General Information on Spain

Spain is deemed to be one of the cultural centres of Europe, is filled with beautiful cities and towns, magnificent architecture, a truly unique food and drink culture and some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. 

Spain carries a population of more than 40 million people today, most of them living in cities or along the coastline. The Spanish state consists of numerous distinct ethnic and cultural minorities, some of who have their own dialect language.

Unfortunately, after almost 15 years of healthy growth, the Spanish economy began to slow in late 2007 and entered into a recession in the second quarter of 2008. GDP decreased by 3.7% in 2009, ending a 16-year growth trend, making Spain the last major economy to emerge from the global recession. The reversal in Spain's economic growth reflected a significant decline in construction amid an oversupply of housing and falling consumer spending, while exports actually have begun to grow. Government efforts to boost the economy through stimulus spending, extended unemployment benefits, and loan guarantees did not prevent a sharp rise in the unemployment rate, which rose to 20% in 2010.

Expats considering moving to Spain in the immediate future, similar to Ireland, should be aware that they may have to fight through high unemployment rates and a competitive market to survive. Finding work in Spain is going to be a very difficult task for the brave ones who attempt it. 

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