Interesting Facts - Part 1

As the reality of our trip gets closer and closer I find myself wanting to learn more and more about Spain.  Thought I was share some of the interesting facts with you...

• Greeks saw Spain as the land where Hercules' gold apples grew and the Arabs saw Spain as the ground floor heaven.
• From 1492 - 1975 Spain had almost a 100% homogeneous culture - in ethnicity, religion, and culture.
• Population of Spain is approximately 46 million - a little less than the population of California and North Carolina combined.
• Spain is approximately the size of two Oregons - or 20 Spains could fit in the United States.
• In the 1970's the birth rate was on average 3 babies/woman - it is now 1.5 babies/woman - one of the lowest birth rates in the world.
• There are 4 official languages and 7 dialects spoken in Spain.
• Spain regained its democratic style government in 1975.
• There is proof of civilization that is more than 800,000 years old.
• After Switzerland, Spain is Europe's most mountainous country.  Madrid (the area we will live in) is at 2165 ft, slightly lower than Pilot Mountain.
• Spain was predominantly Christian by AD 325.
• By AD 714 Muslims had taken primary control of Spain and maintained control until 1492.
• When "Christianity" regained control of Spain, the Spanish Inquisition occurred - trials that searched for false converts to Catholicism.  If found guilty they faced imprisonment, beheading, hanging, or burning at the stake.

A very interesting country - more facts to come in the coming days.