Located in south-western Europe, Spain takes up most of the Iberian peninsula as well as the Balearic (Mediterranean Sea) and Canary Island (Atlantic Ocean) archipelagos; it also possesses a small territory on the northern coast of Africa. The total surface area is 504,759 square kilometres, 85 per cent of which is on the mainland. Given its geographic and historic features, Spain is home to a wide variety of languages and cultures and to a population that is the result of historic inter-relations between peoples of very diverse origin, each with their own traditions and languages that afford a wealth of cultural and artistic patterns.24 Castilian (usually and internationally known as Spanish) is the official language for the whole state. Euskera is the co-official language of the Basque country; Catalan the co-official language in Catalonia; Valenciano is the co-official language in Valencia; and Gallego is the co-official language of Galicia. The Constitution of 19783 asserts these separate rights and the value of linguistic diversity.12
The Spanish population has not followed any constant trend in the last 25 years. The total population is around 40 million, with a population density of almost 80 inhabitants per square kilometre.59 Life expectancy at birth in 1990 was almost 77 for the population as a whole, just over 73 for men and just over 80 for women;27 figures that have crept up slightly in recent years. Added to the fact that the birth rate has been declining, these figures are conducive to an inverted population pyramid.24 Just over 11 per cent of the population are considered to live in rural circumstances.59
With reference to Spain's labour market, 50 per cent of the population is working or in a position to be working. This rate has held steady over recent years, due to the fact that the gradual growth of the population over the age of 65 has been offset by a declining birth rate and a large proportion of women joining the workforce.29
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) unemployment rate (persons aged 16 years and over) for Spain in 1999 was 15.9 per cent (11.1 per cent for men, and 23.0 per cent for women). This data is sourced from the ILO Laborsta database, which is available online: http://www.ilo.org/.
Spain has undergone enormous social, cultural, political and economic change since its transition in 1976-1978 from an authoritarian political régime to a democratic state.24 Spain joined the European Union in 1986.21
The Constitution of 19788 is the cornerstone legislation that governs communal life. This basic charter recognises that national sovereignty lies with the Spanish people, from whom all state powers emanate. It likewise defines the political system as a parliamentary monarchy, with the King as chief of state. Legislative power is held by Parliament (the Cortes Generales) which comprises the Congress of Deputies and the Senate. Executive power is exercised by President and the national Government.24
The Constitution divided Spanish territory into municipalities, provinces, Autonomous Communities (Comunidades Autónomas) and the State. Certain powers (including some for education) are devolved to the 17 Autonomous Communities, but other powers remain with the State.16
The Constitution specifies Castilian Spanish as the official language and all citizens must know, and be entitled to use, it.24 In addition to Castilian Spanish, there are official languages in four of the Autonomous Communities. These are Euskera in the Basque country, Catalan in Catalonia, Valenciano in Valencia, and Gallego in Galicia.16
Elections in Spain are held every four years; the most recent took place in March 2008, when the Socialist Government retained power.
Spain does not have an official state religion; freedom of ideas, religion and worship of individuals and communities is guaranteed. Public authorities must respect all the religious beliefs in Spanish society and maintain cooperative links with the Catholic Church and other religions. A substantial majority of citizens profess the Catholic faith.24 Under the terms of an agreement with the Vatican, the State recognises the fundamental right to religious education and undertakes to guarantee that the Catholic religion is taught in state schools. Student attendance at religious education lessons is, however, not compulsory. The Catholic Church itself directly organises such teaching in state schools.16