Along with Portugal, Spain sits on the Iberian peninsula. Beyond the Pyrenees Mountains to the north, lie France and Italy. The Mediterranean Sea is to the east. South of Spain is the Strait of Gibraltar and Africa.
The interior part of the country is hot and dry during the summer and very cold during the winter. Coastal areas are warm and mild.
Spain Facts For Kids
- It’s in Southern Europe.
- The capital is Madrid.
- They speak Spanish.
- Known for Flamenco dance.
- Loves soccer.
- Has a king and queen.
- Famous for paella.
- Lots of fiestas.
- Home to Picasso.
- Rich in history.
Flamenco
Flamenco, a vibrant blend of singing, dancing, and guitar playing that originated in Spain, is a significant aspect of the country’s culture that children might find particularly enthralling. This unique form of musical expression, characterized by its colorful costumes, rhythmic clapping, and fast footwork, conveys a spectrum of emotions such as joy, sorrow, and passion, making it a captivating spectacle.
With its popularity especially evident in the region of Andalusia, Flamenco serves as a testament to Spain’s rich historical tapestry and the diverse cultural influences it has absorbed from Gypsy, Moorish, and Jewish cultures. Its cultural significance has been globally recognized, with UNESCO declaring Flamenco as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2010.
Tapas
Tapas, the bite-sized dishes that are a signature of Spain’s unique culture, provide a delightful tradition that children may find intriguing. Originating in Spain, these small delicacies are typically enjoyed communally, creating an atmosphere of sharing and socializing, adding to their appeal.
The practice in many Spanish regions involves hopping from one tapas bar to another, each offering an opportunity to sample a variety of dishes. The menu can range from a topped piece of toast, a small bowl of olives, to a portion of seafood.
Therefore, the tradition of tapas is not just about the food, but also about the experience it fosters. So, Spain’s cultural identity is inextricably linked to the enjoyable tradition of tapas!
Barcelona
As one of Spain’s most dynamic cities, Barcelona presents an excellent opportunity for children to gain insight into Spanish culture, history, and architecture. Situated in Catalonia, Barcelona is not only the second-largest city in the country but also a hub of significant landmarks, including the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, both masterpieces of the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí.
The city’s rich history, which spans thousands of years, is palpable in its numerous Roman archaeological sites, making it an ideal place to learn about ancient civilizations. Barcelona also takes pride in its globally successful soccer team, FC Barcelona.
Besides its cultural and historical appeal, the city’s beaches provide a delightful place for children to engage in fun activities and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea’s serene beauty.
Bullfighting
Bullfighting, a sport steeped in hundreds of years of tradition originating from ancient Roman times, is deeply embedded in Spanish culture, especially in regions like Andalusia, Madrid, and Valencia. The sport centers around a matador, the key performer, who showcases his courage and skill through a dance of confrontation with the bull.
Despite its cultural importance, bullfighting has attracted controversy due to concerns over animal welfare. This has led to a change in perspectives toward this historic tradition, demonstrated by regions like Catalonia in Spain, where the sport has been banned.
La Liga
La Liga, a football league based in Spain, is renowned globally for its popularity and is deeply embedded in Spanish culture, fostering dreams in young children of playing in the league someday. Comprising 20 teams, it boasts of globally celebrated clubs such as FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, which have been graced by legendary players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The matches of La Liga are not just mere sporting events in Spain; they serve as a significant family gathering occasion where everyone comes together to cheer for their favorite teams. More than just a platform for showcasing exceptional football talent, La Liga plays a pivotal role in uniting communities through a collective passion for football.
Madrid
Madrid, Spain’s capital city, is celebrated for its deep historical roots, lively culture, and breathtaking architecture, making it the third-largest city in the European Union, surpassed only by London and Berlin. The city’s vibrancy is evident in its remarkable landmarks, including the Palacio Real, the largest royal palace in Western Europe, and its thriving art scene, which is highlighted by globally renowned museums such as the Prado Museum and Reina Sofia Museum.
Furthermore, Madrid is globally recognized for its world-class football team, Real Madrid, one of the world’s most successful clubs. The city’s central gathering spot, Plaza Mayor, is a favorite among children for feeding pigeons and observing street performers, further enhancing Madrid’s charm.
Alhambra
The Alhambra, an awe-inspiring historical edifice situated in Granada, stands as a testament to Spain’s rich cultural heritage. Erected in the 13th century by the Moors during their reign, this ancient palace and fortress are a picturesque embodiment of Islamic architecture, complete with intricately carved walls, vibrant tiles, and enchanting courtyards and gardens.
It offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the Sierra Nevada mountains, adding to its allure. Today, the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, serves as one of Spain’s most frequented tourist attractions. It offers an immersive educational experience for children, allowing them to delve into Spain’s profound history and culture while marveling at the grandeur of this architectural wonder.
Spanish language
Renowned for its rich culture and history, Spain is particularly celebrated for its beautiful language, Spanish, or ‘Español’ as it is known locally. Melodiously echoing from the bustling streets of Madrid to the tranquil countryside, Spanish is the second most spoken language globally, with over 460 million native speakers.
The language’s global impact extends beyond Spain, as it serves as the official language for 21 countries. Therefore, learning Spanish not only helps children connect with the Spanish culture but also offers them a gateway to understanding various cultures worldwide.
Paella
Spain takes pride in its diverse culinary offerings, with Paella standing out as one of its most celebrated dishes. With its origins tracing back to Valencia, a region situated on the east coast, Paella has evolved to become a staple of Spanish cuisine.
This beloved dish combines rice with a medley of ingredients such as chicken, rabbit, beans, and an assortment of seafood, typically cooked over an open fire in a large, flat pan known as ‘paellera’.
The golden hue of Paella is attributed to saffron, the world’s priciest spice. The essence of an exceptional Paella lies in slow cooking, allowing the flavors to fuse cohesively. This traditional Spanish dish is a common feature at festivals and family gatherings, exemplifying its significant role in Spanish culture and traditions.
Ibiza
Ibiza, a globally renowned island in Spain’s Balearic Islands, offers much more than just its vibrant nightlife. It’s an intriguing destination for children, boasting beautiful sandy beaches perfect for castle building, and crystal-clear waters that invite a refreshing swim.
The island also hosts the natural park of Ses Salines, which is not only an ideal location for family hikes but also a UNESCO World Heritage site noted for its historic, cultural, and scientific value.
Adventurous families can delve into the island’s deep-rooted history at Dalt Vila, the ancient town adorned with age-old buildings and scenic streets. Moreover, for those with a passion for wildlife, the exclusive Ibiza Wall Lizard, a species endemic to the island, offers a unique encounter.
Moors — Muslims from North Africa, lived in and ruled Iberia for hundreds of years. Today, Spain is a colorful country known for its fiestas, flamenco dancing and bull runs. Stores and businesses usually close in mid afternoon and people nap or rest. People stay up late. Families usually eat dinner at 9:00 and don’t go to bed until midnight or later!
Fun Facts about Spain for Kids
- The capital of Spain is Madrid.
- Pedro Sanchez is the president of Spain (data from June 2018).
- Spain has 192,834 square miles of land.
- Over 46 million people live in Spain.
- The official language of Spain is Spanish.
- 96 percent of people in Spain are Christian. Most are Catholic.
- The government of Spain is a multiparty democracy and a monarchy. The king and the president rule together.
- 98 percent of adults here can read.
- Spain uses the Euro as currency.
- People in Spain can expect to live 82 years (4th highest in the world).
- The tallest mountain is Mount Teide but this volcanic mountain is not on mainland Spain, it is in Tenerife (Canary Islands). Mount Teide is 3,718 m tall above sea level. From the ocean floor to the summit it’s reaches 7,500 m.
- Flowing 1,038 km the river Tagus is Spain’s longest river.
- Spain has a fantastic tourist industry and with 44 UNESCO word heritage sites and an excellent warm climate it’s no wonder why.
- Spain is home to some of the worlds largest football clubs such as Real Madrid and Barcelona.
- The Olympics was held in Spain (Barcelona) in 1992.
- The Spanish National Anthem has no actual lyrics.
- Spain is the second largest country in Western Europe after France.
Spain Vocabulary
- Peninsula: a portion of land connected to a larger land mass, which juts out into a body of water.
- Fiesta: colorful party with music and good food
- Flamenco: Spanish folk music and a type of energetic dance
All About Spain Video for Kids
Check out this cool video all about Spain for kids:
This is a video documentary about Spain and its history and culture.
Spain Q&A
Question: Do tourists visit Spain?
Answer: After France, Spain is the most visited country in Europe. People flock to its sunny beaches.
Map of Spain
Here’s a map of the country of Spain and all its cities and villages. Zoom in to get into street level or zoom out to see other countries around Spain! You can see the terrain, but also see the roads, images of the buildings and even take a 3D tour through the streets of the cities of Spain, as though you are actually there!
