Spain from A to Z

reorganisation measures are taking place. www.spain.info/en/ POPULATION With over 46 million inhabitants, Spain has an average population density of 80 inhabitants per square kilometre. The population migrates from the interior of the country and concentrates in large cities and in coastal areas. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS The documentation required to enter Spain depends on the country of origin. Citizens of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein need a valid passport or ID card for entry. Minors travelling alone must have a valid ID card and written permission from their parents. The maximum length of stay for foreigners is 90 days. Citizens of some countries must have a valid visa. As these regulations may change, you should contact a Spanish consulate or embassy before departure. www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/ londres/en/Pages/inicio.aspx GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION Spain is located in the southwest of Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, and is only 14 km from the African continent. With a surface area of 505,955 km 2 , Spain is among the 50 largest countries in the world. The majority of the territory is occupied by the Spanish mainland. The Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands account for 12,500 km 2 of the total area, whereas the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, located on the African coast, occupy 32 km². Located between the 36th and 43rd parallels north, the climate varies from the temperate oceanic climate in the north to the Mediterranean climate in the east and the south, to the continental climate in the rest of country. MEASUREMENTS AND MASS In Spain, all weights, measurements and units of length use the metric system. VACCINATIONS Travellers in Spain do not need special vaccinations. As an exception, Spanish authorities may

require tourists to undergo a medical examination to rule out quarantined diseases. OPENING HOURS AND HOLIDAYS Most shops open from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 4:30pm to 8:00 pm. Large shopping centres, shopping malls and department stores are open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm or 10:00 pm, and open on a few Sundays during the year. On the coast, shops tend to close even later than 10:00 pm during high season. Pharmacies are open from 9:30 to and 1:30 pm and from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm. In large cities you will find pharmacies open around the clock. There is a rotating call service on weekends and at night, which is listed on the doors and published in the newspaper. In Spain, a total of 14 days per year are designated as national, regional and local public holidays. POLITICAL STRUCTURE According to the 1978 Constitution, Spain is a social and democratic constitutional state and, from a political standpoint, a parliamentary monarchy. The capital of Spain is Madrid, the residence of the king and the seat of the state government. In addition, there are the supreme legislative (Senate and House of Representatives) and jurisdictional bodies. The Spanish state today autonomous regions), as well as the two cities of Ceuta and Melilla, which are governed according to their own autonomic status. Further information at www.casareal.es consists of 17 Comunidades Autónomas (self-governing TRAVELLINGWITH PETS There is no quarantine period for pets entering Spain. Please observe the following general rules: Animals must be accompanied by their owner or guardian and must be properly identified. Their health certificate must also be made available in Spanish. For all pets, depending on the animal species, the veterinary certificate or animal identification card must be brought along. In most cases, your pet must be identified by a legible tattoo or a microchip.

HEALTH AND SAFETY Spain has an extensive network of health clinics and hospitals throughout the country. Basic care is provided at health clinics, and hospitals are responsible for specialised medical care. Hospitals and certain health centres also provide emergency services. Hospitals and health centres in Spain: www.msssi.gob.es/en/ What you should know about healthcare You are entitled to free medical care and hospital stays. Treatment is provided upon presentation of the European health insurance card by a family doctor at a health centre, or at your current location if you are unable to move. If transportation to a specialist doctor or hospital is necessary, the doctor will issue the corresponding certificate or letter of referral once you are at the hospital. Health centres have emergency rooms. Where can I buy medication? In Spain, medication is sold exclusively in pharmacies. These have a large green cross outside. The doctor provides the prescriptions for the necessary medication. Where should I call in case of an emergency? The toll-free 112 emergency freephone number is available throughout Spain. Your information will be taken in Spanish; in tourist areas, also in English, French and German. Is Spain a safe country? In general, Spain is one of the safest countries in Europe for tourists. As in any other country, some basic security measures should be taken into account. Avoid dimly lit and unpopulated areas, as well as gambling out in the open. Do not carry more money than you need. Pay attention to people (in public transport, shopping centres). Do not leave valuable items, such as mobile phones or cameras, in open-air facilities. And if you need help, you can call 112 for police assistance.

Practical advice   33