Madrid

Madrid (/məˈdrɪd/, Spanish: [maˈðɾið]) is the capital and largest city of Spain. The population of the city is roughly 3.3 million[4] and the entire population of the Madrid metropolitan area iscalculated to be 6.271 million.[5] It is the third largest city in the European Union, after London and Berlin, and itsmetropolitan area is the third largest in the European Unionafter London and Paris.[6][7][8][9] The city spans a total of 604.3 km2 (233.3 sq mi).[10]
Madrid urban agglomeration has the 3rd largest GDP[11] in the European Union and its influencesin politics, education, entertainment, environment,media, fashion, science, and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world's major global cities.[12][13] Due to its economic output, highstandard of living, and market size,Madrid is considered the major financial centre of Southern Europe[14][15] and the Iberian Peninsula; it hosts the head offices of the vast majority of the major Spanish companies. Madrid is the mosttouristic city of Spain, the fourth-most touristic of the continent,[16] and is the 10th most livable city in the world according to Monocle magazine, in its 2010 index.[17][18] Madrid also ranks among the12 greenest European cities in 2010.[19] Madrid is currently bidding to host the 2020 Summer Olympics.[20]
The city is located on the Manzanares river in the centre of both the country andthe Community of Madrid (which comprises the city of Madrid, its conurbation and extended suburbs and villages); this community is bordered by the autonomous communities of Castile and León and Castile-LaMancha. As the capital city of Spain, seat of government, and residence of the Spanish monarch, Madrid is also the political centre of Spain.[21] The current mayor is Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón fromthe People's Party (PP).
While Madrid possesses a modern infrastructure; it has preserved the look and feel of many of its historic neighbourhoods and streets. Its landmarks include the Royal Palace...