Located on the crossroads of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Europe and Africa, Spain’s historical past and tradition are made up of a wealthy mixture of numerous elements.
Through exploration and conquest, Spain turned into a world energy within the 16th century, and it maintained an infinite overseas empire until the early nineteenth century.
Spain’s modern historical past is marked by way of the bitterly fought Spanish Civil War of 1936-39, and the ensuing 36-12 months dictatorship of Basic Francisco Franco.
After Franco’s demise in 1975, Spain made the transition to a democratic state and built a a success economy, with King Juan Carlos as head of state.
The constitution of 1978 enshrines admire for linguistic and cultural variety inside of a united Spain. the country is split into 17 areas which all have their own right away elected government.
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King Felipe succeeded to the throne at the abdication of his father Juan Carlos in June 2014. Born in 1968 whilst his father was once inheritor-apparent to the vacant throne throughout the Franco dictatorship, Prince Felipe used to be educated for his long run royal position, and undertook legitimate engagements on behalf of the king from 1995.
Despite retaining really extensive constitutional power as chief govt and commander-in-chief, King Felipe has pledged to continue his father’s legacy of helping the primacy of parliament.
Prime Minister: Mariano Rajoy
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Spain’s parliament in October 2016 voted to allow conservative chief Mariano Rajoy to lead a minority govt, after a ten-month political deadlock following inconclusive elections.
Mr Rajoy, who became prime minister in December 2011, took at the position of performing high minister of a caretaker government after elections in December 2015 didn’t produce a clear winner.
He claimed the suitable to form a central authority after a repeat election in June 2016 saw his conservative Popular Party (PP) win extra seats however fall short of a majority once again.
He first turned into ideal after the PP won a resounding victory in parliamentary elections in 2011.
The election marketing campaign was once dominated by means of Spain’s deep debt crisis and sky-high unemployment, and the governing Socialists’ defeat was once widely expected.
Mr Rajoy, who has long been referred to as a cautious public administrator, warned the Spanish people who there is no miracle remedy to revive the rustic to economic health.
The son of a legal professional, Mariano Rajoy grew up in a socially conservative Catholic surroundings, studied law and began his career as a land registrar.
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MEDIA
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Broadcasting in Spain has witnessed a significant enlargement in contemporary years with the emergence of recent business operators and the release of digital services.
The cable and satellite tv for pc TV markets have grown and Spain has made the transfer to virtual terrestrial TELEVISION (DTT).
Home-produced dramas, fact shows and lengthy-running “telenovelas” are staple fare on primetime TV.
RadioTelevision Espanola (RTVE) is the general public broadcaster. There are a large number of nearby TV stations subsidized by regional governments and lots of native stations. Multichannel TV is offered through satellite platform Virtual Plus.
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TIMELINE
Some key dates in Spain’s historical past:
sixteenth-seventeenth centuries – Spanish Empire at its peak, with Spain the important Ecu power. the upward thrust of Protestant states in northern Europe and the Ottoman Empire within the Mediterranean start the rustic’s gradual decline.
Symbol copyright Getty Images Image caption Madrid’s Plaza Mayor
18th century – The Struggle of the Spanish Succession loses Spain its European possessions outside the Iberian Peninsula. Bourbon dynasty, at the start from France, centralises the Spanish state, shutting down many neighborhood self sustaining assemblies and modernising government and the military.
1807-1814 – Napoleon’s France occupies Spain, which has been a French satellite due to the fact 1795. Fierce nationalist resistance and British intervention within the Peninsular Warfare gradually pressure French troops out.
19th century – Napoleonic legacy of political department and financial dislocation leaves Spain susceptible and risky, with frequent changes of government and a low-stage insurgency through Carlist supporters of a rival branch of the royal family. All Latin American colonies win their independence, with Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Philippines in Asia lost all over a disastrous warfare with the America in 1898.
Symbol copyright Getty Pictures Image caption View of Barcelona ruled via Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia church
1936-39 – Spanish Civil War pits left-wing Republicans in opposition to proper-wing Nationalists, with either side receiving international reinforce. General Francisco Franco leads the Nationalists to victory and continues to be in energy until his death in 1975.
1939-FORTY FIVE – Spain remains impartial within the Second Global Struggle, despite the fact that the executive’s sympathies obviously lie with the Axis powers.
Symbol copyright Getty Images Image caption Bullfighting – a part of Spain’s cultural background, however controversial in a few quarters
1975 – Franco dies. Succeeded as head of state by way of King Juan Carlos. With Juan Carlos on the throne, Spain makes transition from dictatorship to democracy. Spain withdraws from the Spanish Sahara, finishing its colonial empire.
1978 – New constitution confirms Spain as a parliamentary monarchy.
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