Madrid, the largest city in Southern Europe, with more than 3.2 million people (6.5 in the metropolitan area), is a vibrant, dynamic metropolis, with a dense cultural and social life. Madrid is today an important cultural, university, scientific and financial centre, and the main hub between Europe and Latin America.

Madrid has three world class Museums (El Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Centro de Arte Reina Sofía), but you can find in the city more than 40 museums about all kind of topics. Madrid has also the second largest historical area in Europe, with a vast heritage and a unique ambiance in streets and squares. The gastronomy and nightlife of Madrid are known around the world. Its special ambiance and atmosphere make Madrid a different city and a friendly place to live in.

Madrid is the capital of the Hispanic culture and language. A large set of cultural institutions strengthening this cultural heritage have their headquarters in Madrid (Real Academia de la Lengua, Instituto Cervantes, Union of Iberian-American Capital Cities, Union of Iberian-American Municipalists) enlarging the solid links between Spain and Latin America.

There are in the region of Madrid six public and seven private Universities, with more than 235.000 students and 21.000 ph degree students. It makes of Madrid the main high education center in Spain and one of the most important in the continent. Also research, advanced industries and new technologies have an important role in Madrid.

Madrid is also a significant business center, with the 4th European stock exchange and the headquarters of important transnational banks, construction, communication and other sectors corporations.

You can get Madrid by plane (Barajas International Airport, the 3rd Airport in Europe), train (TGV connections with Barcelona, Zaragoza, Seville, Córdoba, Malaga, Valladolid and other cities) or excellent highways connected with the rest of Spain and Europe.

Large information about the see sights and attractions of Madrid City can be found at the website of the Municipal Office of Tourism: www.esmadrid.com/es/portal.do , (information in English, French, Chinese, Japanese and Russian).

Maps and fares of the transportation system (Metro, Buses, Suburban Trains, and Suburban Buses) can be found at the Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid website, with information in English: www.ctm-madrid.es