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New Developments Costa de la Luz |
Costa de la Luz - Information |
Politics
When the Spanish Civil War ended in 1939 the country fell under
the dictatorship of General Franco. During his regime Spain became largely isolated from
the international scene.
With Franco's death in 1975 the democratic government came into being with King Juan Carlos I
as head of state. King Juan Carlos played a pivotal role in the countries transition to
democracy as well as in preventing a coup attempt in 1981. As a consequence he is highly
respected by the Spanish people.
The countries current Prime Minister is Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. His Socialist Workers'
Party won a surprise victory over the Popular Party in March 2003, only days after the Madrid
Bombings.
Spain is split into 17 autonomous regions and has four major languages: Spanish, Catalan,
Gallego ( Galician ) and Euskera ( Basque ). Each region has its own elected authority,
although the level of autonomy given to each region varies considerably. Interestingly central
government is responsible for just half the budget allocated to the regions that have
enormous autonomy for their regions.
Spain joined NATO in 1982, became a full member of the European Union on 1 January 1986
and adopted the Euro in 1999. The country fully returned to the international arena in 1992
when it hosted the Olympic Games in Barcelona.
Population
Spain has a population of nearly 43 million which equates to an
average of 84.4 people per square kilometre; this is six times less than many other EU
Countries.
The annual population growth rate is amongst the lowest in the world due to a decline in
the birth rate. By contrast, life expectancy is amongst the highest with Spanish women
having the longest life expectancy in the European Union.
The population density is highest around Madrid, followed by the Basque Country, the Canary
Islands, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. With the exception of Madrid there is a rising trend for
the population to concentrate on the coastal areas leading to depopulation inland.
The present population of Spain is composed of two core groups, Spanish residents and
foreign residents. The Spanish population is made up of several cultural and ethical groups
including Castilians, Andalusians, Basques, Canarians, Galicians, Asturians, Catalonians and
Valencians.
Over half of the foreign resident population are from countries with in the EU,
mostly the UK, Germany, Portugal, Italy and France. Many foreign residents live in the
coastal tourist regions or business centres such as Barcelona or Madrid.
Economy
Despite a recent downturn in many European economies,
the Spanish economy remains one of the strongest in the European Union. This strength is
derived from the incredible pace of reform and investment over the last 30 years.
Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ) for 2004 was $995 billion, with a real growth rate
of 2.5%. Unemployment has fallen steadily during the administration of Prime Minister
Zapatero, although it is still comparatively high at 10.5%.
Spain became a full member of the European Union in 1986, and the old currency
of the Peseta
has now been completed replaced by the Euro.
The major industries that contribute to the Spanish economy are :
Agriculture
Agriculture continues to be a major factor in the Spanish economy and accounts for
4% of GDP. Spain is one of the worlds leading wine makers and olive oil producers, grapes
and olives are therefore two of the countries main agricultural products. Others products
produced include oranges, almonds, cereals, tomatoes, onions and other crops. Rearing
livestock, especially sheep and goats, is also a key industry.
Tourism
Tourism is a very important part of the Spanish economy. Spain is the one of the worlds most
visited countries after the USA and France, and tourism injects around
$25 billion into the economy each year.
Fishing
The Spanish fishing fleet is the largest in Europe. Sardines, Squid, Mussels, Tuna and Hake make up the majority of the catch.
Mining
Spain is rich with minerals in particular coal, iron ore, cooper, lead and zinc. The coal and
iron ore are mined in the north of the country, whilst copper and lead are extracted in
Andalucia.
Manufacturing
Some of the main goods manufactured in Spain are textiles, iron and steel, motor vehicles and
chemicals.
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