Viewing Barcelona
Features
Essence
Time Line
Peace & Quiet
Famous People
Catalunya (Catalonia)
The autonomous region of Catalunya (Catalonia) covers an area of 31,930sq km (6.3 per cent of Spain) and has a population of over 6 million (15 per cent of the Spanish population), 70 per cent of whom live in greater Barcelona. It is Spain's leading economic region, producing 20 per cent of the country's gross national product. Nearly 40 per cent of all visitors to Spain come to Catalonia. Barcelona for Wheelchair Users
Barcelona is a popular detination for wheelchair users as it is a compact city, and the modern attractions are wheelchair-friendly. However, many of the streets are cobbled, which can be uncomfortable unless appropriate tyres are fitted . The Bus Turístic has low-entry doors and wheelchair points, and some of the other main routes have wheelchair-accessible buses. The metro system is easy enough to get into and out of, but changing lines within it is difficult as there are generally no lifts.
Geography
Barcelona is in northeastern Spain, 160km from the French border. The city occupies 99sq km, with 13km of Mediterranean coastline, including 5km of sandy beaches. It is bounded by the mountains of Montjuïc (to the south) and Tibidabo (to the northwest), and framed by the rivers Llobregat (to the south) and Besós (to the north). Climate
Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and humid with an average temperature of 24°C. Winters are mild and sunny with an average temperature of 11°C. December can be very wet. People and Economy
Barcelona's population is 1,707, 286 (or 4,228,048 within the area metropolitana of greater Barcelona). Many inhabitants originated from southern Spain, drawn to Catalonia in the 1950s and 60s by the prospect of work in the capital of Spain's most progressive and most prosperous region. Leisure Facilities
Barcelona boasts 50 museums and galleries, 123 cinemas, 40 theatres, an amusement park, 2 luxury marinas, a zoo, 6 beaches, 53 parks and gardens and over 2,300 restaurants. A special tourist bus (bus turístic) connects 18 of the most popular attractions. Thanks to the 1992 Olympics, the city has top facilities for every kind of sport.
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