Country Profile: Spain

Spain is a vibrant nation located in southwestern Europe, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The country has a population of approximately 47.3 million people and boasts the fourth-largest economy in the eurozone, characterized by strong growth driven by tourism and public consumption. After transitioning to democracy in the late 20th century, Spain has modernized rapidly, but it continues to face challenges such as high youth unemployment and regional independence movements, notably in Catalonia.

Geography

Spain's diverse geography includes a large, flat plateau surrounded by rugged hills and the Pyrenees Mountains to the north. It covers an area of 505,370 sq km and features a coastline of nearly 4,964 km along the Mediterranean and Atlantic. The country's strategic position along the Strait of Gibraltar enhances its geopolitical significance.

• 505,370 sq km - Total area of Spain.
• 4,964 km - Length of the coastline.
• 38.2% - Percentage of forested land (2023).
• 49.6% - Percentage of agricultural land (2023).
• Pico de Teide - Highest point at 3,718 m located on Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
• 36 - Number of autonomous communities and cities (including Ceuta and Melilla).

People and Society

Spain has a rich cultural mosaic, with Spanish nationals making up about 84.8% of the population, followed by minorities such as Moroccans and Romanians. The official language is Castilian Spanish, but various regional languages are also recognized. With a median age of 47.2 years and a high literacy rate of 99.7%, the population is urbanized, with 81.6% residing in urban areas.

• 47.3 million - Estimated population in 2024.
• 83 years - Life expectancy (2024).
• 20.9% - Percentage of the population aged 65 years and over (2024).
• 95% - Percentage of internet users (2023).
• 99.7% - Literacy rate (2021).

Economy

Spain's economy is characterized as a high-income, core EU economy, with a focus on services, industry, and public consumption. The GDP is projected at $2.361 trillion in 2024, supported by robust tourism and exports. Despite high unemployment rates, particularly among youth, the economy has posted consistent growth rates above the EU average.

• $48,400 - Per capita GDP (2024).
• 11.4% - Unemployment rate (2024).
• 69.1% - Services sector contribution to GDP (2024).
• $642.4 billion - Value of exports (2024).
• 2.5% - Agriculture's share of GDP (2024).

Government

Spain operates as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a population enjoying universal suffrage. The King serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister manages the government. The nation's governance is structured into 17 autonomous communities, each with its own degree of administrative autonomy.

• Pedro Sánchez - Current Prime Minister since June 2018.
• FELIPE VI - Current King since June 2014.
• 350 - Seats in the Congress of Deputies.
• 44.3% - Percentage of women in the lower chamber (2023).
• 2 - Number of autonomous cities (Ceuta and Melilla).

Military and Security

Spain maintains a professional military force comprising around 120,000 active personnel, which engages in various international missions. The military's budget is approximately 2% of GDP in 2025, reflecting the country's commitment to security and defense.

• 120,000 - Active-duty military personnel count.
• 2% - Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2025).
• 3,000 - Troops deployed in NATO and EU missions.
• 7 - Number of operational nuclear reactors (2025).

Energy

Spain has made significant advancements in energy production, with a total installed capacity of 130.366 million kW in 2023. The country emphasizes renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, aiming for sustainable energy consumption.

• 100% - Electrification rate (2022).
• 227.187 billion kWh - Total electricity consumption (2023).
• 28% - Fossil fuel contribution to energy capacity (2023).
• 17.3% - Solar energy's share of total capacity (2023).

Environment

Spain faces various environmental challenges, including ocean pollution and deforestation. The nation is a participant in multiple international environmental agreements, focusing on sustainable practices and biodiversity conservation.

• 254.823 million metric tonnes - CO2 emissions (2023).
• 38.2% - Percentage of land utilized for forests (2023).
• 27.7% - Municipal solid waste recycling rate (2022).

Transportation

Spain has a comprehensive transportation network, including extensive railways and an impressive number of airports. The country's civil aircraft registration code is EC, showing its robust aviation industry.

• 365 - Total airports (2025).
• 15,489 km - Railway network length (2020).
• 503 - Number of merchant marine vessels (2023).

Communications

With a high penetration of mobile phones and internet access, Spain boasts a well-developed communication infrastructure. Nearly all urban residents have access to improved drinking water and sanitation facilities.

• 95% - Percentage of the population with internet access (2023).
• 61.2 million - Mobile phone subscriptions (2023).
• 18.431 million - Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	47,280,433	2024 estimate
Area	505,370 sq km	Total area
GDP	$2.361 trillion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	11.4%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	83 years	2024 estimate
Literacy Rate	99.7%	2021 estimate
Electric Access	100%	As of 2022
Military Expenditure	2% of GDP	2025 estimate
Renewable Energy Contribution	45%	Share from solar and wind
Population Below Poverty Line	20.2%	2022 estimate