King Juan Carlos has announced that his son Prince Felipe will begin a new era of hope for the people of Spain. Meanwhile, Spanish people take to the streets to demand a national referendum on the future of their monarchy.
After reigning for 40 years on the throne King Juan Carlos of Spain has finally announced his intention to abdicate. The 76 year old King is stepping aside for Prince Felipe, his 45 year old son to take over the reigns.
This was preceded by a long running corruption investigation and King Juan Carlos has experienced health problems recently.
Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Spanish territory also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the African coast, two exclaves in North Africa, Ceuta and Melilla, that border Morocco, and the islands and peñones (rocks) of Alborán, Chafarinas, Alhucemas, Vélez de la Gomera and Perejil.
With an area of 505,99., Spain is the second largest country in Western Europe and the European Union, and the fifth largest country in Europe.