Introduction
History
The Kingdom of Spain, is a country that is deeply rooted in history. The people of Spain have a culture is strong and affluent. Spain has been the home to human beings since prehistoric times. Spain has had an interesting past as far as who and how the country is being led. Sometime around 230 BC, the Carthaginians occupied and controlled the south and east of then Spain. The Romans famously conquered the Carthaginians in the Second Punic War in the year 220 BC. The Romans then controlled Spain until the Visigoths took over in 409 AD. It was some time later that Arab forces from Africa crossed the Strait of Gibraltar and occupied the land in 711 AD. The Islamic influence that these Arab forces spread can still be seen in famous cultural sites such as the Higia Sophia, a religious site with strong visual influences from Catholicism and Islam. It was in 913 AD, that Christians began settling the northern part of the land and set up a capital in Léon. Only 100 years after, due to internal strife, Spain’s Moorish (Islamic controlled) lands were divided into feudal kingdoms. A decisive Christian in 1212 victory at battle of Navas de Tolosa meant the end of the Arab rule over the Spanish land.
At this point in history Spain entered into a Monarchy which it is well known. In 1492, along with Columbus sailing the ocean blue, the King and Queen finally extinguished the last of the Moors in the land of Spain. By doing so they also proclaimed Roman Catholicism as the religion of Spain, which it remains to this day. Those who were Jewish were expelled from the country. The year 1588 marked the peak of power for the Kingdom of Spain. That same year the Spanish Armada infamously failed to conquer England. 1931 marks the year that the King of Spain was forced to abdicate the thrown to the people, replacing him was a republic that soon turned into a dictator ship under General Franco. When Franco died in 1975 the previous king’s son was placed in a position of power and eventually led the country to Democracy, under which the Kingdom of Spain would join the European Union.
Location (see figure 1.)
Continental position.
The Kingdom of Spain is located in the continent of Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. The country nearly controls the entirety of the peninsula save the South-Western portion which belongs to the country of Portugal. The two countries have had civil unrest in the past however have maintained peace for a long period of time. To the country’s, West is the Atlantic Ocean, to its East, the Mediterranean Sea. South of the country is the Strait of Gibraltar and the continent Africa. To Spain’s North is the country of France, the two countries have had relatively calm borders and do not interfere with each other frequently. The Kingdom of Spain still controls some colonies in the Canary Islands off the coast of once controlled Morocco.
Cites and Capital.
Spain is currently home to 46 million individuals. The largest city also happens to be the Capital of the country. Madrid located in the center of the country. The Capital houses over three million citizens and has a number of attractions for tourist and locals alike. Barcelona is the second largest city housing over a million and a half citizens. Valencia and Seville are the next largest cities which are home to a combined one and a half million people. Spain has many coastal cities as it has water on three of its sides. The rest of the cities have been set up around rivers or strategically important land.
Travel
Spain can be traversed a number of ways. With enough major cities and airports one could fly into any region of the country as is common in most developed countries. Spain has a highway system similar to the United States with roads that reach across the country. However, all roads do converge at Madrid. Save the main city roads, many roads inside cites are not as nice, with a lot of brick and stone roads, you are in for a bumpy ride if you are driving through cities. Because many of the main cities are located along rivers, a unique and fun way to travel through the country is their waterways. River Tours are becoming more and more popular and are a great way for one to traverse through the country. The final and most efficient, environmental conscious way of traveling is the high-speed trains that cross the country. I have personally ridden on one of these “bullet trains” going from Seville to Madrid. The train made the 500-km trek in a little under two and a half hours. A trip which a car would take five hours or more.
SPANISH BUSINESS PRACTICES
Money and Economy
Euro.
In 1986 when the Spain official entered the European Union, the country adopted the Euro, a currency which is widely accepted throughout the European Union. The Euro is divided into hundredths, has eight different valued coins and seven differently value bank notes. Most places will also accept Visa or Master Card should you not have any physical money. Individuals can exchange foreign currency at banks and most hotels.
Economy.
Since the Global Economic Crisis in 2008 Spain has been slowly recovering. 2014 Spain marked their first full year of positive economic growth in seven years. The positive growth was largely due to the private sector spending. Prior to 2014 the unemployment rate was around 26%. The unemployment rate has continued to drop thanks to the social reforms the government put in place. Today, the unemployment rate is still astronomical falling just around 20%. In 2016 Spain reported an inflation rate of .3%, half of what it was in 2015. Despite what may seem to be a failing economy, Spain has a rise in its GDP for the past several years, with the actual growth rate coming in at 3.1% in 2016. Spain reports higher import cost than export cost by a matter of 21 million. The exports of the country are mainly machinery and motor vehicles with a small amount coming from food and medical products. The country imports vast amounts of machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals, semi-finished goods and a small amount of food.
Work Force.
The work force consists of roughly 22 million people with more than 70% finding themselves in the service sector. Only 4% of the workers have agricultural jobs. Spain possess different types of nutrient rich soils, allowing farmers to grow: grain, vegetables, olives, wine grapes, sugar beets, citrus. As well as produce products like beef, pork, poultry, dairy products and fish. Industry workers, who make up 24% of jobs, are likely to find themselves in positions that manufacture: food and beverages, metals and metal manufactures, chemicals, shipbuilding, automobiles, machine tools, tourism, clay and refractory products, footwear, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and most famously apparel.
Meals
Lunch.
Lunch usually consists of cold foods like sandwich’s and things of that nature. Spaniards take eating very seriously. Most Spanish citizens observe a lunch period everyday where they take off work for two hours or so to go and eat their lunch. Many people go home to have meals with their family however, lunch is still served in restaurants from 1 in the afternoon till around 4.
Dinner.
Dinner time in Spain starts around 10 PM. Consisting of warmer foods with more meat than would be seen during the lunch time meals. As a supplement to dinner an appetizer like meal combo called “Tapas”. Tapas are very popular in Spain and are served all day at most restaurant. Having had enjoyed Tapas myself, it mainly consists of warm bread as well as various meats and cheeses cooking in a variety of ways. It is often to have alcoholic beverages with these meals, anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to participate in the drinking.
Night time
Night time in Spain has special meaning, especially on the weekends. Pubs, bars, and nightclubs often will stay open until three or four in the morning. In all major cities, you can find places that are open until dawn. Spaniards love to have a good time and drink. With wine and beer being the beverages of choice by this time in the evening.
Culture
Interaction.
In general, the people you meet in Spain are very nice and hospitable. In more rural areas there will be very few people who speak English as Castilian Spanish is the main language. Do not be offended if the person you are talking to approaches you. Physical contact during a conversation with a Spaniard is an accepted form of communicating in Spain and it’s not considered to be an invasion of privacy. When first meeting someone it is customary to greet with a handshake or air kisses to the checks for opposite genders. However, if you are from an outside community the greeting will be initiated by the Spaniard.
Business meetings
Business meetings are held to a different standard. A formal introduction is always best when conducting a business meeting for the first time. Despite a general lack of punctuation and timeliness, it is always a good idea to arrive at business meetings before the scheduled start, even though you may end up waiting. In Spain, it is customary to learn about the person in-depth before beginning business talk.
Sports.
Soccer is arguably the largest past time for Spaniards, and they adore their professional clubs. (see figure 2) Soccer is shown much a wide range of respect and most people will have a favorite team they can tell you about. Other than soccer, bullfighting is still a large spectacle and draws crowds comparable to those you would see at a horse race or boxing event. Arguably cruel and distasteful bullfighting pits a man with a knife and cape against an angered provoked bull. The fight is to the death and bets are often taken prior to the fights. Should these activities not be enough for you sailing and fishing are popular and are often the source of much entertainment.
Fine Arts.
Painting, Sculptures, Architecture, Music, and Dancing are at the center of Spain’s deep appreciation and application of fine arts. Music and dancing are often combined and performed every night in theaters and auditoriums. Famous Flamenco dancers mix styles of tap dancing tango and others to create an all sensory appealing performance. When couple along with classic guitar and Spanish percussion the performance because somewhat magical. Previously thought to be the oldest cave paintings in the world, the Cave of Altamira in northern Spain has cave art that can be dated back to 18,500 thousand years ago. (see figure 3) Spain still has a deep appreciation for art, and houses some of the most famous painting in the world at its various art museums. Modern art is still very much respected as well.
Technology
Spain is current with most electronics as it is a developed country who plays a big hand on a global scale. Electricity supply in Spain is AC 220 Volts, 50 Hertz. Sockets meet European regulations and use the round pin system. However, most hotels have adaptors for different plugs, do not rely on the hotel to supply an adapter it is best to have your own. Connecting to the internet is done wirelessly and WIFI is often provide by the establishment you are in. Phone calls can be made out of the country when the proper number codes are entered before your call. It is not unlikely that you will be surrounded by technology in Spain. Most places have at the minimum a television and computer.
Conclusion
Visiting?
If you are plaining a trip to Spain it is wise to consider the following; Vaccinations, Documentation, Length of Stay, Clothing, Weather, Holidays. To enter Spain, you do not require any special immunizations of vaccinations. Anti-tendonitis is recommended by the country. Spain requires most individuals coming from countries outside the EU to have a valid Visa or passport. If you are not an EU citizen the maximum amount of days you are allowed to spend in Spain is 90. Considerations are made for those who require longer stays, such as students or athletes. Because Spain is so heavily Catholic, holy days of obligation are treated as national holidays and business are not typically open. The warm Mediterranean climate allows locals to wear a plethora of different clothing styles, most of which coincide with the seasons. It is best to dress what the United States would consider business casual. Obvious tourist and Americans are easily picked out by thieves and gypsies just based off of clothing. Pick-Pockets and thieves are common so make sure you are aware at all times. Long pants, loose shirts and shoes other than sneakers are usually a safe bet.
Closing Statement
Spain is an amazing country, home to prehistoric humans and art, the history behind this magnificent country is deep and filled with great leaders. Culturally, Spain is regarded as one of the most culturally developed nations. With great appreciation to art, and music as well as sports and entertainment, you may always find yourself doing something. With a strong religious community and a recovering economy, the people of Spain stand united and strong, protecting their land’s rich history and culture. Visiting the country is a pleasure and if given the chance I would return.