SHOPPING IN SPAIN:  The Kingdom of Spain comprises, along with its smaller neighbor, Portugal, the Iberian Peninsula in Western Europe. Spain boasts a rich and interesting history, which includes being a leader in exploration and the most powerful nation in the world during the 16^th century! The land was peopled as far back as 25,000 years ago—evidenced by cave paintings that still intrigue locals and visitors alike. Spain is bordered by France to the north (with tiny land-locked Andorra squeezed between the two countries) and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.  Spain’s population is more than 46,600,000, made up of three ethnic groups: Basques, Galicians and Catalans.  Each group has its own language, although Spanish is the country’s official tongue.  The capital and largest city is Madrid, which along with other major cities such as Barcelona, Valencia and Seville, provide the traveler with outstanding opportunities for shopping in Spain. Spain is a stable Constitutional Monarchy and a member of the EU with a growing economy that makes shopping in Spain increasingly reliable and diversified.  Spain has a great number of high fashion clothing stores and is famous for leather goods.  These shouldn’t be missed when shopping in Spain.  Shopping in Spain always includes fabulous hand-made and designer jewelry.  Spain has a healthy shoe and boot industry, always a delight when shopping in Spain.  Great food and wine are an important part of Spanish culture and the traveler will have no problem finding an abundance of tempting restaurants and wineries to top off a day of shopping in Spain.  When visiting Spain, don’t just stay in the cities; be sure to tour the countryside where you’ll be treated to magnificent landscapes as well as additional shopping in Spain surprises!