15 Interesting Facts You May Not Know About Spain
1. Spain has the second-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, with over 40, including the Alhambra, Sagrada Família, and the historic city of Toledo.
2. The Spanish language, also known as Castilian, is the second most spoken native language globally, with more than 460 million speakers.
3. Spain is home to the oldest restaurant in the world still in operation, Restaurante Botín in Madrid, established in 1725.
4. The Tomatina Festival in Buñol, where participants throw tomatoes at each other, is one of Spain's most unusual and celebrated traditions.
5. Flamenco, an iconic Spanish art form, combines singing, dancing, and guitar playing, with its roots in Andalusia and Roma (Gypsy) culture.
6. Spain produces more than half of the world’s olive oil, making it the largest producer globally, particularly from the Andalusian region.
7. The Pyrenees Mountains in Spain are home to the endangered Iberian lynx, one of the rarest wild cats in the world.
8. The Spanish siesta, a short afternoon nap, has been a long-standing cultural tradition, though it’s less common in urban areas today.
9. Spain was the first European country to build a true high-speed rail system, connecting Madrid and Seville in 1992.
10. The Running of the Bulls, part of the San Fermín Festival in Pamplona, dates back to the 14th century and attracts thousands of thrill-seekers annually.
11. The Canary Islands, part of Spain, are geographically located off the coast of Africa and are famous for their volcanic landscapes.
12. Spain’s gastronomy is celebrated for dishes like paella, tapas, churros, and jamón ibérico, with every region offering unique culinary traditions.
13. The modern novel is said to have originated in Spain with Miguel de Cervantes’ "Don Quixote," published in 1605.
14. Spain boasts over 8,000 kilometers (4,970 miles) of coastline, offering diverse beaches from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic.
15. The Sagrada Família in Barcelona, a masterpiece by architect Antoni Gaudí, has been under construction since 1882 and is anticipated to be completed in the 2030s.
