, administered directly by the Spanish central government, are all along the coast of Morocco and are collectively referred to as Places of Sovereignty (Plazas de Soberania)

Capital

Madrid 40 24 N, 3 41 W UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October Spain is divided into two time zones including the Canary Islands

daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

geographic coordinates

40 24 N, 3 41 W

name

Madrid

time difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

previous 1812; latest approved by legislature 31 October 1978, passed by referendum 6 December 1978, signed by the king 27 December 1978, effective 29 December 1978; amended 1992, 2011 (2013)

Country name

Kingdom of Spain Spain Reino de Espana Espana

conventional long form

Kingdom of Spain

conventional short form

Spain

local long form

Reino de Espana

local short form

Espana

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador James COSTOS (since 22 August 2013); note - also accredited to Andorra Serrano 75, 28006 Madrid PSC 61, APO AE 09642 [34] (91) 587-2200 [34] (91) 587-2303 Barcelona

chief of mission

Ambassador James COSTOS (since 22 August 2013); note - also accredited to Andorra

consulate(s) general

Barcelona

embassy

Serrano 75, 28006 Madrid

FAX

[34] (91) 587-2303

mailing address

PSC 61, APO AE 09642

telephone

[34] (91) 587-2200

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Ramon Gil-Casares SATRUSTEGUI (since 5 June 2012) 2375 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037 [1] (202) 452-0100, 728-2340 [1] (202) 833-5670 Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

chancery

2375 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

chief of mission

Ambassador Ramon Gil-Casares SATRUSTEGUI (since 5 June 2012)

consulate(s) general

Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

FAX

[1] (202) 833-5670

telephone

[1] (202) 452-0100, 728-2340

Executive branch

King JUAN CARLOS I (since 22 November 1975); Heir Apparent Prince FELIPE, son of the monarch, born 30 January 1968 President of the Government (Prime Minister equivalent) Mariano RAJOY (since 20 December 2011); Vice President (and Minister of the President's Office) Soraya Saenz de SANTAMARIA (since 22 December 2011) Council of Ministers designated by the president there is also a Council of State that is the supreme consultative organ of the government, but its recommendations are non-binding the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually proposed president by the monarch and elected by the National Assembly; election last held on 20 November 2011 (next to be held in November 2015); vice president and Council of Ministers are appointed by the president Mariano RAJOY elected President of the Government; percent of vote - 44.62%

cabinet

Council of Ministers designated by the president

chief of state

King JUAN CARLOS I (since 22 November 1975); Heir Apparent Prince FELIPE, son of the monarch, born 30 January 1968

election results

Mariano RAJOY elected President of the Government; percent of vote - 44.62%

elections

the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually proposed president by the monarch and elected by the National Assembly; election last held on 20 November 2011 (next to be held in November 2015); vice president and Council of Ministers are appointed by the president

head of government

President of the Government (Prime Minister equivalent) Mariano RAJOY (since 20 December 2011); Vice President (and Minister of the President's Office) Soraya Saenz de SANTAMARIA (since 22 December 2011)

Flag description

three horizontal bands of red (top), yellow (double width), and red with the national coat of arms on the hoist side of the yellow band; the coat of arms is quartered to display the emblems of the traditional kingdoms of Spain (clockwise from upper left, Castile, Leon, Navarre, and Aragon) while Granada is represented by the stylized pomegranate at the bottom of the shield; the arms are framed by two columns representing the Pillars of Hercules, which are the two promontories (Gibraltar and Ceuta) on either side of the eastern end of the Strait of Gibraltar; the red scroll across the two columns bears the imperial motto of "Plus Ultra" (further beyond) referring to Spanish lands beyond Europe; the triband arrangement with the center stripe twice the width of the outer dates to the 18th century the red and yellow colors are related to those of the oldest Spanish kingdoms: Aragon, Castile, Leon, and Navarre

the red and yellow colors are related to those of the oldest Spanish kingdoms

Aragon, Castile, Leon, and Navarre

Government type

parliamentary monarchy

Independence

1492; the Iberian peninsula was characterized by a variety of independent kingdoms prior to the Muslim occupation that began in the early 8th century A.D. and lasted nearly seven centuries; the small Christian redoubts of the north began the reconquest almost immediately, culminating in the seizure of Granada in 1492; this event completed the unification of several kingdoms and is traditionally considered the forging of present-day Spain

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, CAN (observer), CBSS (observer), CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAIA (observer), MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), SICA (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Judicial branch

Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo (consists of the court president and organized into the Civil Room with a president and 9 magistrates, the Penal Room with a president and 14 magistrates, the Administrative Room with a president and 32 magistrates, the Social Room with a president and 12 magistrates, and the Military Room with a president and 7 magistrates); Constitutional Court or Tribunal Constitucional de Espana (consists of 12 judges) Supreme Court judges appointed by the monarch from candidates proposed by the General Council of the Judicial Power, a 20-member body chaired by the monarch and includes presidential appointees, and lawyers and jurists elected by the National Assembly; judge tenure NA; Constitutional Court judges appointed by the monarch for 9-year terms National Court; High Courts of Justice (in each of the autonomous communities); provincial courts; courts of first instance

highest court(s)

Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo (consists of the court president and organized into the Civil Room with a president and 9 magistrates, the Penal Room with a president and 14 magistrates, the Administrative Room with a president and 32 magistrates, the Social Room with a president and 12 magistrates, and the Military Room with a president and 7 magistrates); Constitutional Court or Tribunal Constitucional de Espana (consists of 12 judges)

judge selection and term of office

Supreme Court judges appointed by the monarch from candidates proposed by the General Council of the Judicial Power, a 20-member body chaired by the monarch and includes presidential appointees, and lawyers and jurists elected by the National Assembly; judge tenure NA; Constitutional Court judges appointed by the monarch for 9-year terms

subordinate courts

National Court; High Courts of Justice (in each of the autonomous communities); provincial courts; courts of first instance

Legal system

civil law system with regional variations

Legislative branch

bicameral; General Courts or Las Cortes Generales (National Assembly) consists of the Senate or Senado (257 seats as of 2013; 208 members directly elected by popular vote and the other 49 - as of 2013 - appointed by the regional legislatures; members to serve four-year terms) and the Congress of Deputies or Congreso de los Diputados (350 seats; each of the 50 electoral provinces fills a minimum of two seats and the North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla fill one seat each with members serving a four-year term; the other 248 members are determined by proportional representation based on popular vote on block lists who serve four-year terms) Senate - last held on 20 November 2011 (next to be held by November 2015); Congress of Deputies - last held on 20 November 2011 (next to be held by November 2015) Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PP 136, PSOE 48, CiU 9, Entesa (PSC-PSOE) 7, EAJ/PNV 4, other 4, members appointed by regional legislatures 49; Congress of Deputies - percent of vote by party - PP 44.6%, PSOE 28.8%, CiU 4.2%, IU 6.9%, Amaiur 1.4%, UPyD 4.7%, EAJ/PNV 1.3%, other 8.1%; seats by party - PP 186, PSOE 110, CiU 16, IU 11, Amaiur 7, UPyD 5, EAJ/PNV 5, other 10

election results

Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PP 136, PSOE 48, CiU 9, Entesa (PSC-PSOE) 7, EAJ/PNV 4, other 4, members appointed by regional legislatures 49; Congress of Deputies - percent of vote by party - PP 44.6%, PSOE 28.8%, CiU 4.2%, IU 6.9%, Amaiur 1.4%, UPyD 4.7%, EAJ/PNV 1.3%, other 8.1%; seats by party - PP 186, PSOE 110, CiU 16, IU 11, Amaiur 7, UPyD 5, EAJ/PNV 5, other 10

elections

Senate - last held on 20 November 2011 (next to be held by November 2015); Congress of Deputies - last held on 20 November 2011 (next to be held by November 2015)

National anthem

"Himno Nacional Espanol" (National Anthem of Spain) none/unknown officially in use between 1770 and 1931, restored in 1939; the Spanish anthem has no lyrics; in the years prior to 1931 it became known as "Marcha Real" (The Royal March); it first appeared in a 1761 military bugle call book and was replaced by "Himno de Riego" in the years between 1931 and 1939; the long version of the anthem is used for the king, while the short version is used for the prince, prime minister, and occasions such as sporting events

lyrics/music

none/unknown

name

"Himno Nacional Espanol" (National Anthem of Spain)

National holiday

National Day, 12 October (1492); year when Columbus first set foot in the Americas

National symbol(s)

Pillars of Hercules

Political parties and leaders

Amaiur [collective leadership] (a coalition of parties advocating the peaceful Basque independence from Spain) Basque Nationalist Party or PNV or EAJ [Inigo URKULLU Renteria] Canarian Coalition or CC [Claudina MORALES Rodriquez] (a coalition of five parties) Convergence and Union or CiU [Artur MAS i Gavarro] (a coalition of the Democratic Convergence of Catalonia or CDC [Artur MAS i Gavarro] and the Democratic Union of Catalonia or UDC [Josep Antoni DURAN i LLEIDA]) Entesa Catalonia de Progress (a Senate coalition grouping four Catalan parties - PSC, ERC, ICV, EUA) Galician Nationalist Bloc or BNG [Guillerme VAZQUEZ Vazquez] Initiative for Catalonia Greens or ICV [Joan HERRERA i Torres] Yes to the Future or Geroa Bai [collective leadership] (a coalition of four Navarran parties) Popular Party or PP [Mariano RAJOY Brey] Republican Left of Catalonia or ERC [Oriol JUNQUERAS i Vies] Spanish Socialist Workers Party or PSOE [Alfredo PEREZ Rubalcaba] Union of People of Navarra or UPN [Yolanda BARCINA Angulo] Union, Progress and Democracy or UPyD [Rosa DIEZ Gonzalez] United Left or IU [Cayo LARA Moya] (a coalition of parties including the Communist Party of Spain or PCE and other small parties)

Political pressure groups and leaders

Association for Victims of Terrorism or AVT (grassroots organization devoted primarily to supporting victims of the Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) terrorist organization) 15-M or 15 May protest movement, which is also known as the Indignados, Spanish for the "indignant ones" (a loose association of grassroots organizations that advocate for greater accountability and transparency in Spanish politics, increased social justice and job creation) Socialist General Union of Workers or UGT and the smaller independent Workers Syndical Union or USO Trade Union Confederation of Workers' Commissions or CC.OO. the smaller independent Workers Syndical Union or USO business and landowning interests; Catholic Church; free labor unions (authorized in April 1977); university students

other

business and landowning interests; Catholic Church; free labor unions (authorized in April 1977); university students

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

grain, vegetables, olives, wine grapes, sugar beets, citrus; beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; fish

Budget

$481.9 billion $623.9 billion (2012 est.)

expenditures

$623.9 billion (2012 est.)

revenues

$481.9 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-10.9% of GDP (2012 est.)

Central bank discount rate

1.5% (31 December 2012) 1.75% (31 December 2010) this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate

8.3% (31 December 2012 est.) 8.09% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

$-15.14 billion (2012 est.) $-55.07 billion (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$2.311 trillion (31 December 2012) $2.269 trillion (31 December 2011)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

32 (2005) 32.5 (1990)

Economy - overview

After almost 15 years of above average GDP growth, the Spanish economy began to slow in late 2007 and entered into a recession in the second quarter of 2008. GDP contracted by 3.7% in 2009, ending a 16-year growth trend, and by another 0.3% in 2010; GDP expanded 0.4% in 2011, before contracting 1.4% in 2012. The economy has once again fallen into recession as deleveraging in the private sector, fiscal consolidation, and continued high unemployment weigh on domestic demand and investment, even as exports have shown signs of resiliency. The unemployment rate rose from a low of about 8% in 2007 to 26.0% in 2012. The economic downturn has also hurt Spain's public finances. The government budget deficit peaked at 11.2% of GDP in 2010 and the process to reduce this imbalance has been slow despite the central government's efforts to raise new tax revenue and cut spending. Spain reduced its budget deficit to 9.4% of GDP in 2011, and roughly 7.4% of GDP in 2012, above the 6.3% target negotiated between Spain and the EU. Although Spain''s large budget deficit and poor economic growth prospects remain a source of concern for foreign investors, the government''s ongoing efforts to cut spending and introduce flexibility into the labor markets are intended to assuage these concerns. The government is also taking steps to shore up the banking system, namely by using up to $130 billion in EU funds to recapitalize struggling banks exposed to the collapsed domestic construction and real estate sectors.

Exchange rates

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.78 (2012 est.) 0.72 (2011 est.) 0.76 (2010 est.) 0.72 (2009 est.) 0.68 (2008 est.)

Exports

$291.6 billion (2012 est.) $303.3 billion (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

machinery, motor vehicles; foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, medicines, other consumer goods

Exports - partners

France 16.8%, Germany 10.8%, Italy 7.7%, Portugal 7.1%, UK 6.5% (2012)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

59.3% 20.2% 19.2% 0.6% 32.7% -31.9% (2012 est.)

exports of goods and services

32.7%

government consumption

20.2%

household consumption

59.3%

imports of goods and services

-31.9%

investment in fixed capital

19.2%

investment in inventories

0.6%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

3.1% 26.3% 70.7% (2012 est.)

agriculture

3.1%

industry

26.3%

services

70.7% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$30,100 (2012 est.) $30,600 (2011 est.) $30,600 (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

-1.6% (2012 est.) 0.1% (2011 est.) -0.2% (2010 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$1.306 trillion (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$1.388 trillion (2012 est.) $1.411 trillion (2011 est.) $1.41 trillion (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

Gross national saving

18.6% of GDP (2012 est.) 17.5% of GDP (2011 est.) 18.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

2.6% 26.6% (2000)

highest 10%

26.6% (2000)

lowest 10%

2.6%

Imports

$323.6 billion (2012 est.) $361.8 billion (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals, semifinished goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods, measuring and medical control instruments

Imports - partners

Germany 11.8%, France 11.5%, Italy 6.7%, China 5.6%, Netherlands 5.4%, UK 4.1% (2012)

Industrial production growth rate

-3.6% (2012 est.)

Industries

textiles and apparel (including footwear), food and beverages, metals and metal manufactures, chemicals, shipbuilding, automobiles, machine tools, tourism, clay and refractory products, footwear, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2.4% (2012 est.) 3% (2011 est.)

Labor force

23.05 million (2012 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

4.2% 24% 71.7% (2009 est.)

agriculture

4.2%

industry

24%

services

71.7% (2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$1.031 trillion (31 December 2011) $1.172 trillion (31 December 2010) $1.297 trillion (31 December 2009)

Population below poverty line

21.1% (2012)

Public debt

84.1% of GDP (2012 est.) 69.3% of GDP (2011 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$50.59 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $47.1 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of broad money

$1.969 trillion (31 December 2012 est.) $2.211 trillion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$710.2 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $720.3 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$725.3 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $702.7 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$3.045 trillion (31 December 2012 est.) $3.177 trillion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$785.2 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $778.2 billion (31 December 2011 est.) see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 17 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Taxes and other revenues

36.9% of GDP (2012 est.)

Unemployment rate

25.1% (2012 est.) 21.7% (2011 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

318.6 million Mt (2011 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - imports

1.061 million bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - production

29,290 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

150 million bbl (1 January 2013 es)

Electricity - consumption

249.7 billion kWh (2011 est.)

Electricity - exports

19.59 billion kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

48.7% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

13% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

7.3% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

25.8% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - imports

8.209 billion kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

101.7 million kW (2010 est.)

Electricity - production

276.8 billion kWh (2011 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

35.82 billion cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

4.414 billion cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - imports

36.75 billion cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - production

61 million cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

2.548 billion cu m (1 January 2013 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

1.384 million bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

249,500 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

566,200 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

1.189 million bbl/day (2010 est.)

Broadcast media

a mixture of both publicly operated and privately owned TV and radio stations; overall, hundreds of TV channels are available including national, regional, local, public, and international channels; satellite and cable TV systems available; multiple national radio networks, a large number of regional radio networks, and a larger number of local radio stations; overall, hundreds of radio stations (2008)

Internet country code

.es

Internet hosts

4.228 million (2012)

Internet users

28.119 million (2009)

Telephone system

well-developed, modern facilities; fixed-line teledensity exceeds 40 per 100 persons combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 150 telephones per 100 persons country code - 34; submarine cables provide connectivity to Europe, Middle East, Asia, and US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), NA Eutelsat; tropospheric scatter to adjacent countries (2011)

domestic

combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 150 telephones per 100 persons

general assessment

well-developed, modern facilities; fixed-line teledensity exceeds 40 per 100 persons

international

country code - 34; submarine cables provide connectivity to Europe, Middle East, Asia, and US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), NA Eutelsat; tropospheric scatter to adjacent countries (2011)

Telephones - main lines in use

19.22 million (2012)

Telephones - mobile cellular

50.663 million (2012)

Airports

150 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

24 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

19

2,438 to 3,047 m

14

914 to 1,523 m

24

over 3,047 m

18

total

99

under 914 m

24 (2013)

Airports - with unpaved runways

36 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

2

914 to 1,523 m

13

total

51

Heliports

10 (2013)

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 7, cargo 19, chemical tanker 8, container 5, liquefied gas 12, passenger/cargo 43, petroleum tanker 18, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 9, vehicle carrier 7 27 (Canada 4, Germany 4, Italy 1, Mexico 1, Norway 10, Russia 6, Switzerland 1) 103 (Angola 1, Argentina 3, Bahamas 6, Brazil 12, Cabo Verde 1, Cyprus 6, Ireland 1, Malta 8, Morocco 9, Panama 30, Peru 1, Portugal 18, Uruguay 5, Venezuela 1, unknown 1) (2010)

foreign-owned

27 (Canada 4, Germany 4, Italy 1, Mexico 1, Norway 10, Russia 6, Switzerland 1)

registered in other countries

103 (Angola 1, Argentina 3, Bahamas 6, Brazil 12, Cabo Verde 1, Cyprus 6, Ireland 1, Malta 8, Morocco 9, Panama 30, Peru 1, Portugal 18, Uruguay 5, Venezuela 1, unknown 1) (2010)

total

132

Pipelines

gas 10,481 km; oil 616 km; refined products 3,461 km (2013)

Ports and terminals

Algeciras, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cartagena, Huelva, Tarragona, Valencia (Spain); Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands)

Railways

15,293 km 11,919 km 1.668-m gauge (6,950 km electrified) 1,392 km 1.435-m gauge (1,054 km electrified) 1,954 km 1.000-m gauge (815 km electrified); 28 km 0.914-m gauge (2008)

narrow gauge

1,954 km 1.000-m gauge (815 km electrified); 28 km 0.914-m gauge (2008)

standard gauge

1,392 km 1.435-m gauge (1,054 km electrified)

total

15,293 km

Roadways

683,175 km 683,175 km (includes 16,205 km of expressways) (2011)

total

683,175 km

Waterways

1,000 km (2012)

Manpower available for military service

11,759,557 11,204,688 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

11,204,688 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

11,759,557

Manpower fit for military service

9,603,939 9,116,928 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

9,116,928 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

9,603,939

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

217,244 205,278 (2010 est.)

female

205,278 (2010 est.)

male

217,244

Military branches

Spanish Armed Forces: Army (Ejercito de Tierra), Spanish Navy (Armada Espanola, AE; includes Marine Corps), Spanish Air Force (Ejercito del Aire Espanola, EdA) (2013)

Spanish Armed Forces

Army (Ejercito de Tierra), Spanish Navy (Armada Espanola, AE; includes Marine Corps), Spanish Air Force (Ejercito del Aire Espanola, EdA) (2013)

Military expenditures

1.2% of GDP (2005 est.)

Military service age and obligation

18-26 years of age for voluntary military service by a Spanish citizen or legal immigrant, 2-3 year obligation; women allowed to serve in all SAF branches, including combat units; no conscription, but Spanish Government retains right to mobilize citizens 19-25 years of age in a national emergency; mandatory retirement of non-NCO enlisted personnel at age 45 or 58, depending on service length (2013)

Disputes - international

in 2002, Gibraltar residents voted overwhelmingly by referendum to reject any "shared sovereignty" arrangement; the Government of Gibraltar insists on equal participation in talks between the UK and Spain; Spain disapproves of UK plans to grant Gibraltar greater autonomy; Morocco protests Spain's control over the coastal enclaves of Ceuta, Melilla, and the islands of Penon de Velez de la Gomera, Penon de Alhucemas, and Islas Chafarinas, and surrounding waters; both countries claim Isla Perejil (Leila Island); Morocco serves as the primary launching site of illegal migration into Spain from North Africa; Portugal does not recognize Spanish sovereignty over the territory of Olivenza based on a difference of interpretation of the 1815 Congress of Vienna and the 1801 Treaty of Badajoz

Illicit drugs

despite rigorous law enforcement efforts, North African, Latin American, Galician, and other European traffickers take advantage of Spain's long coastline to land large shipments of cocaine and hashish for distribution to the European market; consumer for Latin American cocaine and North African hashish; destination and minor transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin; money-laundering site for Colombian narcotics trafficking organizations and organized crime

Refugees and internally displaced persons

36 (2012)

stateless persons

36 (2012)