Santander, Spain
Santander (UK: /ˌsæntənˈdɛər, -tæn-/ SAN-tən-DAIR, -tan-, US: /ˌsɑːntɑːnˈdɛər/ SAHN-tahn-DAIR, Spanish: [santanˈdeɾ]) is the capital of the autonomous community of Cantabria, Spain. It has a population of 172,000 (2017). It is a port city located in the northern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, facing the Cantabrian Sea.
Santander | |
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Flag Coat of arms | |
Location of Santander | |
| Coordinates: 43°27′46″N 3°48′18″W | |
| Country | Spain |
| Autonomous community | Cantabria |
| Comarca | Bay of Santander |
| Judicial district | Santander |
| Founded | 26 BC, as Portus Victoriae Iuliobrigensium 9 January 1755, granting the title of city |
| Capital | Santander |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Gema Igual (2016) (PP) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 36 km2 (14 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 15 m (49 ft) |
| Highest elevation | 108 m (354 ft) |
| Lowest elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Population (2018) | |
| • Total | 172,044 |
| • Density | 4,800/km2 (12,000/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Santanderine |
| GDP | |
| • Metro | €12.839 billion (2020) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 39001-39012 |
| Official language(s) | Spanish |
| Website | Official website |
It is believed to have been a port since ancient times, due to its favourable location, and is documented as far back as the 11th century. Much of the medieval city was lost in the Great Fire of 1941. Today, its remaining old town, beach and other attractions are popular with tourists and other visitors and its economy is mainly service based. The port is still very active and a regular ferry service operates to the United Kingdom. Fish and seafood dominate the local cuisine. Santander notably houses the headquarters of multinational bank Banco Santander, which was founded there. The city has a mild climate typical of the Spanish northern coastline with frequent rainfall and stable temperatures. Cold snaps and heat waves are very rare.