Discover More About Spain With These Activities and Games

Want a fun way to explore a new country with your group? Choosing a destination and diving into its people, geography, history, and culture is a fantastic way to learn.

Let's center your next event around Spain, a tropical paradise with a warm, welcoming heart and a culture that stretches back thousands of years. I’ve gathered key facts about the islands, and beyond the basics, I've put together a collection of games, activities, and resources to make your learning session both fun and educational.

This content is ideal for printing and use as a display or for sharing directly with your group. The games and activities below will bring these facts to life!

Did you know? The official name for Spain is the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España). It is the only country in Europe that shares a physical border with an African country (Morocco, via the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla).

Geography of Spain:

• Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula in Southwestern Europe. It occupies about 85% of the peninsula, which it shares with Portugal.

• The capital and largest city is Madrid, which is located almost exactly in the geographical center of the country.

• The landscape is highly varied, from the snow-capped Pyrenees Mountains in the north to the volcanic Canary Islands and the sunny Mediterranean beaches of the Balearic Islands.

• Spain is the second most mountainous country in Europe after Switzerland, featuring high plateaus like the Meseta Central.

Where are the people?

• The population of Spain is approximately 48 million. It is a highly urbanized country, with most people living in cities or along the coast.

• Spanish society is known for its vibrant, social lifestyle. The "Siesta" is a famous tradition of taking a break during the hottest part of the day, though it is more common for long lunches today than actual naps!

• Spain has a high life expectancy, often attributed to the Mediterranean diet and a strong focus on family and community life.

• The literacy rate is over 98%, and the country is famous for its "night owl" culture, where dinner is often served as late as 10:00 PM.

Nature and Conservation:

• Spain is the world’s leading producer of Olive Oil, producing nearly half of the world's total supply.

• The country is a biodiversity hotspot and is home to the Iberian Lynx, the world's most endangered feline species.

• Spain has 16 National Parks, including Doñana National Park, a crucial wetland for migrating birds, and Teide National Park, which features the highest peak in Spain—a volcano on Tenerife.

Government and Economy:

• Spain is a parliamentary monarchy. King Felipe VI is the head of state, while the Prime Minister heads the government.

• The official currency is the Euro (€), as Spain is a key member of the European Union.

• Major industries include tourism (it is one of the most visited countries in the world), automobile manufacturing, and textiles (it is the home of global brands like Zara).

Language and Culture:

• While Spanish (Castilian) is the official national language, there are several co-official regional languages including Catalan, Galician, and Basque.

• Flamenco is Spain’s most famous cultural export—a powerful art form involving singing, guitar playing, dance, and rhythmic clapping (palmas).

• Fútbol (soccer) is the national passion. Spain’s national team and clubs like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are world-famous.

Food and Traditions:

• Tapas are a staple of Spanish culture—small plates of food shared among friends. It’s common to go "tapas hopping" from one bar to another.

• The national dish is Paella, a saffron-infused rice dish originally from Valencia, often cooked with seafood, rabbit, or chicken.

• Spain is famous for its unique festivals, such as La Tomatina (a giant tomato-throwing fight) and the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona.