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Spain is the cultural centre of Europe and the third most popular tourist destination in the world; furthermore it is home to an ever growing eclectic mix of expatriates from around the globe.

Those who choose to visit or relocate to Spain are drawn by the country’s charm, beauty and passionate people: this rough guide to Spain will give you an introduction to this fascinating, rich and diverse country.

The Environment and Climate

Mainland Spain is located in South Western Europe. It makes up about 80% of the Iberian Peninsula which it shares with Portugal and Gibraltar.

The Pyrenees form the north-eastern edge of the Peninsula, and the Peninsula is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea on the south and east, and by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and west. Mainland Spain also borders Andorra and France.

Mainland Spain enjoys a beautiful Mediterranean climate with hot summers and with the winters being divided into relatively cold in the interior, temperate on the coast and fair on the islands that make up the Kingdom of Spain.

Further Spanish territories and tourist hotspots are the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea: the main islands making up the Balearics are Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera - and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Sea: the seven islands making up the Canaries are Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and Fuertaventura.

The Kingdom of Spain also consists of two cities in North Africa called Ceuta and Melilla.

Spain’s Historical Background

Spain was once the most powerful nation in Europe and derived most of its wealth at the time from its colonization of the Americas which began with the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492.

After that time Spain suffered a long history of wars, revolts and conflicts which were responsible for a steady decline in the country’s wealth, status and position.

In 1939 General Franco was able to take over as dictator of Spain. He ruled a politically and economically exhausted Spain until his death in 1975.

During the 1960s and 1970s Spain thankfully began to regain its economic strength through industry and tourism.

When Franco died in 1975 Prince Juan Carlos became the king of Spain and the Head of State. He instigated important political changes and turned Spain from an authoritarian regime into a democracy and from a weakened European state into one of the most politically and economically strong countries in Europe today.

Spain Today

Spain today is economically and politically stable and divided into 17 regions which function as a Federation of Autonomous Communities. Each region is geographically and culturally different and even different in personality. For example, you can visit the southern Spanish region of Andalusia and bask on beautiful beaches in the 3000 hours of sunshine the region enjoys a year, or you could travel north to Asturias where some of Spain’s most interesting popular customs come from and where magnificent mountains dominate the landscape and the climate.

You can ski in Spain, and sunbathe in Spain, you can mountain climb and dive, surf and snorkel, you can enjoy flamenco, bull fighting, tapas and wine, you can relax or party for a week, bask in the cultural centre of Europe or just bask on a sun drenched beach - whatever kind of experience you’re after Spain offers it all!

Rhiannon Williamson is the publisher of http://www.shelteroffshore.com/ - the online resource for investment property abroad, offshore investing and living overseas articles, guides and resources.

Click the following link for Spanish property and moving to Spain articles, guides, resources and recommended reading.

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If you haven’t been to Australia or are planning to visit it a second time, then you must have all the information about the places to visit so that you can fully experience the wonderful land that is Australia.

Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world and is divided into 6 states and several territories. The 6 states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. The two major territories are the Northern Territory (NT) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

The largest part of Australia is desert or semi-arid, but the south-east and south-west corners have temperate climate and moderately fertile soil. The northern part has tropical climate, which is part tropical rainforest, part grassland and part desert.

When you go to Australia, you just cannot miss seeing The Great Barrier Reef. It is the world’s largest coral reef and extends for over 1,200 kms! It lies a short distance from the north-east coast.

Another spectacular place to visit is Uluru. It is the second largest monolith in the world and is located in central Australia. You can also visit the Great Artesian Basin, which is the world’s largest and deepest fresh water basin. Along with its beauty, it also serves as an important source of water in the parched outback.

You sure can’t miss going to Sydney if you visit Australia. Sydney is located in a coastal basin situated between the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Blue Mountains to the west. You can enjoy all the activities associated with beaches because there are more than 70 beaches in Sydney! If you have limited time, then you can only go to the famous Bondi Beach of Australia.

Sydney has more amazing landmarks for you like Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Both are located in Sydney Harbour. If you are interested in rowing, boating, recreational fishing, racing small yachts and Dragon Boat racing, then you can get all that in Sydney Harbour.

The city also boasts of musical, theatrical and artistic activities which come under one roof in the Sydney Festival which happens every January. More information can be found here - http://www.australias.co.uk/sydneyaustralia/

Melbourne is another major city of Australia which is situated in the south-east corner of the mainland Australia. It has a large and vibrant cultural life along with a chain of pubs, bars and nightclubs. Fashionable nightclubs, ubiquitous faux-Irish pubs, serious jazz venues on Bennetts Lane, massive pickup joints like The Metro on Bourke Street are all part of the city’s magic.

If shopping is what tempts you the most, then there are many reasonably priced shopping places where you can go and shop till you drop. Melbourne has innumerable clothing shops for every budget and various outlet stores in Bridge Road, Richmond for bargain hunters too!

Perth is a city known for the pristine quality of its beaches. Unbroken stretches of golden sands run through the entire length of the city’s coastal suburbs. If you are a nature lover, then you got to see this place.

Adelaide or the ‘City of Churches’, as it is often referred as, is a coastal city situated on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The name City of Churches is a reflection of Adelaide’s past rather than its present. The city has many wine growing districts such as the Baroosa valley.

Food lovers can taste traditional Australian cuisine which consists of grilled chops, Sunday roasts etc. Some English trends are still evident in domestic cuisine like hot roast turkey, chicken or ham with all the trimmings followed by Christmas pudding. Australia’s two most traditional takeaway dishes are the meat pie and sausage roll.

Mark Minding is a top travel journalist from the UK who has recently established a string of websites based on his travels, including places like France ( http://www.franceuk.co.uk ) and Egypt ( http://www.egyptuk.co.uk ).

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Washington, D.C. is one of the most interesting cities one could visit. The capital city of the United States of America was named after George Washington, military leader of the American Revolution and the first US President. District of Columbia, which is the name of the federal district containing Washington, is governed by a single municipal government and for practical purposes it is administrated by a mayor. But although Washington, D.C. does not have a representative in the U.S. House of Representatives or Senate, the U.S. Congress maintains the supreme authority.

This small city is considered of extreme importance as all three branches of the U.S. federal government as well as many independent agencies headquarters are located in its area, like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. In addition, Washington, D.C. is the place one should visit in order to admire numerous national landmarks, visit museums-most of them have free entrance to the public-and get excited watching famous sports teams. In fact, Washington, D.C. has been a very popular destination among tourists, which is supported by the fact that every year million of visitors decide to tour the sights and sounds of the US capital. Its endless calendar of special events, like the Cherry Blossom celebration or the National Mall festivities, among a variety of free attractions, transform Washington, D.C. to a year-round inspiring experience for all its habitats and foreign visitors.

But beyond the city’s well-known sights, Washington, D.C. is actually a lively urban center. Packed bars, cafes, bistros, and beautiful restaurants, offer to the visitor a variety of choices and invite all to spend some time with good company. Since some of the U.S. most prestigious and famous universities are located in the city, its beat is further enhanced by thousands of undergrad and graduate students who pursue the degree of their choice while enjoying the city’s possibilities.

If you are wondering whether or not the city is worthwhile I would have to strongly support that it is. Being a “foreigner” who decided to come and has been living in the US capital for the last two years I always invite people to see the city and take advantage at the same time of having their personal free tour guide. Having done exactly that for a number of different friends and local visitors, I am convinced that Washington, D.C. has something new to offer to its visitors whether they are planning to stay just for a few days or for who knows how long.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including
Travel, Golf, and
Games.

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