Spain today
Spain has undergone massive changes during the last century and many areas are still developing. Whilst we as foreigners see the pensioners sitting in the streets during summer evenings as quaint, and the tractor drivers vaguely irritating when we’re in a hurry, we need to remember that the older generation of Spain have seen immense transformations to their home country during their lives.
It is a country of high unemployment (many people have more than one job), taxes are low but social services fluctuate in standards and availability, cities are modern and lively, but small villages seem to live in the past and utility services are sporadic (sometimes electricity and water can be cut off for days at a time).
And, despite these difficulties, Spain is a country where many of us have decided to settle, living in quiet harmony with the locals, who welcome us when we make the effort to join their communities. Spain is a country of extremes and one that is a pleasure to live in.