Expat Spain - The Downfall & Rise of Spain Properties

With a capitalist mixed economy that is the 6th largest in Europe and the 12th largest in the world; more and more people have considered Spain as their second home. As the number of expats multiplies in number, Spain is now known as the 3rd largest investor.

Tourists, vacationers and expats can experience three types of climates in the region. This would depend on the climate zone you will be going to as well as orographic conditions and the geographical situation there. The three are:

? Mediterranean - dry & warm summers
? Semi-arid - dry season which can extend even after the summer time
? Oceanic - characterized by summer & winter temperatures that are influenced by the ocean.

Spain Properties

When the recession started to hit the world, it also manifested in Spain. The industry that is greatly affected is its property sector. However, through the help of financial services and banks in Spain, they were able to avoid severe problems as compared to those encountered by the UK and the US.

Amidst the global economic crisis, Spain managed to salvage itself through its tourism industry. It resumed growth during the last four decades. As a matter of fact, it is currently the world's 2nd biggest. It is also the second country in the entire EU (European Union) with the highest immigration rate in percentage (the first is Cyprus). The reasons for this would be:

? Its cultural ties with Latin America
? The porosity of its borders
? Its geographical position
? Its large-sized underground economy
? Its culturally diverse heritage
? The strength of its construction and agricultural sectors
? It beautiful Mediterranean coast (which continues to attract expats wanting a retirement home in the area)

Through the years, Spain has become the largest absorber of migrants in Europe. It is even regarded as the most favored destination by West Europeans who want to relocate, find employment or retire in the EU.

The Gastronomic Side of Spain

When it comes to food and cuisine, Spanish dishes are heavily influenced by seafood. These dishes are drawn from three main divisions; namely:

? Inner Spain - soup and stews like Castillian soup and cocido madril?ne. Foods that are traditionally conserved through salting or immersed in olive oil like Spanish ham and Mancheqo cheese, respectively.
? Mediterranean Spain - seafood, soup and rice-based dishes like pescaito frito, gazpacho, paella and arroz negro, respectively.
? Atlantic Spain - fish-based and vegetable-based stews as well as lightly cured lacon ham.

Sports Activities in Spain

Aside from football, other important sports in Spain are:

? Tennis
? Cycling
? Basketball
? Motorcycling
? Handball
? Formula one - new addition

Thanks to its tourism industry, Spain has also manifested a great improvement in its skiing, golf and water sports.