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Spain has maintained its special identification with Latin America. Its policy emphasizes the concept of Hispanidad, a mixture of linguistic, religious, ethnic, cultural, and historical ties binding Spanish-speaking America to Spain. Spain has been an effective example of transition from authoritarianism to democracy, as shown in the many trips that Spain's King and Prime Ministers have made to the region. Spain maintains economic and technical cooperation programs and cultural exchanges with Latin America, both bilaterally and within the EU.
Area: 504,782 sq km
Population: 40.21 million
Capital: Madrid
People: Spaniards, Basques, Catalans, Galicians, Moroccans, and Gitanos
Language: Spanish; Castilian, Catalan, Basque, and Gallegan
Religion: 90% Roman Catholic
Government: Parliamentary Monarchy
GDP: US$850.7 billion
Major Industries: Textiles & apparel, food & beverages, metals, chemicals, shipbuilding, and tourism
Major Trading Partners: EU (especially France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, UK, Benelux), and US
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