In the late 15th century, the Spanish Empire started an expansion that would lead up to one of the largest empires in history, bringing their language and culture to some of the farthest corners of the globe. This paved the way to Spanish becoming today the second-most spoken language in the world, with around 450 million native speakers and over 100 million non-natives.
• For having such a geographic expansion, Spanish is rather homogenous with mainly two distinct dialectical groups: Iberian Spanish and Latin American Spanish.
• Spanish is governed by the Real Academia Española, which cares for the upkeep and adaptation of the language to new trends.
• Because its native speakers are widely distributed around the world, culture and media are projected from different regions instead of from one focus region.
• Though mostly a Latin-based language, about 8% of the language has Arabic origin.
• Alternatively, the language is referred to as castellano (as the language from Castile, the region in Spain from where the language originated).
Countries
Select a country to see which cities have Spanish language schools
Argentina
A cradle for European immigrants since the 1880s, Argentina has welcomed millions that have shaped a language and culture with a distinctive Italian flair, especially around Buenos Aires. Moreover, as the largest Spanish-speaking country by size, there are incredible sceneries and cities to discover, not to mention its status as a beef-eating and tango capital.
Chile
Squeezed between the Andes and the Pacific, Chile offers a truly remarkable variety of landscapes and climates, ranging from some of the driest places on the planet to one of the wettest, and everything in between. If you like shopping, hiking, skiing, stargazing, adventure sports, or wine, Chile is a must.
Colombia
A mega-diverse country where rum, rhythm, and coffee mix with stunning environments, fabulous beaches, and bustling cities. Colombia is every traveler’s paradise where history, culture, biodiversity, gastronomy, shopping, and nightlife can be found around every corner.
Mexico
There is much more to Mexico than mariachis and its worldwide known cuisine. The country offers a balanced mix between an ancient past with grandiose civilizations, Spain’s colonial influence, and the perks of our modern world. If you add gorgeous beaches, vibrant culture, and massive volcanoes, then it is safe to say that you have found paradise.
Peru
A country that is as geographically diverse as culturally rich. Not only it was the center of civilizations like the Incas (who for example left behind the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu) but also boasts exquisite colonial architecture, dramatic landscapes ranging from deserts to the Amazon, and one of most varied and renowned cuisines.
Spain
The place where it all started. Even within Spain there are several different dialects with particular features. The true question is which region of Spain would you like more? Spain is the second most visited country in the world. Thus there are countless different breathtaking landscapes, quaint towns, bustling cities, and fabulous beaches to choose from.