Spain: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Spain 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Spain: 36
  • Happiness Score Spain:6.421

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Spain. ES.

    Spain is a country located in the southwestern part of Europe. It has a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. Spain is known for its rich cultural heritage, including flamenco music and dance, as well as its famous art and architecture, particularly the works of artists like Picasso and Gaudi. In terms of economy, Spain is the 14th largest economy in the world and is known for its agricultural, automotive, and tourism industries.

  • Spain is home to the third-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  • It is the second most visited country in the world, with over 83 million visitors in 2019.
  • The country has a diverse climate, ranging from semi-arid in the southeast to oceanic in the northwest.
  • Spain – Overview

    Early History:

    The Iberian Peninsula, home to modern-day Spain, has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The region was populated by various ancient civilizations, including the Iberians, Celts, and Phoenicians. The Romans conquered the region in the 3rd century BC and established the province of Hispania, leaving behind a lasting cultural and architectural legacy.

    Kingdoms and Empires:

    After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Visigoths established a kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula in the 5th century AD. In the 8th century, the Moors, a Muslim population from North Africa, conquered much of the Iberian Peninsula, establishing the Caliphate of Córdoba. The Reconquista, a prolonged effort by Christian kingdoms to reclaim the territory, culminated in the unification of Spain under the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492.

    Colonial Period:

    With the backing of the Spanish Crown, Christopher Columbus set sail in 1492, initiating Spain’s colonial expansion across the Americas and the Pacific. Spain established a vast colonial empire, including territories in the Caribbean, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines. The influx of wealth from the colonies fueled Spain’s Golden Age of arts, literature, and architecture.

    Independence and Modern Era:

    Spain’s colonial possessions eventually gained independence throughout the 19th century. The country experienced periods of instability, including the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and the subsequent dictatorship of Francisco Franco (1939-1975). After Franco’s death, Spain transitioned to a parliamentary democracy and joined the European Union in 1986.

    Current Political Situation:

    Spain is a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy. The current monarch is King Felipe VI, and the prime minister is Pedro Sánchez, leader of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE). Recent elections have seen a rise in support for far-right and pro-independence parties, reflecting political polarization.

    International Relations:

    Spain maintains strong ties with the European Union and NATO. The country has territorial disputes over the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla with Morocco and the issue of Catalan independence. Spain has also played a role in international conflicts, contributing troops to peacekeeping missions and the fight against terrorism.

    Human Development and Economy:

    Spain has a highly developed economy, with a strong services sector and industries like tourism, automotive manufacturing, and renewable energy. The country has made significant strides in human development but faces challenges such as high unemployment rates and regional economic disparities.

    Cultural Highlights:

    Spain boasts a rich cultural heritage, with influences from various civilizations. The country is known for its architecture, art (including works by Picasso and Gaudí), literature (Cervantes’ Don Quixote), and vibrant traditions like flamenco and bullfighting. Spain is also renowned for its cuisine, including tapas, paella, and world-class wines.

    Challenges and Opportunities:

    Spain faces challenges related to economic recovery, regional separatist movements, and the integration of immigrants. However, the country’s strategic location, diverse industries, and cultural assets present opportunities for continued growth and development in the global arena.

Main facts

1. Location

Spain is located in southwestern Europe, occupying most of the Iberian Peninsula. It borders Portugal to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the east and southeast, the Strait of Gibraltar and Morocco to the south, and the Bay of Biscay and France to the northeast.

2. Map References

Spain is situated in Southern Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula.

3. Area – Comparative

With an area of 505,992 square kilometers (195,363 square miles), Spain is slightly more than twice the size of the U.S. state of Oregon.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Spain shares land borders with France (623 km), Andorra (63.7 km), Morocco (16.8 km), and Portugal (1,214 km).

5. Coastline

Spain has a total coastline of 4,964 km, featuring the Mediterranean Sea to the east and southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the northwest and southwest.

6. Maritime Claims

Spain claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles, an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles, and a continental shelf extending to the outer edge of continental margin or to a distance of 200 nautical miles.

7. Climate

Spain has a predominantly Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. However, the climate varies across regions, with continental and oceanic influences in the interior and northern areas, respectively.

8. Terrain

Spain’s terrain is characterized by flat to dissected plateaus surrounded by rugged hills and mountains, with some low coastal plains. The most prominent mountain ranges are the Pyrenees in the northeast and the Sierra Nevada in the southeast.

9. Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Spain is Mulhacén (3,478 meters) in the Sierra Nevada range, while the lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean (0 meters).

10. Natural Resources

Spain’s major natural resources include coal, lignite, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, uranium, tungsten, mercury, pyrites, fluorspar, gypsum, sepiolite, kaolin, potash, hydropower, arable land.

11. Major Bodies of Water

Notable bodies of water in Spain include the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, the Strait of Gibraltar, and major rivers such as the Ebro, Duero, Tajo, Guadiana, and Guadalquivir.

12. Natural Hazards

Spain is susceptible to periodic droughts, occasional flooding, wildfires, and earthquakes in the southwestern areas of the country.

13. Geography – Notes

Spain’s strategic location along the Strait of Gibraltar has made it a historically significant region, connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The country’s diverse landscapes, from the rugged Pyrenees to the flat central plateaus, contribute to its rich natural heritage and biodiversity.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 36.90%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 244,002. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 52.60%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  40.463667-3.74922.
  • Capital: The capital of Spain is  Madrid
  • Major Cities:
    • Madrid – 3,223,334
    • Barcelona – 1,621,537
    • Valencia – 814,208
    • Seville – 688,592
    • Zaragoza – 674,997
  • Population: 47,076,781
  • Area(Km2): 505370
  • Population Density( P/Km²):94. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:34
  • Official Language(s):Spain is Spanish with a percentage of 98%.
  • Currency: EUR

Main Economic Indicators

Spain has a diversified and high-income economy, the 14th largest in the world by nominal GDP and 5th in the European Union. Key industries include manufacturing, financial services, tourism, and renewable energy. Challenges include high unemployment, particularly among youth, and regional economic disparities.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

3.1% (2022 est.)
3.0% (2021 est.)
Source: International Monetary Fund

Credit Ratings

Fitch: A- (Stable)
Moody’s: Baa1 (Stable)
S&P: A (Stable)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 2.7%
Industry: 19.2%
Services: 68.1%
Source: Central Intelligence Agency (2017 est.)

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agriculture: Grain, vegetables, olives, wine grapes, sugar beets, citrus; beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; fish
Industries: Textiles and apparel, food and beverages, metals and metal products, chemicals, shipbuilding, automobiles, machine tools, tourism

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 23.19 million (2022 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 27th in the world

Current Account Balance

2022: $15.81 billion (surplus)
2021: $10.26 billion (surplus)
Comparative Ranking: 22nd in the world (2022 est.)

Exports and Imports

Exports: $398.7 billion (2022 est.)
Key Partners: France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, UK
Main Exports: Machinery, motor vehicles, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, medicines

Imports: $467.2 billion (2022 est.)
Key Partners: Germany, France, China, Italy, Netherlands
Main Imports: Machinery, motor vehicles, electrical energy, chemicals, plastics, fuels

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $66.92 billion (31 December 2021 est.)
Gold Reserves: 281.6 tonnes (August 2022 est.)

  • GDP (Current US$):$1,394,116,310,769. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 14.20%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 47.00%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $1.26. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $5.60. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 13.96%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Nationality: Spaniard(s)

Adjective: Spanish

2. Ethnic Groups

– Spanish 89.9%
– Moroccan 1.8%
– Romanian 1.1%
– Other 7.2%

3. Religions

– Catholic 67.8%
– Atheist 9.1%
– Other 2.7%
– Muslim 2.3%
– Protestant 1.2%
– Buddhist 0.4%
– Jewish 0.1%

4. Age Structure

– 0-14 years: 15.01%
– 15-64 years: 64.71%
– 65 years and over: 20.28%

5. Dependency Ratios

Total Dependency Ratio: 54.6%
Youth Dependency Ratio: 22.4%
Elderly Dependency Ratio: 32.2%

6. Median Age

Total: 44.9 years
Male: 43.6 years
Female: 46.2 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

Obesity Rate: 23.8% of the adult population
Alcohol Consumption: 11.2 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
Tobacco Use: 23.8% of the adult population

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 83.3. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 98.1%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:7.9. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:10. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 1.26. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 89.3%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 37,927,409. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):24.20%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

Spain’s military consists of the following branches: Army (Ejército de Tierra), Navy (Armada Española), and Air Force (Ejército del Aire). The Spanish Armed Forces also include the Royal Guard (Guardia Real), an elite military unit responsible for the protection of the Spanish Royal Family and the defense of the royal palaces. The National Police Corps (Cuerpo Nacional de Policía) and the Civil Guard (Guardia Civil) are the principal law enforcement agencies, responsible for maintaining internal security and public order.

Military Expenditures

Spain’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years is as follows:

  • 2022: 1.4%
  • 2021: 1.4%
  • 2020: 1.3%
  • 2019: 1.3%
  • 2018: 1.2%

Spain ranks among the top 20 countries globally in terms of military expenditure.

Personnel Strengths

The total number of active-duty military personnel in Spain is approximately 120,000, with the following breakdown by service branch:

  • Army: 60,000
  • Navy: 20,000
  • Air Force: 20,000
  • Other branches: 20,000

Additionally, the National Police Corps has around 80,000 members, while the Civil Guard has approximately 75,000 members.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Spain’s military utilizes a mix of domestically produced and imported equipment. Key hardware includes Leopard 2E main battle tanks, Eurofighter Typhoon multirole fighters, F-18 Hornet fighter jets, and various naval vessels such as the Juan Carlos I amphibious assault ship and Alvaro de Bazan-class frigates. Future acquisitions and development programs include the Future Soldier program, procurement of new armored vehicles, and upgrades to naval and air assets.

Military Service Age and Obligation

In Spain, military service is voluntary for both men and women. The age range for voluntary enlistment is 18-28 years. Spain abolished compulsory military service in 2001.

Military Deployments

Spain currently has military personnel deployed in several international operations, including:

  • NATO missions in Latvia, Turkey, and the Mediterranean
  • United Nations peacekeeping operations in Lebanon, Mali, and Western Sahara
  • European Union training missions in Somalia and Mali

Strategic Military Notes

Spain’s defense strategy prioritizes collective security through NATO and the European Union, with a focus on maritime security, counterterrorism, and international peacekeeping operations. The Spanish Armed Forces play an active role in international security frameworks and contribute to various multinational military alliances and partnerships.

  • Armed Forces Size: 133000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 3.87
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 57.50%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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