Otto von Bismarck allegedly quipped "I am firmly convinced that Spain is the strongest country of the world. Century after century trying to destroy herself and still no success."

While Spain was no superpower in the 19th century, certainly it wasn't the only country with issues, so did Bismarck really single the Spanish out and, if so, why? Even in the 19th century context, I would even suggest France is politically better suited to for this claim.