Facebook embarks on continental Euro push

by Andrew McCormick, Media Week 08-Feb-08, 14:50

LONDON - Facebook has launched a Spanish version of the site, marking its first move to stimulate interest on mainland Europe.

Around 1,500 Spanish speakers have been involved in translating content to their native tongue. The social utility said it has French and German versions in development and is using Facebook users to translate its content.

Users of the site based in Spanish-speaking countries will now automatically see a Spanish-language version of the site when they log on, unless they specify otherwise.

Facebook claims to have 2.8 million users in Spain and Latin America and is working to encourage non-English speakers to join up. The social utility is working on an application translator, enabling developers to offer their applications in several languages.