Spanish, also known as Castilian, is a Romance language originating in the Iberian Peninsula and spoken by millions worldwide. It is the official language of Spain and most Latin American countries and one of the six official languages of the United Nations. Castilian Spanish is known for its straightforward pronunciation and grammatical structures.

The language uses the Latin script with unique additions like “ñ” and “ll.” It features verb conjugations, noun-adjective agreement, and a formal-informal address distinction. Spanish boasts a rich literary tradition with influential authors such as Miguel de Cervantes and Gabriel García Márquez. Flamenco music, La Tomatina, and La Feria de Abril are integral to Spanish culture.

Due to Spain’s global influence and Spanish’s prevalence in the Americas, the language is crucial for international communication and trade. Spanish-language learning is popular globally for personal, academic, and professional reasons.