DRESS
As in most parts of Europe you will probably feel quite under dressed in Spain. Eating out and going out is a major social occasion (although frequent) and people dress the part. However Spaniards are very tolerant of foreigners so it's unlikely you will cause offence for being less formerly attired, however very casual dress can be seen as disrespectful in churches.

The best thing to do is bring one set of formal clothes to wear but for the most part, sensible clothing that is not too skimpy or tight will suffice. Keep yourself tidy and your clothes clean and ensure sufficient body cover, particularly when visiting churches and other religious establishments. Some churches will refuse entry to people in shorts or short skirts and with bare shoulders.

Summers are hot in Spain compared to other places in Europe. Winters are generally wet but reasonably warm in the south. In the north it's quite a bit cooler.

HISTORY AND STEREOTYPES
Spain has a vibrant and colourful history ear marked by numerous invasions and settlements of people from all over North Africa, Europe and the Middle East. The Golden Age for Spain was in the 1400s during the Reconquista (the reconquest of Spain by the Christians). The two main kingdoms of Spain united during this time, revived the Inquisitions (the expulsion and execution of Jews and other non-Christians), took over from the last Muslim rulers, and set out international exploration through Christopher Columbus.

In recent times Spain has been ruled by dictators including Miguel Primo de Rivera and General Francisco Franco (who received heavy military support from Nazi Germany and fascist Italy). In 1975 King Juan Carlos succeeded and is credited with turning Spain into a democracy. In 1986 Spain joined the European Community, celebrated the 1992 Expo in Seville and the Olympic Games in Barcelona and signup for the European Union's single currency.

There are a lot of stereotypes about Spanish culture including long siestas, lots of wine, bullfighting and zealous dancing. Bullfighting is regarded as an art form and criticism of it for animal rights reasons is probably not going to win you much good favour.

Spaniards are sports crazy, and soccer is THE sport. If you get a chance to see a match go along, the atmosphere alone is worth the effort. Catholicism is an integral part of Spanish society but only about 40% of Spaniards attend church regularly. Many people are sceptical of the Church and during the Civil War many churches were burnt and clerics shot as they signified an old order that was repressive and corrupt.

The phrase "When in Rome" should be your general guide for survival in Spain. Try to blend in and accept local customs. None of them are too outlandish to be considered unacceptable in your own country and on the whole most visitors to Spain find they enjoy the gregarious nature of Spaniards and their customs.

THE FAMILY
Most young Spaniards remain at home until they are married and are loyal to their family and family friends. Even after marriage it is not uncommon for men or women to visit their families regularly and be in daily contact.

FOR WOMEN
It will probably come as a surprise for some to learn Spain has one of the lowest incidences of reported rape in the developed world. However this is good news for solo female travellers who will find physical harassment is much less frequent than expected. However women should still be prepared for the usual cat calls and stares and take care at night or in isolated places.
There are organizations that exist to help victims of violent crime although they may have limited English. The major association is in Madrid, Associacion de Asistencia a Mujeres Violadas (tel. 91 574 0110). It is open from 10am-2pm and 4pm-7pm on weekdays.

HOSPITALITY
Spaniards are friendly, generous people and will invite you to join them for dinner or coffee if you start to get to know them. These are wonderful occasions to learn more about local culture.

TITLES
The polite way to address people you don't know so well is as follows:
Senorita - young woman
Senor - male person of adult age
Senora - older woman