Spanish, also known as Castilian, is a Romance language that originated in the Iberian Peninsula and is now spoken as a first language by millions of people worldwide. It is the official language of Spain and most countries in Latin America, as well as one of the six official languages of the United Nations. Spanish belongs to the West Iberian branch of the Romance language family and has been greatly influenced by Latin, Arabic, and other languages throughout its history.

In terms of phonetics and grammar, Spanish is known for its relatively straightforward pronunciation and grammatical structures. It uses the Latin script with the addition of the letters “ñ” and “ll.” Spanish is characterised by a system of verb conjugations, noun-adjective agreement, and a distinction between formal and informal address.

Spanish has a rich literary tradition, with significant contributions from renowned authors such as Miguel de Cervantes, Gabriel García Márquez, and Pablo Neruda. It has also made substantial contributions to the fields of art, music, and cinema. Flamenco music and dance, as well as traditional festivities like La Tomatina and La Feria de Abril, are integral parts of Spanish cultural heritage.

Due to the global influence of Spain and the widespread use of Spanish in the Americas, the language holds considerable importance in international communication and trade. Spanish-language learning is also popular globally, with many people seeking to acquire proficiency in the language for personal, academic, or professional reasons.