What is the Capital of Spain?
Madrid is the capital of Spain and one of the most beautiful cities in the country. The economic and cultural life of the country concentrated in Madrid. The abundance of architectural monuments from different eras allows us to call it a real museum. This beautiful modern metropolis with a population of 3.5 million is the largest city in Spain.
The symbol of the city of Madrid in Spain is a bear reaching for strawberry fruit. The same bear depicts on the coat of arms of Madrid.
There are several versions of the origin of this symbol.
You will also see such a symbol on the flag of Madrid. Which is a dark crimson cloth, and the coat of arms with the animal is located in the center.
Madrid is the largest city and capital of a European country, but it is not overwhelming at all. The city has quiet streets and cozy parks that are ideal for leisurely walks.
At night, life in the city of Madrid is in full swing. Pubs and nightclubs open, impromptu concerts held on the streets.
By the number of party-goers from all over the world, this place is not inferior to the famous Ibiza.
The capital of Spain will not leave indifferent sports fans either.
Here you will find everything from golf all year round to skiing in winter.
But most of all, the Spaniards love football. During the matches of the famous clubs Atlético and Real Madrid, thousands of fans come here.
Madrid Geography
Capital and largest city of Spain, Madrid has 3,335,000 inhabitants. Becomes almost double taking into account its entire urban agglomeration. Includes several other cities of around two hundred thousand inhabitants. Such as Móstoles, Alcalá de Henares, Fuenlabrada and Leganés.
Madrid rises almost 700 meters high, on the southern Meseta, an ancient plateau of the Iberian Peninsula. The city bathed by the Manzanarre, a 92 km river that originates in the Sierra de Guadarrama. Located about sixty kilometers north of the Spanish capital.
The origin of present-day Madrid dates back to 852 AD by the Arabs. Who called it Magerit; the inhabitants were just 4,000 in 1530. But in the following years the city grew considerably. To count 37,500 people in 1594. Thanks to the fact that in 1561 it became. The residence of the kings and since then the Spanish capital. Except for a brief period in which Valladolid took his place (1601-1606).
Madrid exceeded one million inhabitants shortly after 1930, at the turn of the two world wars. By 1970 it had 3,145,000 inhabitants, a number slightly less than the current one.
After Andorra La Vella, Madrid is the second highest capital in Europe. It has a temperate continental climate, with temperatures that in summer can reach around 40 ° C. With peaks above this threshold, while in winter there are days when it drops a few degrees below zero. Rainfall is rather scarce and slightly higher only in autumn. Making it an enjoyable city for most of the year, also because the humidity is generally low.
Madrid Climate
Climate is the most important thing to mention when talking about the capitals of countries. Especially when answering the question: “What is the capital of Spain?” For this reason. Madrid is located almost in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula. On a wavy plateau of sand and mud known as Mesta. At an altitude of about 2120 feet above sea level. Making it one of the highest capitals in Europe, and due to its proximity to the Guadharma mountain ranges.
It follows its climate, which is partly responsible for the cold and fragile winter weather pattern accompanied by sharp winds. Where sudden temperature variations are possible in the winter season. But the summer season in Madrid is constantly dry. And it becomes very hot in the seventh and eighth month of the year. When temperatures sometimes rise to more than 38 ° C, so in total. Temperatures in the city of Madrid range between 5 and 24 ° C. While the average rainfall varies between 11 mm in the seventh month. And up to about 250 mm in the tenth month. Rainfall is usually more than a month than in the tenth month. Year, however, the moderate times of the year in Madrid are spring and autumn. And also, the most attractive seasons for visitors.
History of Madrid
The roots of the greater city of Madrid go back to the ninth century during the reign of Mehmed I. Prince of Córdoba V, when Muhammad ordered the construction of a fortress on the left bank of the Manzanares River. After which later the area became the subject of conflict. Until it eventually conquered by Alonso VI of León and Castile in 1085. Thus, the Christians took control of the city after their victory over the Muslim Arabs. Then it merged into the Kingdom of Castile as its vassal city. And the Christians occupied it the city center while Jews and Muslims moved to the suburbs.
Madrid Economy
Madrid is the largest financial center in Spain and one of the largest in Europe. It has many of the largest international companies in the city. Such as Drafados, Telefónica, BBVA, Urbaser, Iberia, FCC and Prosegur.
It also has a prominent scientific position as it includes more than 30 research centers and 17 universities. It also ranks 14th in the European Union in terms of gross domestic production. The service sector contributes significantly to the city’s economy accounting for 85.9% of the total economy. While other sectors contributing to the economy have included construction. Which accounts for 6.1%, and industry which accounted for 7.9% according to a census in 2011.
Attractions in Madrid
Madrid is an energy-filled city and a city that offers a wide range of cultural attractions. That provide a real taste for the country of Spain.
Madrid is not lacking in tourists because Spain is among the most visited countries in Europe.
The city is home to many monuments and art museums including other attractions.
Some of Madrid’s tourist attractions include the Prado Museum. The Royal Palace, the Puerta del Sol, Archaeology, Plaza Mayor, Buen Retiro Park. The Royal Chapel of St. Anthony of La Florida, and others.
Madrid located in the center of Spain and this makes it a privileged location to be the capital.
