Madrid

Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain, located in the center of the Iberian Peninsula on the plain of the Madrid region, along the Manzanares River. It has a population of about 3.3 million in the city proper, and around 6.7 million in the metropolitan area.

Madrid became the capital of the Spanish monarchy in 1561 under King Philip II. It grew as a political, economic, and cultural center through the Bourbon reforms and the 20th century, enduring the Civil War and updating its infrastructure in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

The city is renowned for its museums, including the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza, as well as the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Retiro Park. Its neighborhoods range from the commercial Gran Vía to the bohemian Malasaña and historic La Latina.

Madrid is a major financial center with the Bolsa de Madrid, a diversified economy dominated by services, including finance, information technology, and tourism. The city is served by Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport and an extensive public transport network, including a large metro system and high-speed rail connections.

Higher education institutions include the Complutense University of Madrid and Carlos III University. The city is home to two of the world’s most successful football clubs, Real Madrid CF and Atlético Madrid, and hosts numerous cultural events, festivals, and sporting venues year-round.