Spain is located in Europe and is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With a favourable climate and a long history, the country provides something for everyone, and that attracts millions of visitors every years. The people, all 45 million of them, are friendly and welcoming and most speak English as well as the first language, which is Spanish. The currency accepted in the Euro, as with most of Europe today, so you can travel freely from one country to the next without much hassle. The cities within Spain will capture your attention though with their magnificent blend of culture and history, amongst other things. The main cities are Madrid (the capital), Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Bilbao and Malaga, with various resorts up and down the coast as well.

Football is most definitely one of the main pastimes in Spain and you would be hard pushed to find people that do not like football. It is almost like a religion! The national team is currently ranked 6th in the world in the FIFA rankings, but has been as high as 2nd. That honours was achieved in December 1994. Their lowest ever ranking came less than four years later, in March 1998. At that time they were ranked 25th, but this low has never been repeated again and, on current form, it is unlikely to happen again in the near future.

In terms of national honours, Spain has largely failed to impress on a world stage. They have actually appeared in the World Cup twelve times, with the fourth being in the second competition in 1934. They have yet to win it, with their best placing being 4th in 1950. They have also appeared in the European Championship a total of seven ties, with the first appearance coming in 1964. However, they have had a little success in that competition because they actually won it in their first year attending! The other competition that the Spain national team has had an impact on is the Olympics. The team actually won the gold medal in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona and took silver twice, in Antwerp (1920) and Sydney (2000).

The domestic football season in Spain runs from August to May with two main competitions being played – the domestic league, known as La Liga, and the Copa del Rey. The former, or La Primera Liga/Division to give it its full title, was founded in 1929 and is currently the most prestigious league in Europe. The main teams are and always have been Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Aside from those two clubs, only nine others have ever won it (Valencia CF, Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, Real Betis, Real Sociadad, Sevilla FC and Deportvio La Coruna). Real Madrid has been the most prolific team with 30 wins to Barcelona’s 18.

The Copa del Rey, or the Copa de Su Majestad El Rey Don Juan Carlos I (His Majesty King Juan Carlos I's Cup) to give it its full name, has been present since 1902. Barcelona do lead that winners’ chart with 24 victories to Athletic Bilbao’s 23. Whilst important, La Liga tends to take precendence.

Spain actually has the largest stadium in Europe at the moment. The home of FC Barcelona, the Nou Camp, holds 98,772 people at capacity and is a favourite venue of opposing teams in the various European Cups.