The official unemployment figures for Spain, reflect the improving economy filled by a boom in tourism during 2016.
An additional 413,000 people found employment during 2016. This figure reduced the unemployment level to 18.6%.
This represents the lowest level of unemployment that Spain has had for 7 years.
During 2015-2016 Spain has seen an ever increasing number of tourist visiting the country, primarily due to a fall off in visitors to other traditional tourist destinations.
This has led to the creation of many new jobs in tourist related industries.
The Spanish government has been lauding the headline figures, but has faced some criticism that the unemployment statistics don´t represent a true picture.
Many of the new job positions created are either seasonal or part time with no permanent contract.
However, it cannot be dismissed that further reductions in unemployment are a step forward to the country ravaged in recent years by the financial crash.
The increase in tourism has also given a boost to the property market, particularly in the coastal areas traditionally favoured by foreign nationals.
Following the crash in the property market, the property prices have corrected to more realistic and sustainable levels.
Spain represents a favourable destination for international buyers seeking a holiday home or investment property.
The country is safe, offers a variety of property styles & locations and mortgage loans are available to foreign buyers at very low rates of interest.
We will continue to publish data and statistics relating to the Spanish market, so please visit our news section regularly.