Why 70% of Spain is Empty

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Select video clips courtesy of the AP Archive

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[dcgsoryuu]

I live in that "empty void" and it's wonderful. Not overcrowded, quiet and relaxed and in touch with nature.

[maryquylla]

As someone who was born in the empty part of Spain and now lives on another part of that emptiness I need to point out that countries doesn t belong to industries only. We are blessed to have protected areas for animals, birds, even bees are important. We also have protected our nightsky. Maybe province capitals might help people who wanna reseach, develop or promote an idea better, but the essence of life is hidden in here.

[KennyMcC]

Last June, I drove 5 hours through the western province of Extramadura and only saw a handful of other vehicles. The small villages are untouched by commercialism. It’s a beautiful region and I hope it stays that way.

[weevil]

Maybe it's a good thing, giving the Spanish Wildlife a place to live. I'm thankful that Spain leaves that beautiful landscape mostly untouched.

[lemastre]

Me and a group of friends, Belgians, specifically went on vacation in the"Serrania Celtiberica" region because it IS so isolated. Fantastic medieval villages and festivals, barely anyone speaks English, no cellphone reception while hiking. Nature and the people were great. It's one of my most memorable trips.

[ianworley]

I live in Extremadura. One of the poorest, least inhabited parts of Spain. Heart wrenchingly beautiful, with the friendliest people I've ever met, anywhere in Europe, never mind Spain. In the 20 years I've lived here, I've noticed a steady increase in living standards and improved infrastructure. I have no desire to live anywhere else on Earth, thank you. Sometimes, a relatively low level of population, a natural, unpolluted environment and a stress free, slower pace of life is exactly what's needed to live long and happily.

[iamzxfra]

Everybody from Spain respects and loves the empty part. We are educated and grateful on how lucky we are for having such a beautiful country

[MR.ALFE]

I was born and raised in Barcelona (Spain's second most populated city, with around 3.5M inhabitants) and I now live in Madrid, the second most populated city within the EU. In Spain, job opportunities for those with a high level of studies are only possible in big cities, there's nothing else than fields and farms in the center of the country (like in most parts of the central US) but life there is better: healthier, more relaxed, easier and funnier. Most of the people living in big cities have second homes in other small villages and towns inside the so-called "empty Spain" because life there goes on another path. Time stops, there are no rushes, food is amazing, 0 crime or violence (Spain's not a violent country, but big cities always have their problems). Sometimes living in an unpopulated region have lots of perks!

[excluseive]

As an Australian, I hear "a 45 minute drive to reach the next City" and I think "wow that is so close" I'm used to it being a 15 hour drive to the nearest city

[kukumundi]

"Underdeveloped" is a pretty negative way to describe pristine, untouched, and flourishing land. Leave some of it be for the other animals and plants too, we need it now more than ever

[legrandvizier]

A lot of the low population density areas of Spain contain some of the most pristine wild habitats, forests and mountains in Europe. Some of the wildflower meadows and alpine pastures in Spain are incredibly rich in flora and fauna. Long may they remain underpopulated.

[ainearasvalley]

As someone who lives in the red "empty" area, it is wonderful in here. Natural environment, unpolluted air, caring people... The massive problem is the lack of interest that the government has regarding infrastructure and public services. It makes it difficult for the youth to find a job... Hence, people are forced to move to the heavily populated areas.

[JadeYT]

As a Spaniard living in Barcelona since I was born, I'm quite sure that the creator of this video has studied better and sought more solutions to the problem of "empty Spain" than the government since this problem was known.
I still think that it is one of the best, if not the best, country to live in, but problems like these make me ashamed of my country.

[edwardjones]

Im in the UK and have daydreamed about moving to Spain. This makes me want to go even more.❤ Clean, mountainous, beautiful, rugged and sparsely populated!

[EmmaDivaOfficial]

I loved living in Spain. I felt more at home there for those years than I do in my home country. One day, I hope to return.

[ToxicPea]

I just came back from studying in Spain for a year, and after taking some trains, I can confirm that the country is indeed mostly uninhabited. The natural beauty being preserved by the low-population regions are quite nice though, and the people along the countryside are still happy living isolated with their own customs and festivals.

[Patterrz]

The amount of high speed rail they have makes me very jealous as a Northern Brit

[maxchapuis]

I really appreciated your work, thank you for these very instructive video.

[mrabroad]

Comparing to other countries: I've been working as international consultant I live in Asia and Europe. I've worked in China, Singapore, Philippines, Netherlands, Germany and Spain. For 14 Years my perspective of wealth has change and its economy, In Spain more lands are empty but it is home to apples, oranges, dairy farms, jamon, and vegetables businesses, factories of cars and renewable energies. Though its a village and almost empty, clinics and healthcare are accesible and provide good quality services, and its included on the tax you've paid. In China their empty villages are also like Spain full of cultures and local bars and restaurants, but clinics are hard for expats, In Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia its the same almost but its home to touristic area and restaurants, heathcare and clinic is a slight okay but not compare to Spain and Netherlands villages that heathcare are seamless. So overall its just about the perspective and how accesible the place are its not about the more population the better, its about distribution of wealth and services and how safe the place is.

[bruselperro]

Yes, this is my country. For anyone curious, this here is called "la España vaciada" (the emptied Spain). In the Castillian regions you can find dozens of completly abandoned towns.