History of Spain in Timeline

Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a country located in southwestern Europe with territories in North Africa. It is the largest country in Southern Europe and the fourth-most populous member state of the European Union. Occupying most of the Iberian Peninsula, its territory includes the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, and the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla. Peninsular Spain shares borders with France, Andorra, Portugal, the Bay of Biscay, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean. Madrid is its capital and largest city; other major urban centers include Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville.

1900: Spain's Population at 18.6 Million

In 1900, Spain's population stood at 18.6 million, rising 2+1⁄2 times since then.

1901: Regionalist League of Catalonia in 1901

In 1901, the Regionalist League of Catalonia was formed, reflecting the rise of Catalanism and other regional nationalisms in Spain.

July 1909: The July 1909 Tragic Week events

The Tragic Week events occurred in July 1909, highlighting the social instability present in Spain at the time.

1910: Confederación Nacional del Trabajo was founded in 1910

In 1910, the Confederación Nacional del Trabajo was founded within the anarcho-syndicalist trend of the labour movement in Spain.

1919: The La Canadiense strike in 1919

In 1919, the La Canadiense strike resulted in the passage of the first law limiting the working day to eight hours.

1923: dictatorship from 1923

From 1923 Spain was under a Crown-supported dictatorship.

1927: Federación Anarquista Ibérica in 1927

In 1927, the Federación Anarquista Ibérica was founded.

April 1931: The 12 April 1931 municipal elections

The municipal elections of April 12, 1931, resulted in a significant victory for Republican-Socialist candidacies in major cities and provincial capitals, leading to the King leaving the country.

June 1931: June 1931 Constituent general election

In June 1931, the Constituent general election took place.

October 1931: A constitution for the country was passed in October 1931

In October 1931, a constitution was passed following the June 1931 Constituent general election.

1931: Spanish Effectively Official Language

Since 1931, Spanish has effectively been the official language of the entire country.

1931: Restoration (1875–1931)

The Restoration period in Spain concluded in 1931.

1932: 1932 failed coup d'état

In 1932, José Sanjurjo led a failed coup d'état.

1932: Local Studios Created

In 1932, local studios for sound films were created in Spain.

1933: In the election held in 1933 the right triumphed

In 1933, the right-wing parties won the elections in Spain.

1934: the Revolution of 1934

The Revolution of 1934 occurred, contributing to the political and social upheaval during the Second Republic.

October 1936: General Francisco Franco was sworn in as the supreme leader of the rebels on 1 October 1936

On October 1, 1936, General Francisco Franco was sworn in as the supreme leader of the rebel faction during the Spanish Civil War.

1936: End of Silver Age of Spanish Culture

In 1936, the Silver Age of Spanish Culture ended.

1936: in 1936, the left

In 1936, the left-wing parties triumphed in the elections.

1937: FET y de las JONS), formed in 1937

In 1937, the Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las JONS (FET y de las JONS) was formed, becoming the only legal party under Franco's dictatorship.

April 1939: On 1 April 1939, five months before the beginning of World War II, the rebel side led by Franco emerged victorious

On April 1, 1939, the rebel side, led by Franco, won the Spanish Civil War.

1941: Dubbing of foreign films

In 1941, the government's imposition of dubbing of foreign films accustomed Spanish audiences to watching dubbed films.

1955: This changed in 1955

In 1955, during the Cold War, Spain became strategically important for the US, leading to the establishment of a military presence on the Iberian Peninsula.

1959: formed in 1959

The armed organization ETA was formed in 1959 during Franco's rule.

1960: Start of the Spanish economic miracle

In 1960, technocratic reforms were enacted to avert the crisis, laying the groundwork for the Spanish economic miracle.

1962: In 1962, a group of politicians involved in the opposition to Franco's regime inside the country and in exile met in the congress of the European Movement in Munich

In 1962, politicians opposing Franco's regime met in Munich to advocate for democracy.

1964: UEFA European Championship

In 1964, Spain's national men's football team won the UEFA European Championship.

1970: Educational Laws

From 1970 to 2014, Spain has had seven different educational laws.

1974: End of the Spanish economic miracle

The Spanish economic miracle was a period of rapid growth from 1960 until 1974, during which Spain's economy grew an average of 6.6 percent per year.

November 1975: With Franco's death in November 1975

In November 1975, Franco died, and Juan Carlos became King of Spain.

1975: Death of Franco

After the death of Franco in 1975, Spain's foreign policy priorities were to break out of diplomatic isolation.

1975: Francoist dictatorship lasted until 1975

In 1975, the Francoist dictatorship came to an end.

June 1976: Appointment of Adolfo Suárez as Prime Minister

In June 1976, King Juan Carlos dismissed Carlos Arias Navarro and appointed Adolfo Suárez as Prime Minister.

1977: The Spanish 1977 Amnesty Law

In 1977, the Spanish Amnesty Law was passed, allowing people of Franco's regime to continue inside institutions without consequences.

1977: Convening of the Constituent Cortes

In 1977, the general election convened the Constituent Cortes (the Spanish Parliament) for the purpose of drafting and approving the constitution of 1978.

December 1978: Approval of the Spanish Constitution

After a national referendum on December 6, 1978, 88% of voters approved the new constitution.

1978: Creation of Autonomous Communities

After the current constitution came into effect in 1978, autonomous communities were created in recognition of the right to self-government of the "nationalities and regions of Spain".

1978: Spanish Constitution of 1978

In 1978, the new Spanish Constitution was approved, marking the restoration of democracy.

February 1981: On 23 February 1981

On February 23, 1981, rebel elements attempted a coup, but King Juan Carlos successfully ordered them to surrender.

May 1982: In May 1982 Spain joined NATO

In May 1982, Spain joined NATO.

1982: Spain joins NATO

In 1982, Spain became a member of NATO.

1986: Spain Joins the European Economic Community

In 1986, Spain joined the European Economic Community (now the European Union).

1990: Increase in Foreign Investment

EU membership coincided with a tripling of foreign direct investment from 1990 to 2000.

1992: Summer Olympics and Paralympics hosted in Barcelona

In 1992, the Summer Olympics and Paralympics were hosted in Barcelona, stimulating a great deal of interest in sports in the country.

1996: Immigrant Population at 500,000

In 1996, Spain had 500,000 immigrants.

1996: In 1996 after scandals around participation of the government of Felipe González in the Dirty war against ETA

In 1996, the Partido Popular (PP) replaced the PSOE in government, following scandals related to the government's involvement in the Dirty War against ETA.

1999: Spain Participates in the Euro Launch

In 1999, Spain implemented policies and reforms that allowed for its participation in the inaugural launch of the euro.

2000: Increase in Foreign Investment

EU membership coincided with a tripling of foreign direct investment from 1990 to 2000.

2000: High Population Growth due to Immigration

Since 2000, Spain has experienced high population growth due to immigration flows, despite a low birth rate, causing social tension.

2000: Multinational Status of Spanish Companies

Since the 1990s, which saw a wave of privatisations, several Spanish companies have reached multinational status, including expansion into Asia. By 2000, these companies maintain a strong and leading presence in Latin America and have expanded into Asia.

2001: Military conscription suppressed

Military conscription was suppressed in 2001.

January 2002: On 1 January 2002, Spain fully adopted the euro

On January 1, 2002, Spain fully adopted the euro as its currency.

2002: Spain Absorbs Migrants

From 2002 to 2007, Spain was Europe's largest absorber of migrants, with its immigrant population more than doubling.

2002: Perejil Island Incident

In 2002, the Perejil Island was the subject of an armed incident between Spain and Morocco.

2002: In 2002, the Prestige oil spill occurred

In 2002, the Prestige oil spill caused significant ecological damage along Spain's Atlantic coastline.

2003: In 2003 José María Aznar supported US president George W. Bush in the Iraq War

In 2003, José María Aznar supported US President George W. Bush in the Iraq War.

March 2004: In March 2004 a local Islamist terrorist group inspired by Al-Qaeda carried out the largest terrorist attack in Western European history

In March 2004, a local Islamist terrorist group inspired by Al-Qaeda carried out a major terrorist attack by bombing commuter trains in Madrid.

2005: Regularisation Programme Increases Immigrant Population

In 2005 alone, a regularisation programme in Spain increased the legal immigrant population by 700,000 people.

2005: In 2005, the Spanish government legalised same sex marriage

In 2005, the Spanish government legalized same-sex marriage.

2006: LOE Education Law

In 2006, the Ley Orgánica de Educación (LOE) or Fundamental Law for the Education regulated the current education system.

2007: Spain Absorbs Migrants

From 2002 to 2007, Spain was Europe's largest absorber of migrants, with its immigrant population more than doubling.

2007: Start of Global Financial Crisis

Spain was among the countries hit hardest by the 2007–2008 global financial crisis and subsequent euro-zone debt crisis.

2007: Gender Equality Act

The Cortes Generales approved the Gender Equality Act in 2007 aimed at furthering equality between genders in Spanish political and economic life.

2008: Immigrant Population at 5.2 Million

By 2008, the number of immigrants in Spain had grown to 5.2 million people out of a total population of 46 million.

2008: Spain Grants Citizenship to 84,170 Persons

In 2008, Spain granted citizenship to 84,170 people, mostly from Ecuador, Colombia, and Morocco.

2008: UEFA European Championship

In 2008, Spain's national men's football team won the UEFA European Championship.

2008: Spain Favored Destination for Western Europeans

In 2008, the Financial Times reported that Spain was the most favored destination for Western Europeans seeking jobs in the EU.

2008: "Plan of Voluntary Return" Instituted

In 2008, the Spanish government instituted a "Plan of Voluntary Return" to encourage unemployed immigrants from outside the EU to return home.

2008: Start of Global Financial Crisis

Spain was among the countries hit hardest by the 2007–2008 global financial crisis and subsequent euro-zone debt crisis.

2009: Fossil Fuels Generate 58% of Spain's Electricity

In 2009, fossil fuels generated 58% of Spain's electricity, nuclear power generated 19%, and wind and hydro each generated about 12%.

November 2010: Wind Energy Reaches Historic Peak

On November 9, 2010, wind energy in Spain reached a historic peak, covering 53% of mainland electricity demand, equivalent to the energy of 14 nuclear reactors.

2010: Economic Crisis Leads to Emigration

From 2010 to 2011, the economic crisis resulted in tens of thousands of immigrants leaving Spain due to a lack of jobs.

2010: group announced its permanent cease of violence in 2010

In 2010, ETA announced a permanent cessation of violence.

2010: FIFA World Cup

In 2010, Spain's national men's football team won the FIFA World Cup.

2011: Residence Permit Data

According to residence permit data for 2011, more than 860,000 residents were Romanian, about 770,000 were Moroccan, approximately 390,000 were British, and 360,000 were Ecuadorian.

2011: Mass Emigration from Spain

In 2011, more than half a million people left Spain, resulting in a negative net migration rate.

2012: UEFA European Championship

In 2012, Spain's national men's football team won the UEFA European Championship.

2013: Acceptance of Homosexuality

According to a 2013 Pew Research study, Spain is rated first in acceptance of homosexuality, with 88% of those surveyed saying that homosexuality should be accepted.

June 2014: Abdication of Juan Carlos

On June 19, 2014, Juan Carlos abdicated the throne, and his son became Felipe VI.

2014: Spain Aims for One Million Electric Cars

By 2014, Spain aimed to have one million electric cars on the road as part of a government plan to save energy and boost energy efficiency.

2014: LOMCE Modifies LOE

In 2014, the LOE was partially modified by the newer and controversial LOMCE law (Ley Orgánica para la Mejora de la Calidad Educativa).

2014: End of Protracted Recession

Spain endured a protracted recession that persisted through 2014.

2015: Defense Budget Increase

In 2015, the Spanish defense budget increased by 1% due to security concerns.

October 2017: Catalan Independence Referendum and Declaration

In October 2017, a Catalan independence referendum was held, and the Catalan parliament voted to unilaterally declare independence from Spain. On the same day, the Spanish Senate approved direct rule over Catalonia, and the Spanish Prime Minister dissolved the Catalan parliament and called for a new election.

2017: Armed Forces Strength

In 2017, the Spanish armed forces had a strength of 121,900 active personnel and 4,770 reserve personnel.

May 2018: ETA until the latter's dissolution in May 2018

ETA dissolved in May 2018.

June 2018: Motion of No-Confidence Against Rajoy

In June 2018, the Congress of Deputies passed a motion of no-confidence against Rajoy, replacing him with PSOE leader Pedro Sánchez.

September 2018: Women in Parliament

According to Inter-Parliamentary Union data as of September 1, 2018, 39.1% of the members of the Congress were women, while 39.9% were women in the Senate.

2018: CSIC Ranks 5th Worldwide

In 2018, the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) was ranked as the 5th top governmental scientific institution worldwide.

2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index

In 2019, the country had a Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 4.23/10, ranking it 130th globally out of 172 countries.

2019: Coalition Government Formed

In 2019, the first ever coalition government in Spain was formed, between PSOE and Unidas Podemos.

2019: Muslim Population in Spain

In 2019, there were more than 2,100,000 inhabitants of Muslim background living in Spain, accounting for 4-5% of the total population.

January 2020: COVID-19 in Spain

In January 2020, the COVID-19 virus was confirmed to have spread to Spain, causing life expectancy to drop.

2020: Religion in Spain

According to a 2020 study, about 61% of Spaniards self-identify as Catholics, 3% other faiths, and about 35% identify with no religion.

March 2021: Euthanasia Legalized

In March 2021, Spain became the sixth nation in the world to make active euthanasia legal.

2021: Language Survey Results

According to a 2021 survey, Spanish is the first language for 81.53% of the population, Catalan/Valencian for 10.50%, Galician for 3.77%, and Basque for 1.42%. Arabic was the most spoken foreign language.

2021: San Sebastián and Málaga Festivals Ranked Among Top Initiatives

As of 2021, the festivals of San Sebastián and Málaga are ranked among the top cultural initiatives in Spain.

July 2023: Sánchez forms coalition government with Sumar

Following the general election on July 23, 2023, prime minister Pedro Sánchez once again formed a coalition government, this time with Sumar (successors of Unidas Podemos).

2023: Spanish Companies in Fortune Global 500

As of 2023, Spain was home to eight of the 500 largest companies in the world by annual revenue, according to the Fortune Global 500, including Banco Santander, Iberdrola, and Telefónica.

2023: Automobile Production

In 2023, Spain produced 2.45 million automobiles, ranking eighth in the world and second in Europe by total number.

2023: FIFA World Cup

In 2023, Spain's women's national team were champions of the FIFA World Cup.

2023: Madrid Airport World's 15th Busiest

In 2023, the Madrid (Barajas) airport was the world's 15th busiest with 60 million passengers, and the European Union's third busiest.

2023: Spain's Total Fertility Rate at 1.12

In 2023, the average total fertility rate in Spain was 1.12 children born per woman, one of the lowest in the world.

2023: Tourism Contributes to 12.3% of Spain's GDP

In 2023, tourism in Spain was a major contributor to the national economic life, accounting for 12.3% of Spain's GDP.

2024: Global Peace Index Ranking

According to the 2024 Global Peace Index, Spain is the 23rd most peaceful country in the world.

2024: Fastest Growing Major Advanced Economy

As of 2024, Spain is the fastest growing major advanced economy in the world, growing nearly four times higher than the eurozone average.

2024: Catalan Regional President Elected

In 2024, Salvador Illa, the first non-independentist Catalan regional president in over a decade, was elected, normalising relations between the national and regional administrations.

2024: Spain Ranked 28th in Global Innovation Index

In 2024, Spain was ranked 28th in the Global Innovation Index.

2024: Spain Second Most Visited Country

In 2024, Spain was the second most visited country in the world, only behind France, with 94 million tourists. The international tourist expenditure in 2024 was around 126 billion euros.

2024: UEFA European Championship

In 2024, Spain's national men's football team won the UEFA European Championship.

January 2025: Unemployment Rate

In January 2025, the unemployment rate in Spain stood at 10.61 percent.

February 2025: Spanish High-Speed Rail Network Longest in Europe

As of February 2025, the Spanish high-speed rail network was the longest in Europe with 3,973 km, and the second longest in the world after China's.

2025: 6.8 Million Foreign Residents in Spain

According to official Spanish statistics (INE), in 2025 there were 6.8 million foreign residents in Spain, representing 13.9% of the population.

2025: Spain's Population at 49 Million

In 2025, Spain's population was recorded at 49,077,984 people by the Instituto Nacional de Estadística.

2026: EU Recovery Package End Date

The European Commission economic recovery package Next Generation EU, created to support EU member states to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, will be in use until 2026.