The city’s monocentric metropolitan area is the third-largest in the EU. Famous for its art and culture, El Prado Museum is just one of the renowned landmarks of the city, with a vibrant nightlife Madrid is renowned for.
Situated on the River Manzanares in the center of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country and has been the capital of both Spain and its autonomous community since 1983.
With a population of over 3 million people and 300 km (190 mi) away from the nearest seashore, Madrid has a high GDP, boasting the second largest economic output in the EU and considered a leading economic hub in the Iberian Peninsula and Southern Europe.
Though it is a modern metropolis, Madrid retains the atmosphere of its many historical neighbourhoods and landmarks, including Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Royal Theatre with its restored 1850 Opera House, the 19th-century National Library building containing some of Spain’s historical archives, the Buen Retiro Park founded in 1631, numerous national museums, the Golden Triangle of Art along the Paseo del Prado, Cibeles Palace and Fountain, and many more.
These elements, along with its influence in politics, education, entertainment, environment, media, fashion, science, culture, and the arts, have earned it its status as one of the world’s major global cities.
