10 Fun Facts About Spain

Не думал поехать учиться за границу? Для того, кто учит испанский, Испания может предложить очень многое. Еда, архитектура и сам язык — это только три привлекательные причины съездить туда, но есть еще куча крутых фактов об Испании, которые тебя зацепят. Парой из них мы тут поделимся!

You’ve likely already heard of the running of the bulls and sangria, but there is so much more to learn about Spanish life.

10 interesting and fun facts about Spain

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Если ты уже какое-то время учишь испанский или сам бывал в Испании, то наверняка знаешь пару этих интересных фактов. Помни, что Испания — это красивая и разнообразная страна с кучей разных регионов, так что даже если ты там уже был, вряд ли успел увидеть всё!

1. Spanish is one of several official languages in Spain.

Although it has the largest number of speakers, there are actually 3 other official languages in Spain. These are Catalan/Valencian/Balear, Basque (Euskera) and Galician. They’re co-official languages in the regions that speak them. Bilingualism is the norm in many parts of Spain.

2. Испания производит более 40% мирового объема оливкового масла

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Всё верно, Испания — крупнейший производитель оливкового масла. Это почти половина всего оливкового масла в мире! Хотя Калифорния, Италия и Греция тоже могут славиться оливковым маслом, Испания занимает #1 место среди мировых экспортеров.

3. Not all dialects in Spain pronounce c and z like the English th

This is a common misconception that all of Spain pronounces c and z like the English th sound, a phenomenon called ceceo. In fact, southern Spain and the Canary Islands tend to pronounce them like s, similar to Latin America. Many conquistadors were from Southern Spain, which contributes to why Latin American Spanish doesn’t have ceceo.

В Мадриде находится самый старый ресторан в мире

Sobrino de Botín in Madrid opened in 1725, and is recognized by the Guiness World Records as the oldest restaurant in the world. On your next visit, you can dine there, too! They feature typical Spanish cuisine.

5. 3rd Oldest university in the world

The oldest in Spain and the 3rd oldest university in the world is Universidad de Salamanca, just a few hours from Madrid near the border with Portugal. Naturally, there are hundreds of years of traditions, and students are proud to attend this institution.

6. Participate in a tomato fight- La Tomatina

Every year, the town of Buñol, Valencia puts on a huge tomato fight called La Tomatina. Get ready to throw as many tomatoes as your heart desires and leave soaked head to toe in tomatoes.

7. Spain was under Muslim rule for over 700 years

You may have heard that Roman Catholic is the most common religion in Spain, but that hasn’t always been the case. From the year 711 until 1492, Spain was under Muslim rule. In Southern Spain, the last of Spain to be conquered by the Catholic rulers Fernando and Isabela, you can still see the gorgeous remnants of the previous kingdom. Food, language and education in Spain is heavily influenced from this time period.

Зубная фея — никакая не фея

Instead of a fairy coming by to give you money after losing a tooth, little Spanish children get excited for Ratoncito Pérez to come by. He’s exactly what his name sounds like- a little mouse that gives kids money for their fallen baby teeth.

пялиться не грубо

When walking down the streets of Spain, you might see people staring- at youВ Испании пялиться на кого-то на улице не считается вторжением в личную жизнь. Не успеешь оглянуться, как сам начнешь беззастенчиво глазеть на людей.

10. Most bars in the EU

Our last fun fact shows the fun-loving nature of Spaniards- Spain has the most bars per capita in all of the EU. Spaniards love socializing, spending time with friends, and sipping on something yummy while enjoying tapas.