Located on the Iberian Peninsula, Spain is one of Europe's largest countries. The Meseta Plateau covers most of Spain. Although much of the country is flat, some of it is crossed by several mountain ranges. Spain also contains the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea and the Canary Islands off of Africa's  northwestern coast. The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife, contains Pico de Teide, Spain's highest peak at 3,718m (12,918ft). Spain has the widest range of climate in the West part of Europe. Although droughts are common throughout Spain, they are usually interrupted by sudden thunderstorms.

The languages of Spain are Castilian Spanish, Catalan, Galician, and Basque and vary depending on the region.

For more information see:

Spain. (2008). In The Columbia Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/columency/spain