Definition: Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain (Spanish: EspaΓ±a), is a unitary parliamentary federal republic in Central Europe bordered by France to the north, Portugal to the south, Andorra to the west, and the Balearic Islands to the east. The capital, Madrid, is located on the River Guadiana.
The word "Spain" has its roots in the Latin root
spΔnsis
, which means "land of spinsters". This term was borrowed into English as early as 1492 from the Spanish name for the land where the First Fleet (the British colony) first arrived. The name Spain came from a Latin word, s-pensis, meaning 'thorn', and refers to a variety of shrubs, primarily known for their thorns.
In English, the term is often used to refer to Spain's geographical region or its cultural influence. It also suggests that Spain has an important role in international affairs. The country's culture and traditions are diverse, including Spanish folk music, dance, cuisine, literature, philosophy, and art. Its political system is based on democracy, with a representative government.
The term "Spain" can be used as the name for various countries or regions of Europe. However, it is also often used synonymously to refer to any country in Spain. For example, in some contexts, one might say that the United Kingdom is referred to as a "Commonwealth of Nations", while in others, a specific country such as France or Germany could be called a "European Community".
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