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Spain has a long and storied history, beginning before the time of Roman conquerors. Because of its location, Spain has long been a target of invading countries, and the Romans were no exception.
Despite consequent take-overs by the Goths, Germanic tribes, and the Muslims over the Strait of Gibraltar, the Roman tradition was held in Spain.
During the 1400s and 1500s, Spain rose to worldwide prominence due to its renown sailing fleet, the Spanish Armada, and established a dominant empire in the new world following Christopher Columbus's "discovery" of the Caribbean in 1492.
Through the course of the 18th and 19th centuries, Spain gradually lost its grip on its American holdings, eventually relinquishing them following the Spanish-American War in 1898.
Following the World Wars, Spain entered into a period of dictatorship and economic hardship. Following the coronation of King Juan Carlos in 1975, Spain became a democratic monarchy under his rule.
In March of 2004, Spain experienced another shift in power when Socialist leader Jose Zapatero was elected Prime Minister. This occurred less than a week after 200 people were killed on a train in Madrid, marking the most deadly terror attack in Spain´s history.
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Best known among Spain's folkloristical traditions are certainly Flamenco and bullfights.
Bullfights you will find indeed throughout the country, the most popular event perhaps being the "Running of Bulls" during the Sanfermines in Pamplona.
Spain has to offer much more than that. It is - and has been for thousands of years - one of the cultural centers of Europe.
It has beautiful cities and towns, offering really old monuments as well as futuristic architecture.
Its various regions are all different one to each other, geographically, climatically and even in personality. It is a fascinating country to know and to know more about it.
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