Is Madrid the Smallest or Largest City in Spain?

By Alice Nichols

Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is a popular tourist destination known for its rich culture, history, and vibrant atmosphere. However, one question that often arises is whether Madrid is the smallest or largest city in Spain. Let’s explore this topic in detail.

Geographical Size

When it comes to geographical size, Madrid is not the largest city in Spain. In fact, it is quite small compared to other Spanish cities like Barcelona and Valencia. The total area of Madrid is approximately 604.3 km², which makes it the third smallest autonomous region in Spain after La Rioja and Navarra.

Population

However, when it comes to population, Madrid takes the lead as the largest city in Spain. According to recent statistics, the population of Madrid stands at around 6.7 million people. This includes not only the city but also its metropolitan area.

The City Center

It’s worth noting that when people refer to Madrid as a small or large city, they are often referring to its city center rather than its overall size or population. In this sense, Madrid can be considered a relatively small city compared to other European capitals like London or Paris.

The Importance of Madrid

Despite its relatively small size compared to other Spanish cities and European capitals, Madrid holds great importance as a cultural and economic hub of Spain. It houses some of the most important museums in Europe such as The Prado Museum and Reina Sofia Museum. It also has a thriving business district with many multinational companies having their headquarters located here.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Madrid may not be the largest city in terms of geographical size, it takes the lead when it comes to population and importance as a cultural and economic hub. The perception of whether Madrid is a small or large city ultimately depends on how you define it. Nevertheless, Madrid is undoubtedly a city of great significance and charm that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world.

  • Melanie Johnson
  • September 13, 2021