Visitors check out the new Apple iPads at an Apple retail store in Madrid May 28, 2010. The iPad officially went on sale on Friday in Spain. [Agencies]

CUPERTINO, California -- Apple Inc. said Monday that iPad sales have topped 2 million since its launch almost two months ago.

The Cupertino, California, company began selling the iPad on Friday in Asia and Europe. The iPad was released in the United States on April 3.

The company had previously said it sold 1 million iPads in the United States just 28 days after its launch. As a result of the strong demand at home, Apple had pushed back the start date of its international sales.

The iPad can be used to send e-mails, draw pictures and play games. It can also be used as an electronic reader. The basic model costs $499 in the United States, not including extras.

This past weekend, Apple began selling iPads in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

The company said the device will be available in nine more countries in July and additional countries later this year.

A girl views a new iPad tablet computer at an Apple store during its UK launch in central London May 28, 2010. [Agencies]