Spain, located in southwestern Europe, borders the

Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Bay of Biscay,

and the Pyrenees Mountains southwest of France.

 

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.  Measures taken to reduce a large budget deficit and reassure foreign investors have led to one of the highest unemployment rates in Europe.  A modest economic growth resumed in late 2013 with an average per capita income of $30,100.

 

Spain is ruled by a parliamentary monarchy.