Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It has history, culture, a varied geography, great food and hospitality. It used to be said that Spain had everything except good government, because if it had that as well it would be heaven on earth. Nowadays, though, Spain is in the most stable period of its entire history, which initiated after the death of the dictator Franco in 1975 and the ascent of King Juan Carlos who, though he was Franco's hand-picked successor, was determined to allow democracy to reign in the country. Like England and several other countries in Europe, then, Spain is what can be called a "constitutional monarchy." During Franco's time the country had lagged behind the rest of Europe, but with the rebirth of democracy the country modernized rapidly, and ethnic groups such as the Catalans who were persecuted under Franco are enjoying a measure of autonomy (though disputes still exist). With the euro replacing the peseta, Spain is more expensive than in the past, but some bargains can still be had.
Copyright 2011 by Michael Esposito. All rights reserved. Todos los derechos reservados. E-mail: meesposito@gmail.com This site updated October 9, 2011/Este sitio fue ampliado el 9 de octubre de 2011 Santa Fe Travel: a division of L & M Travel - Michael Esposito: IC Travel Specialist of L & M Travel - CST# 2043262-40 L & M Travel IC Agent
