Spain is a country located in Southwestern Europe, occupying most of the Iberian Peninsula, along with two archipelagos: the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa and the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. It also includes two autonomous cities, Ceuta and Melilla, located on the northern coast of Africa. Spain is bordered to the north and northeast by France and Andorra, to the west and northwest by Portugal, and to the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea.
Spain is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and historical influences from various civilizations, including the Romans, Moors, and various European kingdoms. The capital city is Madrid, which is also the largest city, followed by other major cities such as Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville. The official language is Spanish (Castilian), but there are several regional languages with co-official status, including Catalan, Galician, and Basque.
The country has a parliamentary constitutional monarchy and is a member of the European Union. It is recognized for its contributions to art, architecture, literature, and cuisine, making it a significant cultural center in Europe and the world.