Spain

Spain

At a glance

Spain has been a member of the euro area since 1 January 1999. Euro banknotes and coins were introduced on 1 January 2002. Until that date the euro was the official currency but only existed as 'book money'. The euro replaced the Spanish peseta (ESP) at a conversion rate of EUR 1 =  ESP 166.386

Spain is represented by Mariano Rajoy Brey, Prime Minister, at Euro Summit meetings and by Luis de Guindos Jurado, at Eurogroup meetings.


  • Adoption of the euro: 01/01/1999
  • Former currency: Spanish peseta (EUR 1 = ESP 166.386 )
  • GDP per capita (current prices): €23 300 (2011 - Eurostat)
  • Number of votes at the Council of the EU: 27
  • Member of the Schengen area: Yes
  • Official languages: Spanish (es)

Government

The Kingdom of Spain is a highly decentralised state, composed of 17 autonomous communities and two autonomous cities.

It has a bicameral parliamentary system. The Parliament (Cortes Generales) is composed of the Chamber of Deputies (Congreso de los Diputados) and the Senate(Senado).

The Chamber of Deputies has 350 members elected for four years.

The Senate has 264 seats, which are filled for four years. 208 senators are elected at provincial level by direct universal suffrage.

Each autonomous community appoints at least one senator, with one additional senator for every million inhabitants in its territory.

The monarch is Spain's head of state, while the President of the Government (equivalent to prime minister) holds executive power.

Other facts:

  • Political system: monarchy
  • Voting age: 18, voting not compulsory
  • National Day: 12 October (Hispanic Day, anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus – 1492)

Institutions

Contacts

Permanent Representation to the EU

Boulevard du Régent/Regentlaan 52
1000 Bruxelles/Brussel
BELGIUM
Tel. +32 25098611

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