Interesting+facts+about+Madrid

Interesting Facts about Madrid
Madrid has many fun facts about it, much more then just the capital of Spain. These include:
 * It's population has grown by more then two million since the 1900's.
 * Madrid is about 650 meters above sea level which makes it the highest capital city in Europe.
 * Madrid's flag symbol is a bear on its hind legs eating berries. This is meant to show Madrid's growth, and it represents possession and ownership of the wood used to construct buildings.
 * Madrid is home to Real Madrid FC, which is said to be the most successful football (or soccer) club of the 20th century.
 * Madrid is also home to the Warner Brothers Movie World which is Spain's own version of Disney World.
 * In Madrid, taxi drivers tend to stop working when a down pour comes because they have no faith in the taxi's ability to protect from the rain.
 * Madrid has a Safari Park with many different varieties of animals.
 * Madrid contains a very large flea market, El Rasto, open on Sunday mornings.
 * The largest airport of Madrid (& Spain) is called Barajas and is just outside the city.
 * The name Madrid comes from the Arabic word "magerit", which means 'place of many streams.'
 * One of the greenest cities in Europe is Madrid.
 * Since the 17th century, Madrid has been the capital of Spain.
 * Has the "Golden Triangle" which is basically three major art galleries that are pretty close to each other.
 * The citizens of Madrid are otherwise known as "Gatos" (cats) because of the historical legend involving the Arabic invasion and a soldier who could climb walls like a cat.
 * The average rainfall a year in Madrid is 17 inches.
 * Madrid has the more cloudless days then any other place in Europe. That means its mostly always sunny in Madrid!