Religion in Spain
The majority of Spaniards formally professes to be Roman Catholic, although different religious beliefs are accepted. But this fact is often doubted because many of the churches during Sunday mass see lots of empty space and the people present are mainly older people. During the history of Spain, different religious groups have coexisted, including Muslims, Jews and Christians. Religious history is evident in every small town, where the most grandiose building is typically the church. In the large cities the Cathedrals are almost like museums.
Spanish Family Values
The family includes both the nuclear and the extended family.
Previously it was understood that a family member works for a family business, but with time they have moved on to personal preferences and university education. The size of the family varies, but in general has fewer children than before, and fewer people live with extended family. Family networks have changed a lot these days and become less tight.
Spaniards are friendly and openly show it. When you meet a Spanish family their greeting may imply affection to which some are not accustomed. Between family members greeting usually is accompanied by a hug, a kiss, or a long string of kisses if you are meeting your grandmother. For a stranger a strong handshake is the general gesture, along with a few pats on the back and women would give two kisses on the cheeks. It's better to know that in the Spaniard culture physical contact between people is a way of communication and certainly not an invasion of one's privacy.
Machismo
Machismo stands for male dominance, and was a culture created by old men. But the scenario has changed dramatically since then. Spain is a today, an equalitarian society, but the birth rate is the one of the lowest in Europe, with education taking a prime place and the existing work culture.
