Madrid+Team+Contract

== As a group we reached a decision to travel to Madrid because one of our team members wanted to travel to this location one day for a holiday and our group was happy to research this country. It has been decided that Kate will be researching demographics and population, Juliette will research climate and environment, Amy will research culture, Toni will be researching laws and government and Cathy and Dominic will be researching places of interest. The decision of who researches which topics was every team member choosing the topic that they were most interested in, this was agreed by all team members as a good method.

Spain Madrid By Plane


 * Date:** Friday 7 September 2007
 * Destination:** Sydney to Madrid
 * Time:** 1550 – 0915
 * Carrier:** Air France
 * Class:** Economy

Return
 * Date:** Thursday 20 September 2007
 * Destination:** Madrid to Sydney
 * Time:** 1710 - 0510
 * Carrier:** Air France
 * Class:** Economy

The Grand Hotel Almenar is located in a residential area of Las Rozas in the north of Madrid. It is close to the Grand Madrid Casino, Las Rozas Business Park, Heron City Entertainment Centre and the Outlet Shopping Centre. This contemporary hotel is designed around an impressive atrium and has guestrooms equipped with the latest technology providing the highest standards of comfort.
 * Grand Hotel Almenar - 4* - Madrid Province**
 * Average/pp: AUD 4256.32**

==
 * Stats of Madrid**


 * Population of City:** Madrid (suburbs and the urban areas included) was said to be 5.84 million with the city population being 3.5 million while the urban area population was about 5.5 million.


 * City Area:** 607, 08 sq. km.


 * City Density:** 4,722 inh. /sq. km.


 * Continent:** Europe


 * Country:** Spain


 * City:** Madrid


 * Coordinates:** 40:26:00N 3:42:00W


 * Altitude:** 588m


 * Currency:** Euro (EUR)


 * Time Zone:** Central European Time (CET) (UTC+1)

The population of Madrid has experienced increase ever since the city became the national capital. During the 60's and early 70's the population of Spain doubled, due to the spectacular demographic boom. The birthrate then plunged in the 80's and the population stalled, resulting in one of the lowest sub replacement fertility rates in the world, only second to Japan. The low fertility rate has been linked to the countries lack of any real family planning policy. However, a new immigration wave has allowed Madrid not only to recover its old numbers, but to reach new historical heights. According to census data, the population of the city grew by 271,856 between 2001 and 2005.

(2007 est.) 0-14 years: 14.4% (male 3,005,818/ female 2,826,805) 15-64 years: 67.8% (male 13,758,869/ female 13,661,295) 65 years and over: 17.8% (male 3,002,585/ female 4,192,819) Catalan is spoken in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and the Valencia region, Gallego is spoken in Galicia and Basque is spoken in the Basque country.
 * Demographic Stats of Spain:**
 * Population growth rate:** (The average annual percent change in the population) 0.116 % (2007 EST.)%
 * Spain** **Age structure Data: (**Distribution of the population according to age)
 * Birth rate:** 9.98 births /1000
 * Religions:** Roman Catholic 94%, other 6% (Muslim, Protestant, Jewish population)
 * Languages:** Castilian Spanish (official) 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, Basque 2%, are official regionally
 * Immigration statistics:** 0.99 migrant's / 1,000 populations.
 * Crude Death Rate, 2005** 11
 * Crude Birth Rate, 2005** 9
 * Life Expectancy** 80
 * Total Fertility Rate** 1.3
 * % of Population Urbanized, 2005** 77
 * Average annual growth Rate of Urban Population**
 * 1990 - 2005** 0.7%



==

There are many museums and art galleries to visit while holidaying in Madrid some examples of these are: The famous "triangle of art" **Museo del Prado**, (Prado Museum), one of the largest museums in the world. With works from artists such as Bosch, Goya and many more. A short subway ride away is the **Museo de Arte Reina Sofía****,** which houses contemporary works from artist Picasso. The museum is home to Picasso's masterpiece, "Guernica", and other examples of contemporary national and international works. Besides these three huge museums, Madrid is a city with many smaller museums home to treasures from all over Spain. The Plaza Mayor built in the 17th Century. The Plaza is the historical and social centre of the city and one of the most beautiful squares in the city. Colourful and lively with terrace bars in the summer, a stamp market on Sunday mornings and a Christmas market in December. While in Madrid the new Atocha rail and underground station is a good way to travel and see the town, it was designed by Rafael Moneo and it is from here that one can take the high-speed AVE train to Sevilla and arrive in just a few hours. Inside the station there is a large greenhouse with tropical plants. For a quiet afternoon the park is an ideal place to pass the time and to enjoy the local entertainment of the street performer’s, improvised shows and concerts. The largest park in Madrid is the Casa de Campo, which is reached by metro or telecabin and provides a great aerial view of the city. Madrid by day and Madrid by night - two distinct lives in one city. In Madrid, there is always something to do. See the spectacular flamenco shows, visit the Plaza de Santa Ana and Hertas and sample the many different bars and disco-pubs that are open all hours. Check out the alternative Chueca and Tribunal districts with their artistic, intellectual and gay communities. Walk through the city and see the variety of races and cultures, check out the Spanish students at the University of Argüelles and finally, discover the reality of a Madrid that never sleeps. It's at night when the creativity of the Spanish comes to life. It's not possible to leave Madrid without experiencing this unique and impressionable life. Spanish
 * Arts:**
 * Some other places that should not be missed when in Madrid** **is** the Palacio Real, the historical residence of the King of Spain, with brilliant decorations, tapestries and paintings.
 * Music:**
 * Language:**

If you happen to be in Madrid during a fiesta, you are at a distinct advantage. You will be rewarded with an explosion of sound and colour. The largest celebration is that of Holy Week at Easter where the fiesta is unforgettable. In May, Madrid honours San Isidore, the capital's patron saint. Half a month of parties, contests, concerts, plays and daily bullfights.
 * Traditions and Customs:**

There are a handful of golf courses, football grounds, swimming pools and athletic tracks. Indoor sports are well catered for too with stadiums, halls and bowling alleys. Dog racing is held at the dog track, car racing is held at the Jarama circuit 26km north of Madrid and horse racing is to be found at the Hippodrome, 7km from central Madrid. If your passion is football watching Real Madrid or Atlético de Madrid, is a must. The Plaza de Toros de las Ventas is the most important bullfighting ring in the world. This is where one can watch the greatest bullfighters test their wits before a demanding public. The bullfighting season is from March to October. The Ferrier de San Isidro (San Isidro bullfighting Fair) which begins on 15th May is the only one of its kind in the world. //**Clothing**// In the summer months (June, July & August), they wear light cottons, T-shirts or other loose tops and some kind of cap on their head. During the winter months in central Spain, a warm overcoat and gloves is worn to protect you from fierce cold and winds. Madrid is not as relaxed as most coastal areas where shorts and sandals are concerned, but certainly it's not so rigid that you'll look out of place if this is your choice of summer clothing. In coastal areas shorts and sandals are an absolute must. Smoking is popular in Spain, having only recently been banned on the Metro in Madrid (a ban which is still not respected on the platforms). Don't be surprised if you go out for a meal with Spanish friends and they light up even between courses.
 * Sports**

==

==

In Madrid there are many beautiful places to go, and such wonderful things to see. Everywhere you go; it’s like an art pallet with wonderful paintings that surround you that is Madrid.

There are museums and art centers such as Museo Del Prado that is Located in an 18th building designed by Juan de Villanueva, the Prado is considered one of the most important art galleries in the world. It houses masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Zurbarán, Ribera, Titian, Raphael and Botticelli There is Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza this museum houses a splendid collection ranging from primitive Flemish to contemporary works. More than 800 paintings and sculptures, carvings, tapestries and other items are displayed.

Also, Museo Nacional Centro De Arte Reina Sofia, A cultural center containing a permanent collection of Spanish contemporary art and offering a wide variety of temporary exhibitions covering diverse modern artistic disciplines such as painting, sculpture, video, photography, films, etc. Museo Cerralbo, A private collection including archeological artifacts, porcelains, tapestries and paintings from different periods.

The royal palace is no longer used as a residence, but it has been kept intact since it last functioned as home to the king, primarily serving as a tourist attraction. The entire palace is not open to the public, but most of the more important rooms can be visited. The palace is interesting in its own right, in particular its architecture and gardens. There are some excellent frescos inside the palace by Tiépolo and paintings by Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, El Greco and that’s just to name a few.
 * PALACIO REAL**

As well as art works and museums Madrid also has many beautiful natural parks where people can go to relax and listen to the natural sounds of peace after a busy day. There is Jardin Botanico this is the entrance to the Botanical. These gardens, which contain about 30.000 different species of trees and plants from all over the world, were founded by Charles III for the Faculty of Totany. The different sections are divided by magnificent avenues and each tree and plant is labeled with its Latin name and species. As well as the Parque Del Retiro you may like to go for a stroll afterwards in one of the big parks. The largest and most beautiful of all Madrid's parks is the Retiro. It has 130 hectares of woodland which form a green, tree-clad (more than 15.000 trees) island in the middle of an asphalt sea. One may enter it through any of the fine gateways. White stone figures of the Kings and Queen of Spain peep out from the avenues of lofty tees and thick bushes, and just inside the park there is a large artificial lake where row-boats can be hired. The park also has its rose garden, as well as the Cecilio Rodríguez gardens and many delightful secluded nooks where strollers can enjoy a little privacy. In the middle of the park there are two buildings known as the Palacio de Velázquez and Palacio de Cristal, where art exhibitions are sometimes held.

Located on the right bank of the Manzanares River to the west of Madrid, the Casa de Campo is a large park with an area of about 4.000 acres. Rowboats can be rented for a ride around the artificial lake. Swimming and tennis can also be enjoyed along with the Zoo and a large amusement park, which can be found in the southern part. And they are just a few of some of the beautiful parks in the city of Madrid that you will need to see for yourself.
 * CASA** **DE CAMPO**

In Madrid you can go on excursions, from Madrid you can go to other places to view all the rich culture that Madrid and its surroundings possess. Such as Alcala De Henares Declared a World Heritage City. An old city only a short distance from Madrid, within the town, churches and convents attract tourist’s attention, such as the Church of Magisterial-Cathedral, started in the 21st century. As well as Aranjuez this is poised on a fertile plain bothered by the Tagus River, this royal retreat boasts beautiful jewels such as the Royal Palace and the magnificent gardens which surround it. It was a residence of Kings since the 15th century. In the 17th Century the Bourbon kings built the palace and its gardens. Although plagued by fires and subsequent reconstructions, the Royal Palace continues to maintain authentic architectural unity. The Jardín del Parterre garden is adorned with numerous sculptures, the Jardín de la Isla stands out for its fountains and the Jardín del Principe is an English-style garden. The Casa del Labrador is a neoclassical hunting pavilion constructed by order of King Carlos IV and located in the Jardín del Príncipe. The town of Aranjuez was built starting in the 18th. King Fernando VI ordered the structures to be erected according to a design of streets and dwellings that responded to ideas of the Enlightenment movement. Various buildings of the palaces and other monuments of interest can also be admired.