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Economic and political outline

Economic indicators | Foreign Trade in figures | Sources of general economic information | Political outline

Economic indicators

Spain has achieved an economic leap in the last two decades and has risen to be amongst 20 of the world's most significant economies. It registered annual GDP growth rates higher than 4% between 1997 and 2000 and thereafter a growth rate that is always higher than the average in the Euro zone due to consumption and to the real-estate "boom". Nevertheless, the growth factors, which were at the root of its economic growth have been weakened by the financial crisis, which struck at the real-estate sector and weakened the banking system. Unemployment which was grazing around 20% in the 90s was lowered to 8.3% in 2007. However, the number of unemployed people reached the symbolic threshhold of 3 milions and has continued to climb in 2009.

The Spanish budget, which is usually in surplus, showed a deficit because of the international crisis. In 2008, the crisis (characterized by the real-estate "subprime lending", the increase of the euro in relation to the dollar and the increasing oil prices and certain food products) affected Spain by brutally slowing down the construction sector and to some extent consumption. GDP growth decreased in 2008 and is expected to remain negative until 2011. Inflation has also followed the same path, but the rate of the decrease should remain tempered during the years to come.

Many companies are in trouble or are closing down (+43% in relation to the 1st quater in 2007), especially in real-estate, construction and public works sectors. Outstanding debts of companies as well as families have increased by 12% in figures but by 61% in value.

Since 2009, Spain is going towards a different economic model by building on being more competitive, better added value on services and on freeing itself from its historical growth factor and real estate. With a net benefit quarterly growth of 22.4%, Santander, the first Spanish bank seems to reflect the country's ambition to resist economic decline. Finally, even though the European Commission reviewed Spain's growth predictions for 2009 on a downward trend, the country maintains figures higher than what was predicted for the entire Euro zone.

Main indicators	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
GDP (billions USD)	1,233.43	1,439.98	1,611.77e	1,397.23e	1,390.76
GDP (constant prices, annual % change)	3.9	3.7	1.2e	-3.0e	-0.7
GDP per capita (USD)	27,974	32,088e	35,331e	30,251e	29,898
General government balance (in % of GDP)	2.0	2.2	-3.8e	-7.5e	-7.5e
Inflation rate (%)	3.6	2.8	4.1	-0.0	0.9
Unemployment rate (% of the labor force)	8.5	8.3	11.3	17.7	19.3
Current Account (billions USD)	-110.14	-145.14	-154.04	-75.54e	-61.42e
Current Account (in % of GDP)	-8.9	-10.1	-9.6e	-5.4e	-4.4

Source: IMF - World Economic Outlook Database

Note: (e) Estimated data

Main sectors of industry

Agriculture contributes around 3% of the Spanish GDP. The country produces wheat, sugar beet, barley, tomatoes, olives, citrus fruits, grapes and cork. It is the world's largest producer of olive oil and the world's third largest producer of wine. It is the largest producer of lemons, oranges and strawberries. Spain has limited mineral resources.

The manufacturing industry is dominated by textiles, industrial food processing, iron and steel, naval machines and engineering. The new sectors such as relocation of the production of electronic components, information technology and telecommunications provide a high growth potential.

Tourism represents Spain's largest source of income, having become the second tourist destination of the world and thereby stimulating export of goods and services. The tertiary sector contributes to 2/3 of the GDP.

Breakdown of economic activity by sector	Agriculture	Industry	Services
Employment by sector (in % of total employment)	5.3	29.7	65.0
Value added (in % of GDP)	2.9	30.3	66.8
Value added (annual % change)	3.8	3.1	4.2

- last available data.

Monetary indicators	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
Euro (EUR) - Average annual exchange rate for 1 USD	0.81	0.80	0.80	0.73	0.68

Source: World Bank - World Development Indicators

Indicator of economic freedom

Score:: 70.1/100
Position:: mostly free
World Rank:: 29 out of 179
Regional Rank:: 16 out of 44

Distribution of Economic freedom in the world
Source: 2008 Index of Economic freedom, Heritage Foundation

Country risk

See the country risk analysis provided by Ducroire.

Foreign trade in figures

The Spanish trade deficit, which reached a record high in 2007, increased in 2008 and 2009.
The energy bill reached Euro 41.8 million, which is almost 15% of the total imports. Nevertheless, its burden decreased because of the drop in Brent futures prices and the incerase in the production of renewable energy. Other factors are responsible for the decline of foreign trade: apart from food products (e.g.: fruits and vegetables) whose balance remains in surplus, there is a negative balance for other items, which shows the Spanish economy's loss of competitiveness. Its main trade partners are the countries of the European Union.

Foreign trade indicators	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007
Imports of goods (millions USD)	203,205	251,939	281,784	325,444	380,197
Exports of goods (millions USD)	158,049	185,209	196,580	220,774	256,681
Imports of services (millions USD)	47,951	59,188	67,129	78,423	98,900
Exports of services (millions USD)	74,308	86,078	94,663	106,628	129,303
Imports of goods and services (annual % change)	6.2	9.6	7.7	8.3	6.6
Exports of goods and services (annual % change)	3.7	4.2	2.6	5.1	5.3
Imports of goods and services (in % of GDP)	28.7	29.9	31.0	32.2	32.7
Exports of goods and services (in % of GDP)	26.3	25.9	25.7	26.0	26.2
Trade Balance (millions USD)	-45,155	-66,730	-85,204	-104,670	-123,515
Trade Balance (including service) (millions USD)	-18,798	-39,841	-57,669	-76,465	-93,112
Foreign trade (in % of GDP)	55.0	55.9	56.7	58.2	58.9

Source: World Bank

Main partner countries

Main customers (% of exports)	2007
France	18.8%
Germany	10.8%
Italy	8.9%
Portugal	8.6%
United Kingdom	7.7%
United States	4.0%
Netherlands	3.3%
Belgium	2.8%
Mexico	1.7%
Morocco	1.7%
Turkey	1.6%
Poland	1.3%
Switzerland	1.3%
Greece	1.2%
China	1.1%
Russia	1.1%
Sweden	0.9%
Norway	0.8%
Austria	0.8%
Czech Republic	0.7%
See more countries	45.2%

Main suppliers (% of imports)	2007
Germany	15.3%
France	12.3%
Italy	8.7%
China	6.5%
United Kingdom	5.0%
Netherlands	4.0%
United States	3.5%
Portugal	3.3%
Belgium	2.8%
Russia	2.8%
Japan	2.1%
Algeria	1.6%
Turkey	1.5%
Ireland	1.5%
Nigeria	1.3%
South Korea	1.3%
Sweden	1.2%
Saudi Arabia	1.1%
Switzerland	1.1%
Brazil	1.1%
See more countries	52.2%

Source: Comtrade

Main products

Main exports (% of exports)	2007
Vehicles other than railway or tramway...Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof	21.0%
Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and...Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof	8.4%
Electrical machinery and equipment and parts...Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles	6.6%
Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their...Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes	4.7%
Plastics and articles thereofPlastics and articles thereof	3.8%
Iron and steelIron and steel	3.8%
Pharmaceutical productsPharmaceutical products	3.6%
Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruits or...Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruits or melons	2.6%
Articles of iron or steelArticles of iron or steel	2.5%
Organic chemicalsOrganic chemicals	2.1%
Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubersEdible vegetables and certain roots and tubers	2.0%
Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of...Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or of paperboard	1.7%
Rubber and articles thereofRubber and articles thereof	1.6%
Ceramic productsCeramic products	1.5%
Beverages, spirits and vinegarBeverages, spirits and vinegar	1.4%
Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not...Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted	1.4%
Furniture; bedding, mattresses, mattress supports,...Furniture; bedding, mattresses, mattress supports, cushions and similar stuffed furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings, not elsewhere specified or included; illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like; prefabricated buildings	1.3%
Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereofAircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof	1.2%
Animal or vegetable fats and oils and their...Animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; animal or vegetable waxes	1.2%
Aluminium and articles thereofAluminium and articles thereof	1.2%
Meat and edible meat offalMeat and edible meat offal	1.2%
Ships, boats and floating structuresShips, boats and floating structures	1.1%
Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic...Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations	1.0%
Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts of such...Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts of such articles	1.0%
Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic...Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates	1.0%
Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other...Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants	1.0%
Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their...Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints and varnishes; putty and other mastics; inks	1.0%
Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring,...Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof	1.0%
Articles of apparel and clothing accessories,...Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted	1.0%
Copper and articles thereofCopper and articles thereof	0.9%
Miscellaneous chemical productsMiscellaneous chemical products	0.8%
Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica...Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials	0.7%
Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoalWood and articles of wood; wood charcoal	0.6%
Glass and glasswareGlass and glassware	0.6%
Miscellaneous articles of base metalMiscellaneous articles of base metal	0.5%
Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other...Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans	0.5%
Dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey; edible...Dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey; edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included	0.5%
Miscellaneous edible preparationsMiscellaneous edible preparations	0.4%
Zinc and articles thereofZinc and articles thereof	0.4%
Soap, organic surface-active agents, washing...Soap, organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, lubricating preparations, artificial waxes, prepared waxes, polishing or scouring preparations, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, 'dental waxes' and dental preparations with a basis of plaster	0.4%
Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering...Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement	0.4%
Preparations of meat, of fish or of crustaceans,...Preparations of meat, of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates	0.4%
Inorganic chemicals; organic or inorganic...Inorganic chemicals; organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, of radioactive elements or of isotopes	0.4%
Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk;...Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; pastrycooks' products	0.4%
CottonCotton	0.4%
Toys, games and sports requisites; parts and...Toys, games and sports requisites; parts and accessories thereof	0.4%
Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic...Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard	0.3%
Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of...Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof of base metal	0.3%
Man-made filamentsMan-made filaments	0.3%
Ores, slag and ashOres, slag and ash	0.3%
Man-made staple fibresMan-made staple fibres	0.3%
Railway or tramway locomotives, rolling-stock and...Railway or tramway locomotives, rolling-stock and parts thereof; railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings and parts thereof; mechanical (including electro-mechanical) traffic signalling equipment of all kinds	0.3%
Raw hides and skins (other than furskins) and...Raw hides and skins (other than furskins) and leather	0.3%
CerealsCereals	0.3%
Articles of leather; saddlery and harness; travel...Articles of leather; saddlery and harness; travel goods, handbags and similar containers; articles of animal gut (other than silkworm gut)	0.3%
Natural or cultured pearls, precious or...Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, metals clad with precious metal, and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin	0.3%
Residues and waste from the food industries;...Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal fodder	0.2%
Sugars and sugar confectionerySugars and sugar confectionery	0.2%
Other made-up textile articles; sets; worn...Other made-up textile articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags	0.2%
FertilizersFertilizers	0.2%
Wadding, felt and nonwovens; special yarns; twine,...Wadding, felt and nonwovens; special yarns; twine, cordage, ropes and cables and articles thereof	0.2%
Miscellaneous manufactured articlesMiscellaneous manufactured articles	0.2%
Live animalsLive animals	0.2%
Cocoa and cocoa preparationsCocoa and cocoa preparations	0.2%
Impregnated, coated, covered or laminated textile...Impregnated, coated, covered or laminated textile fabrics; textile articles of a kind suitable for industrial use	0.1%
Cork and articles of corkCork and articles of cork	0.1%
Knitted or crocheted fabricsKnitted or crocheted fabrics	0.1%
Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous...Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit; industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder	0.1%
Live trees and other plants; bulbs, roots and the...Live trees and other plants; bulbs, roots and the like; cut flowers and ornamental foliage	0.1%
Clocks and watches and parts thereofClocks and watches and parts thereof	0.1%
Photographic or cinematographic goodsPhotographic or cinematographic goods	0.1%
Coffee, tea, maté and spicesCoffee, tea, maté and spices	0.1%
See more products	55.5%

Main imports (% of imports)	2007
Vehicles other than railway or tramway...Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof	15.1%
Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their...Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes	14.9%
Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and...Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof	11.2%
Electrical machinery and equipment and parts...Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles	9.1%
Iron and steelIron and steel	4.3%
Plastics and articles thereofPlastics and articles thereof	3.1%
Pharmaceutical productsPharmaceutical products	2.9%
Organic chemicalsOrganic chemicals	2.5%
Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring,...Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof	1.8%
Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not...Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted	1.8%
Articles of iron or steelArticles of iron or steel	1.6%
Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic...Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates	1.6%
Articles of apparel and clothing accessories,...Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted	1.5%
Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of...Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or of paperboard	1.4%
Furniture; bedding, mattresses, mattress supports,...Furniture; bedding, mattresses, mattress supports, cushions and similar stuffed furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings, not elsewhere specified or included; illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like; prefabricated buildings	1.4%
Ores, slag and ashOres, slag and ash	1.2%
Rubber and articles thereofRubber and articles thereof	1.1%
Aluminium and articles thereofAluminium and articles thereof	1.1%
Miscellaneous chemical productsMiscellaneous chemical products	0.9%
Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoalWood and articles of wood; wood charcoal	0.9%
Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereofAircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof	0.9%
CerealsCereals	0.8%
Toys, games and sports requisites; parts and...Toys, games and sports requisites; parts and accessories thereof	0.8%
Copper and articles thereofCopper and articles thereof	0.7%
Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic...Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations	0.7%
Beverages, spirits and vinegarBeverages, spirits and vinegar	0.6%
Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts of such...Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts of such articles	0.6%
Dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey; edible...Dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey; edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included	0.6%
Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their...Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints and varnishes; putty and other mastics; inks	0.5%
Glass and glasswareGlass and glassware	0.5%
Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruits or...Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruits or melons	0.5%
Inorganic chemicals; organic or inorganic...Inorganic chemicals; organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, of radioactive elements or of isotopes	0.5%
Residues and waste from the food industries;...Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal fodder	0.5%
Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering...Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement	0.5%
Tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutesTobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes	0.5%
Miscellaneous articles of base metalMiscellaneous articles of base metal	0.5%
Meat and edible meat offalMeat and edible meat offal	0.4%
Natural or cultured pearls, precious or...Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, metals clad with precious metal, and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin	0.4%
Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous...Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit; industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder	0.4%
Miscellaneous edible preparationsMiscellaneous edible preparations	0.4%
Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of...Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof of base metal	0.4%
Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubersEdible vegetables and certain roots and tubers	0.4%
Articles of leather; saddlery and harness; travel...Articles of leather; saddlery and harness; travel goods, handbags and similar containers; articles of animal gut (other than silkworm gut)	0.4%
Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk;...Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; pastrycooks' products	0.3%
Other made-up textile articles; sets; worn...Other made-up textile articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags	0.3%
Animal or vegetable fats and oils and their...Animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; animal or vegetable waxes	0.3%
Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other...Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants	0.3%
Soap, organic surface-active agents, washing...Soap, organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, lubricating preparations, artificial waxes, prepared waxes, polishing or scouring preparations, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, 'dental waxes' and dental preparations with a basis of plaster	0.3%
Nickel and articles thereofNickel and articles thereof	0.3%
Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica...Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials	0.3%
Clocks and watches and parts thereofClocks and watches and parts thereof	0.3%
Ceramic productsCeramic products	0.3%
Preparations of meat, of fish or of crustaceans,...Preparations of meat, of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates	0.2%
Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic...Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard	0.2%
Man-made filamentsMan-made filaments	0.2%
Ships, boats and floating structuresShips, boats and floating structures	0.2%
FertilizersFertilizers	0.2%
Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other...Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans	0.2%
Man-made staple fibresMan-made staple fibres	0.2%
Raw hides and skins (other than furskins) and...Raw hides and skins (other than furskins) and leather	0.2%
Coffee, tea, maté and spicesCoffee, tea, maté and spices	0.2%
CottonCotton	0.2%
Sugars and sugar confectionerySugars and sugar confectionery	0.2%
Cocoa and cocoa preparationsCocoa and cocoa preparations	0.2%
Miscellaneous manufactured articlesMiscellaneous manufactured articles	0.2%
Railway or tramway locomotives, rolling-stock and...Railway or tramway locomotives, rolling-stock and parts thereof; railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings and parts thereof; mechanical (including electro-mechanical) traffic signalling equipment of all kinds	0.2%
Photographic or cinematographic goodsPhotographic or cinematographic goods	0.2%
Albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues;...Albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes	0.2%
Live animalsLive animals	0.1%
Wadding, felt and nonwovens; special yarns; twine,...Wadding, felt and nonwovens; special yarns; twine, cordage, ropes and cables and articles thereof	0.1%
Lead and articles thereofLead and articles thereof	0.1%
Impregnated, coated, covered or laminated textile...Impregnated, coated, covered or laminated textile fabrics; textile articles of a kind suitable for industrial use	0.1%
See more products	45.4%

Source: Comtrade

See more products: More imports (Intracen Data)
More exports (Intracen Data)

Sources of general economic information

Ministries: Treasury Department
Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce
Ministry of Environment, rural and marine environment
Statistical Office: National Statistical Institute
Central Bank: Bank of Spain
European Central Bank
Stock Exchange: Spanish stock markets
Search Engines: Yahoo Espana
Icex
Buscopio
Gomera
Hispa Vista
Hotbot Spain
Ozu.es
Sharelook.es
Sol
Telepolis
Terra
Wanadoo.es
Economic portals: Invertia

Political outline

Executive Power: The King is the Head of the State and the commander-in-chief of the army; his role is mostly ceremonial. Following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the majority of the coalition is appointed Prime Minister by the Sovereign then elected by the parliament for a 4 year tenure. The Prime Minister is the head of the government. He is also called the President of the Government. He holds executive power which includes the execution of the law and the management of the routine affairs of the country. The Council of Ministers is appointed by the king on the recommendation of the Prime minister. There is also a Council ofState which enjoys the role of the supreme consulting body of the government. But its recommendations are not binding.

The President of each Autonomous Community is from the majority party of the majority coalition winning elections of the Parliaments of the Autonomies which take place every 4 years. the President forms a government whose «ministers» are appointed under the title «consejeros» and seconded by a cabinet and director generals, etc. who are in charge of each Department heading the sectors for which the Autonomous Community has jurisdiction in substitution of the Spanish State (single administration).
Legislative Power: The legislative power is bicameral. The Parliament, called Cortes Generales, is made up of:
- the Senate which has 264 seats. Its role is that of representing the territories (Autonomous Communities and Departments). The senators are elected by universal suffrage for 4 years.
- Congress of Deputies which has a minimum of 300 seats and a maximum of 400 (currently 350). The deputies are elected by universal suffrage for 4 years from departmental constituencies. There are alloted one minimum representation and the remaining is proportional to their population. To avoid splitting up which is harmful to the stability of the Chamber, the D’Hondt system is applied.
The executive wing of the government depends directly or indirectly on the parliament's support, often expressed by a vote of confidence. The legislative power belongs to the governement and the two houses of parliament at the same time. The Prime Minister does not have the authority to dissolve the parliament directly, but he can recommend its dissolution to the king. The Spanish citizens enjoy considerable political rights.
The 17 Autonomous Communities also have a legislative power exercised by their monocameral Parliament within the limit of jurisdictions fixed by each of their Statutes.
Main political parties: Although Spain has a multi-party system, there are above all two dominant parties. The regional parties can be powerful within the Autonomous Communities, which makes them essential to form coalition governments. The two most important parties of the country are: the PSOE (Spanish Workers Socialist Party), a democratic socialist party, and the second oldest party, and the PP (People's Party), which is the largest liberal conservative party of Spain. The other important parties are:
- The IU (United Left), a coalition of left parties around PCE (Spanish Communist Party);
- The CiU (Convergence and Union), a conservative and nationalist party based in Catalonia, which supports market economy;
- Le PNV (Basque Nationalist Party), a centre-right political party based in Basque Country.
Current political leaders: King: Juan Carlos I (since November 1975), heriditary.
President of the government and Prime Minister: Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero (took oath in April 2004 and re-elected in March 2008), PSOE.
Next election dates: Senate: March 2012
House of Deputies: March 2012

Indicator of freedom of the press

World Rank:: 39/173
Evolution:: 6 places down compared to 2007

Source: Worldwide Press Freedom Index 2007, Reporters Without Borders

Indicator of political freedom

Ranking:: Free
Political freedom:: 1/7
Civil liberties:: 1/7

Map of freedom 2007
Source: Freedom House

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