ñ is considered a distinct letter from n, (as opposed to being an ‘n’ with an added accent) which i didnt realize

Yep, it’s part of the alphabet. N (enn) then Ñ (ennyay). Also fun fact the alphabet is sometimes called the abecedario which is an amazing term IMO. It’s like a pun with the first four letters. ABCDario

Spanish also uses Ü! But it’s not a letter on its own.