Spain by the Numbers

Get a rapid, data-driven snapshot of Spain before you set off. From climate and cuisine to transport and tourism, these key statistics—Spain by the Numbers—will help you plan routes, budgets, and itineraries with confidence.

Geography & Administrative Divisions

• Total Land Area: 505 990 km² (metropolitan); 504 645 km² excluding islands
• Coastline Length: 4 964 km (Mediterranean, Atlantic, Cantabrian Sea)
• Border Length: 1 917 km with Portugal, France, Andorra and Gibraltar
• Autonomous Communities: 17 (plus two autonomous cities: Ceuta & Melilla)
• Provinces: 50
• Highest Point: Mount Teide (Tenerife) at 3 718 m above sea level

Population & Demographics

• Total Population: 47.6 million (2024 estimate)
• Population Density: 94 people/km²
• Urbanization: 80 % of residents live in urban areas
• Largest Metro Areas:
  • Madrid—6.6 million
  • Barcelona—5.5 million
  • Valencia—1.6 million
• Median Age: 44.5 years
• Life Expectancy: 83.2 years (women 86.3, men 80.2)
• Official Language: Spanish (Castilian); co-official: Catalan, Galician, Basque, Valencian

Economy & Industry

• GDP (Nominal): US $1.6 trillion (14ᵗʰ globally)
• GDP per Capita: ≈ US $34 000
• Unemployment Rate: 12.5 % (Q1 2025)
• Key Sectors: Tourism, automotive, agriculture, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals
• Annual Exports: €395 billion (2023) — leading: vehicles, machinery, foodstuffs

Tourism Highlights

• International Arrivals: 83 million (2019 peak)
• Tourism Revenue: €92 billion (2019)
• Top Source Markets:
  1. United Kingdom (22 %)
  2. Germany (15 %)
  3. France (12 %)
  4. Italy (8 %)
  5. United States (6 %)
• Most-Visited Sites:
  • Sagrada Familia – 4.5 million admissions/year
  • Alhambra – 2.7 million visits/year
  • Prado Museum – 3.2 million admissions/year

Transportation & Infrastructure

• High-Speed Rail (AVE): 3 100 km network linking 30+ cities
• Total Rail Network: 16 000 km
• Major Airports (passengers/year):
  • Madrid–Barajas: 61 million
  • Barcelona–El Prat: 52 million
  • Palma de Mallorca: 30 million
• Motorways (Autopistas): 15 000 km (mostly tolled)
• Bike-Share Fleets:
  • Madrid BiciMAD – 6 000 e-bikes
  • Barcelona Bicing – 8 000 bikes

UNESCO World Heritage & Culture

• UNESCO Sites: 49 (44 cultural, 5 natural) – 2ᵈ highest in the world
• Notable Listings: Alhambra & Generalife; Historic City of Toledo; Sagrada Familia; Old Town of Segovia & its Aqueduct; Garajonay National Park (La Gomera)

Cuisine & Wine Production

• Annual Wine Output: 40 million hectoliters (3ᵈ largest producer)
• Denominación de Origen (DO): 96 appellations across 12 wine regions
• Cheese Varieties: 240+ certified regional cheeses (Manchego, Cabrales, Idiazábal)
• Olive Oil Production: 1.1 million tonnes/year (world’s top producer)
• Gastronomy GDP Impact: €50 billion from hospitality and food exports

Climate & Environment

• Average Annual Temperature: 15 °C
• Mean Annual Rainfall: 636 mm
• Forest Cover: 36 % of land area (18 million hectares)
• Protected Areas: 16 national parks; 47 biosphere reserves

Digital & Communication

• Internet Penetration: 95 % of households
• Mobile Subscriptions: 122 per 100 inhabitants
• Public Wi-Fi Hotspots: 150 000+ across cities and tourist areas

Currency & Time Zone

• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time Zone: CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2 in summer)

Quick Facts at a Glance

Spain’s impressive statistics—from its high-speed rail to world-class museums and vineyards—underscore its global appeal and regional diversity. For detailed planning on top attractions, dining, festivals and more, explore our Spain Travel Guide. ¡Buen viaje!