Spain explores the history, culture, and people of a vital European country that has played an important role in the development of Western civilization. With coastlines along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Spain was among the first nations to send explorers to the "New World" and establish an empire across the sea. Although the countries that it once controlled in the western hemisphere achieved independence from Spain, its influence there remains powerful. At critical times, Spain's location on the Iberian Peninsula has allowed it to remain independent of European wars; at other times, its location has isolated Spain. Today it is reaching out to other countries and has joined the European Union. As the closest European nation to Africa, it is a bridge for migrating birds and people alike. A producer of much of the world's food, Spain has also become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Book jacket.