DOING BUSINESS IN SPAIN

This country-specific section gives a comprehensive description of Spanish business culture which will help you to interact more effectively with your Spanish clients and colleagues.
INFORMATIONS ABOUT SPAIN
Historical facts * Spain was the second more former European colonial power after Portugal, the country grew rich from the 15th century to 16th century, but declined with the loss of its colonies throughout the 19th century. * 1936 to 1939: time of the Civil war which opposed nationalists against republicans. In 1939, Francisco Franco became dictator of Spain after the bloody three-year Spanish civil war. That is why Spain remained neutral during the WWII but maintained good relations with the Nazis. Franco stayed at the head of the country until 1975, year of his death, and designated Prince Juan Carlos as the future king to keep the country stability in 1969. This civil war caused a serious traumatism in the Spanish people’s mind. * Prince Juan Carlos became king of Spain in 1975 and soon had to put down attempted military coup & managed to keep Spain under civilian rule. * 1978: Spain became a constitutional monarchy. * 1980: Spain granted autonomy to Catalonia and the Basque country. But political violence continues mainly in the Basque region because they want total independence from Spain.
Political Framework

Political structure of State | Parliamentary Monarchy | Head of State | King Juan Carlos I, since November 22nd 1975 | Prime Minister | José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, since April 17th, 2004 and has been reelected on March 9th, 2008. | Party in power | Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) | Territorial organization | Territorially, the State is organized into municipalities, provinces and autonomous communities. There are 17 autonomous communities and two cities (Ceuta and Melilla). | European Union | Member State since 1986 |

Concerning the territorial organization, as we just