23 Fun Facts About Spain For Kids

Date: August 28, 2024

 

Estimated reading time: 3 min

 

Spain, a vibrant country located in southwestern Europe, is full of rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique traditions. With its fascinating culture and diverse regions, there’s so much for kids to learn and explore.

So, to make your geography and culture lesson exciting, here are 23 fun facts about Spain for kids!

• Spain’s official name is the Kingdom of Spain. This name highlights its long history of monarchies that have ruled the country.

• Madrid is the capital of Spain and is located in the exact center of the country. It’s one of the highest capital cities in Europe at 667 meters above sea level.
• Spain is the fourth largest country in Europe. It covers about 505,992 square kilometers, making it slightly bigger than California!
• Spain has 17 autonomous communities. These regions have their own distinct cultures, traditions, and even languages, such as Catalan, Galician, and Basque.
• Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world. Over 480 million people speak Spanish, making it one of the most important global languages.
• Spain is famous for its festivals, especially La Tomatina. La Tomatina is a huge tomato fight that takes place in the town of Buñol every August!
• The Spanish love their siesta. A siesta is a short nap taken in the early afternoon, often after lunch, to recharge for the rest of the day.
• Flamenco is a traditional Spanish dance. It’s a passionate and expressive dance that originated in the Andalusian region.

 

 

• Spain is home to the Sagrada Família, a giant basilica in Barcelona. This unique church has been under construction since 1882 and is still not finished!

 

 

• The Spanish national anthem, “La Marcha Real,” has no official lyrics. It’s one of the few national anthems in the world that is completely instrumental.
• Spain is the world's largest producer of olive oil. It produces around 45% of the world's olive oil, much of which comes from the Andalusia region.
• The oldest restaurant in the world is in Madrid. Restaurante Botín has been serving food since 1725 and is still open today!
• Spain has more than 8,000 kilometers of coastline. With so many beaches, it’s no wonder Spain is a popular summer destination.
• The Torre de Hércules in Galicia is the world’s oldest lighthouse still in use. It was built by the Romans and is almost 2,000 years old.

 

• The Running of the Bulls is a famous tradition in Spain. This event takes place during the San Fermín festival in Pamplona, where people run in front of a group of bulls through the city streets.
• Spain’s national dish is paella. Paella is a delicious rice dish typically made with seafood, chicken, and vegetables, originating from the Valencia region.
• Don Quixote is one of Spain’s most famous literary characters. Written by Miguel de Cervantes, this novel is considered one of the greatest works of fiction ever created.

 

 

• Spain has the second highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. From ancient cave paintings to stunning cathedrals, there are 49 sites to explore.
• The Spanish Royal Family lives in the Royal Palace of Madrid. Although they live there, the palace is also open to the public for tours.
• The Picasso Museum in Barcelona is dedicated to the famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. It features one of the most extensive collections of his work, showing his development as an artist.

 

• Spain’s flag is red and yellow. The red represents strength and valor, while the yellow symbolizes generosity.
• Spain has a special Christmas tradition called El Gordo. El Gordo, meaning "The Fat One," is the world’s largest lottery draw, held every December 22nd.
• Spain’s diverse geography includes mountains, beaches, and even deserts. The Tabernas Desert in Almería is the only desert in Europe and has been used as a filming location for many movies.

And there you have it! A list of 23 fun facts about Spain that will surely pique your kids' curiosity about this beautiful country.

 

Looking to make learning more exciting?

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