============================== SPAIN ============================== Spain occupies the greater part of the Iberian peninsula, sealed of from the rest of Europe by the Pyrenees. Much of the country is a vast plateau, the Meseta Central, cut across by valleys and gorges. Its longest shoreline is the one that borders the Mediterranean Sea. It has a climate with mild moist winters and hot dry summers. Spain's principle agricultural products are cereals, vegetables and potatoes, and large areas are under vines for the wine industry. Industry represents 72% of the country's export value, and production includes textiles, paper, cement, steel and chemicals. Tourism is a major revenue earner. Area (Sq. Km): 504,728 Population: 39,623,000 Capital: Madrid Language: Spanish Religion: Roman Catholic 90% Government Type: Constitutional monarchy Currency: Peseta Embassy: 24 Belgrave Square London SW1X 8QA 0171-235-5555 Spain has long been the major destination for the British holidaymaker and although its popularity has declined a little in the last few years giving way to Greece, Cyprus and Florida in the popularity stakes, it still remains high on the list of places that the British public holiday in. Package tours have been heading for the Costas since the late 50's and by the mid to late 70's had climbed into the millions. The major destinations are: COSTA BLANCA - main resort is Benidorm. Airport - Alicante COSTA BRAVA/DORADA Main resorts - Lloret de Mar Calella Tossa de Mar Sitges Salou Airports: Reus Barcelona Gerona COSTA DEL SOL: Resorts - Torremolinos Marbela Benelmedena Malaga Fuengirola Mijas Airport: Malaga COSTA ALMERIA: Main resorts: Mojocar Roquetas de Mar Airport: Almeria COSTA DE LA LUZ: Algeciras Airport: Malaga Currency: Peseta Status: Monarchy THE BALEARICS These Spanish islands set in the Mediterranean are also a major draw to the UK tourist. The largest and most popular is Majorca (Capital and airport is Palma). Majorca appeals to all tastes and has a vast range of resorts from the brash and noisy Magalluf to the more tranquil resorts of the east coast such as Cala Bona. Ibiza (Capital and airport Ibiza Town). The major resort in Ibiza is the bustling San Antonio which is a Mecca for the Club holiday brigade. However farther afield, Ibiza has many more up-market areas. The quietest island is Menorca with its capital Mahon also being its airport. Menorca is the most expensive of the Balearics and suits couples, the over 50's etc. Spain is still good value for money and travel in the Spanish hinterland either by coach or car is a rewarding experience. Areas to see include: Andalucia Granada Pyrenees Sierra Nevada Main airports: (Mainland) Madrid Barcelona Alicante Malaga Seville Valencia «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Foreign Office Advice: The one year British Visitor's Passport is to be abolished from 1 January 1996 - from October 1995 for trips to Spain. The UK Passport Agency says to avoid problems, travellers obtain a standard passport. At £10 for 10 years, it is better value than shorter validity passports. The winter months are the quietest period for passport offices and applications can be dealt with within 15 days. A[[lication forms are available from Post Offices. For more information ring: Foreign Office Travel Unit 0171-270-4129