Spain Country Report

Spain is a well-developed parliamentary democracy and European Union member state located in the southwest of Europe, bordering Portugal to the west, France to the northeast, and Andorra to the east. The southern tip of Spain lies only 14.25km (8.85 miles) from Morocco and continental Africa across the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea.

The Catalan independence crisis and the failed referendum have resulted in strained political uncertainty; the issue continues to occasionally prompt large protests in Catalonian cities. Separatist sentiment in the northern Basque region continues to fuel some unrest, though related violence has subsided. Spanish domestic interests have been targeted by Islamist terrorists in recent years, which has raised the country's threat profile. Spain is open to foreign investment and follows the economic standards and regulations required of EU members; thus, levels of corruption are relatively low.

Spain is generally a safe and peaceful country for tourists and business travelers; most visits occur without incident. Petty crime poses one of the most common threats, as thieves often target foreign nationals in tourist areas and public transportation hubs. Spain has well-developed infrastructure throughout the country.

Spain is a member of the EU, NATO, and of the Schengen zone.

Spain is generally a safe and peaceful country for tourists and business travelers. Whilst violent crime is rare, petty criminal acts pose the most common threat to foreign travelers in Spain. The Interior Ministry has warned of a continued general threat of Islamist terrorism in the country. Previous attacks have underscored the presence of radicalized individuals and organized radical Islamist cells. Police are deployed in areas that may be considered prime targets, such as transportation hubs and tourist sites. The Catalan independence crisis has increased the risk of localized public unrest, with large-scale security deployments mobilized to potential flashpoint areas.

There are no safety concerns over air travel.

Spain is connected by an extensive system of well-maintained roadways and safe and efficient urban public transportation networks.

The ports are considered efficient.

Electricity and internet connectivity is available across the country. Water shortages are rare and, when they do occur, only last for brief periods of time during summer heatwaves.

There are increasing concerns over the threat from cyber-attacks, which can cause damage to the country's economy.

Spain has one of the most varied climates in Europe and the country's classifications range from semi-arid to temperate and oceanic. The eastern and southern coasts and the Balearic and Canary islands experience a mild and sunny Mediterranean climate; the northern Atlantic coast is more cold, humid, and rainy; the interior is generally arid with cold winters and hot summers; and the Pyrenees and other higher ranges of mainland Spain experience a colder mountainous climate.

Heavy flooding can occur in low-lying regions of Spain January-March, with landslides occasionally occurring in mountainous areas. Summer months can be very hot for continental Europe, with an associated increased risk of wildfires in rural areas. Between June-August, temperatures may periodically reach above the 40 C (104 F) level in the south of the country, which increases the risk of health concerns relating to heat exposure.

There are no particular health concerns for travel to Spain, and only routine precautions and standard vaccinations are recommended for travel. Food and water are generally considered safe, and medical care of a good standard is widely available.

Spain is a multi-party representative democratic parliamentary monarchy. The Prime Minister is the head of government head of government, while the monarch serves as the head of state in a largely ceremonial role. The prime minister, Council of Ministers, and Cabinet together exercise executive power, while legislative power resides with a bicameral parliament (Cortes Generales) consisting of the Congress of Deputies and the Senate. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. Presidential and parliamentary elections take place at least once every four years. Regional elections occur at least once every four years, though different regions hold elections on different years.

Coalitions featuring a cross-section of political parties are typically required to form the government. Despite regular government collapses and failures to form governments following elections, state institutions are mostly competent and effective, and provide reliable services across most of the country.