This document provides an overview of life in Spain, including:
- A brief history of Spain mentioning its involvement in wars and founding of the UN.
- Demographic information like the population size, age breakdown, growth and birth/death rates, languages, and education levels.
- An overview of the government as a parliamentary monarchy led by a Prime Minister.
- Details on the economy, healthcare system, transportation options, climate, agriculture, popular foods, places of interest like museums, media/entertainment, potential jobs, real estate, and potential dates.
- Notes some poisonous organisms like vipers and scorpions to avoid and mentions fishing as an activity.
3. THE HISTORY
Roman Catholic
Enemies w/ the English
Spanish Armada defeated
by Queen Elizabeth
Was involved with many
wars throughout the years.
Founded UN in 1993
4. DEMOGRAPHICS
Population
40,491,052 (July 2008 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years: 14.4% (male 3,011,815/female 2,832,788)
15-64 years: 67.6% (male 13,741,493/female 13,641,914)
65 years and over: 17.9% (male 3,031,597/female 4,231,444) (2008 est.)
Median age
total: 40.7 years
male: 39.3 years
female: 42.1 years (2008 est.)
Population growth rate
0.096% (2008 est.)
Birth rate
9.87 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate
9.9 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Crime Rate
Total: 923,371 primarily theft and piracy of software
5. DEMOGRAPHICS CONT.
Religions
Roman Catholic 94%, other 6%
Languages
Castilian Spanish (official) 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, Basque 2%, are official regionally
Literacy
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.9%
male: 98.7%
female: 97.2% (2003 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 16 years
male: 16 years
female: 17 years (2006)
Education expenditures
4.2% of GDP (2005)
Net migration rate
0.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2008 est.)
6. GOVERMENT
Currently Spain’s
political affairs are
looked after by a
Parliamentary
monarchy. The king is
King Juan Carlos I The
Prime Minister at this
time is Jose Luis
Rodriguez Zapatero.
Jose Luis Rodriguez King Juan
Zapatero (2004) Carlos I
7. ECONOMY
The global economic crisis is affecting Spain as of the third
quarter of 2008. The housing market and construction boom
are what stimulated the economy the most and the Socialist
leader caused that to come to a halt. GDP growth was only
at 1.3% in 2008 as opposed to the normal GDP at around
<3% for approximately the past 10 years.
The American dollar is still worth slightly more than the Euro,
which is the currency in Spain.
8. HEALTH AND WELLNESS
The health care system
in Spain is very good. Its
hospitals are very
modern and are well-
equipped. There are
local health clubs that
will assist you in anyway
they can to help you stay
physically fit and
maintain you’re health
by recommending
methods of getting your
body nourished.
9. PAYING FOR HEALTHCARE
The European Health Cards are available from relevant
healthcare organizations from your country of origin. Private
hospitals and doctors in Spain though, do not honor a
European Health Card. If you prefer to have a private health
care, you are expected to settle your own hospital bills or
you can apply for an insurance policy that covers your
preferred health care.
10. TRANSPORTATION
In Spain there are many methods of getting
yourself from point A to point B. You can
drive yourself, when in or nearby the city you
have to the option to take a taxi or use the
public buses.
11. CLIMATE
The climate varies tremendously in Spain, due to its
large size. Visitors can generally expect a
Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry
summers and mild, rainy winters.
13. FOODS TO TRY!
Spain is famous for their Cabrales blue Cheese
Cochinillo Asado-Cochinillo Asado is roast baby pig. Its
fatty outside is crisp and perfect for those who like pork
rind, while its meat is tender and juicy
14. PLACES OF INTEREST
Calle de Fuencarral- A long narrow street filled
with culture. This street always has performers
entertaining the public, and at the same time this street
is packed tightly with shops that contain all the new
fashion and what is in.
15. PLACES ON INTEREST #2
Prado Museum- The Prado is one of the worlds
most famous art museums, containing
masterpieces from the 12th to the 19th century,
making it one of the most visited Madrid tourist
attractions.
16. MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT
Newspaper: Costa News
Websites: Typically Spanish, this website is made
for visitors and new people to know events that are
going on throughout Spain.
Music: Great variety in styles of music depending
on interests.
17. JOBS AVAILABLE
Working in Spain is very similar to the USA, it
requires that you apply and most likely have an
interview where salary would usually be discussed
then which mostly depends on experience.
18. JOB # 1
Job / Employment title: English teacher (also French, German, Italian, Spanish and
Portuguese teachers needed).
Academy: BBS (Baxter Business Services).
Location: All classes are in-company, usually in Madrid but also in the suburbs.
Need the teacher by: Always looking for teachers (we are growing fast!).
Minimum experience required: Evaluate each CV individually but experience plus TEFL
preferred.
Description of the academy: Fast growing language school with impressive client list and more
than 30 teachers. Teachers usually work with us for more than two academic years because of
the excellent conditions.
While Business English classes are important, we also specialise in Technical English such as
English for Finance, English for Human Resources, English for Law etc. If you are a teacher with
experience or a qualification in any specialised field, please send in your CV.
Conditions of employment: We understand that happy teachers give excellent service to our
clients. So we pay very competitive rates and always try to organise block hours. 72% of our
classes are in blocks of 3 hours or more. Less than 1% of our classes are 1-hour blocks. We pay
between 21 and 26 Euro per hour gross to self-employed (14.50 to 17.00 Net on social security
contract) depending on type and location of class.
Salary: Depending on the class, between 21 and 26 gross per hour for self-employed teacher,
between 14.50 and 17.00 Net for a social security contract.
19. JOB # 2
Job / Employment title: English Teachers for leading summer camp organization in Spain
during July and/or August.
Company: Forenex, España.
Sitio web: http://www.forenex.com.
Camp Locations: Uclés, Coruña, Gredos, Palma, Valencia and Madrid.
Need all teachers by: June
Minimum experience required: Be a native English teacher with at least 6 months working with
large groups of children.
Description of the company: Since 1992, Forenex has been at the forefront of organizing
summer camps for children ages 4-16, which combine intensive English courses and sport
activities. More than 4000 students attend our residential and non-residential courses every year
which are located in unique settings throughout Spain and abroad.
Conditions of employment: 4 to 5 teaching hours per day, Mon-Fri or Mon-Sat, depending on
camp placement. Teachers are responsible for carrying out daily English classes to one
homogeneous group of children during an entire fortnight. Full room and board in shared living
setting plus transport at all residential options. Lunch included at non-residential courses. Open
positions in July/August. Looking for month-long commitments.
Salary: Base pay of 500€ per fortnight. Bonuses are awarded to returning teachers and
applicants with recognized teaching degrees, experience working in official school systems or
TEFL teaching to children for 3 years or more.
20. JOB #3
Job / Employment title: English teacher.
Academy: Cambio Idiomas.
Website: http://www.cambioidiomas.es.
Location: Calle Orense 20, 1ª – 10 28020 Madrid. Google Maps.
Need by: Always looking for full or part time teachers.
Minimum Experience: TEFL or CELTA important and at least one year's
teaching experience. An asset would also be lots of imagination and a sense of
responsibility.
Description of Academy: We are an established school that offers a wide
range of classes to companies and individuals. Classes are held both in and out
of the academy, mainly in the central area of Madrid. We have a friendly and
supportive working environment, and provide all materials, books etc. for our
teachers.
Conditions of Employment: Contract and social security paid for EU teachers.
Salary: Discussed at interview.
Contact Information:
Person: Hazel Flack. Email: info@cambioidiomas.es. Telephone: 91 556
7804.
21. POTENTIAL REAL ESTATE
Spain is similar to the USA in this aspect they
offer many types of housing to accommodate
each individual varying from flats to
mansions. The buyer with an average
amount of money should look at purchasing
a flat or chalet.
22. DESCRIPTION PHOTO
169.900 euro
mortgage 695 eur/month
120 m² detached home or
chalet, 2 bedrooms
2 wc
st. mallorca, 23
28640 cadalso de los
vidrios, madrid
REAL ESTATE OPTION #1
23. DESCRIPTION HOUSE
180.000 euro
mortgage 737 eur/month
100 m² detached home or
chalet, 2 bedrooms
1 wc
st. buen pastor, 7
28515 olmeda de las
fuentes, madrid
REAL ESTATE OPTION #2
24. DESCRIPTION PHOTO
specific features
200 built m², 160 functional m²
resale / in good condition
heating central gas oil
chalet of 3 floors
under 5 years old
layout and materials
3 bedrooms
3 bathrooms, including toilets
plot 100 m²
terrace open of 40 m²
4 built-in wardrobes
floors of parquet
equipment
store room
reinforced door
valdaracete, madrid
180.000 euro, 200m²
REAL ESTATE OPTION # 3
25. DESCRIPTION PHOTO
Bumca
B1175798
I am a: 39-year-old woman zodiac sign: Gemini
located in: Valencia, Spain looking for: 35 - 45-
year-old man relationship: Friendship
Discreet relationship
Penpal
Business partner
race: Other marital status: I'll tell you later
children: n/a eye color: Blue hair color: Blonde
body type: Thick height: 5' 10'' (178cm) religion:
Other drinking: Non drinker smoking: Non
smoker food: Non Vegetarian occupation: Other
дизайнер education: Post-Graduate languages:
Spanish (Fluent)
German (Some)
Russian (Native)
interests: Cars / Motorcycles
Water Sports
Singing / Playing Instrument
POTENTIAL DATE #1
26. DESCRIPTION PHOTO
I am a: 35-year-old woman zodiac sign: Leo located in:
Barcelona, Spain looking for: 34 - 45-year-old man
relationship: Friendship
Marriage
Long-term relationship
Romance
Penpal
race: White (Caucasian) marital status: Divorced children:
None eye color: Green hair color: Blonde body type:
Average height: 5' 4'' (163cm) religion: Christian drinking:
Non drinker smoking: Non smoker food: Non Vegetarian
occupation: Other education: Some College languages:
Russian (Native)
Spanish (Spoken and Written)
interests: Cycling
Cooking
Literature / History
Museums / Galleries
Music - Latin
Music - Pop / R&B
Music - Dance / Electronic
Nature
Travel / Sightseeing
Religion
Theatre / Ballet
Hiking / Camping
Movies / Cinema
POTENTIAL DATE #2
27. DESCRIPTION PHOTO
I am a: 38-year-old woman zodiac sign: Cancer located in:
Madrid, Spain looking for: 35 - 50-year-old man relationship:
Friendship
Romance
Platonic love
Activity partner
Travel partner
race: White (Caucasian) marital status: Divorced children: none
eye color: Blue hair color: Light brown body type: Voluptuous
height: 5' 2'' (158cm) religion: I'll tell you later drinking:
Light/social drinker smoking: Non smoker food: Non Vegetarian
occupation: Education & Science education: College Grad
languages: English (Native)
Spanish (Some)
interests: Arts / Crafts
Billiards / Pool / Darts
Cooking
Dancing
Food and Wine
Gardening
Hiking / Camping
Literature / History
Mountaineering
Movies / Cinema
Museums / Galleries
Music - Alternative
Music - Blues/Jazz
Music - Classical / Opera
Music - Country
Music - Latin
Music - Rock
Politics
Theatre / Ballet
Travel / Sightseeing
Volunteer / Charity
POTENTIAL DATE #3
28. ORGANISMS TO AVOID
There are some poisonous organisms to be aware
of such as the different types of snakes called
vipers some examples are Seoane's viper, Asp
viper and Montpellier Snake .In all there are
approx. 13 venomous snakes.
The Mediterranean Scorpion is also something one
should be aware of.
29. FISHING
Fishing –
Fishing Seasons -
March – end of July for salmon fishing
March – end of August for brown trout
June – August for sea trout
September – No-Kill fishing w/ fly rods
Ice Fishing (if available)
Asturias Rivers –
Cares-Deva
Puron
Bedon
Sella
Pilona
30. ESSENTIAL FISHING SPOTS
Tramo Rio Zarza Coto de Montes Claros- Rio
Free fishing for trout is available Jarama
along this extensive 10.2km stretch Good 7.5km day ticket stretch of the
of the Rio Jarama. The fishery Rio Jarama. The fishery runs
stretches from it's source to the between the confluence with the Rio
confluence with the Rio Lillas. This Huelgas and the village of Matallana.
is a catch and release fishery and a The season runs from the 1st May
fly only water. until the 31st July. This is a catch and
Species and Methods release fishery.
Trout. There is a very large trout
population along this river - but the Species and Methods
fish tend to congregate in pockets. Trout. Large bags of fish to 30 cms
Fish a roving style, upstream possible. Up to 25 fish in a session is
nymphing for best results. A team of possible. Gold head nymphs are very
small wet fles will also score. Fish productive. A really nice place to
up to 500 grams have been spend a day fishing
recorded. There is a good wild fish
population. April is the best month.