Spain

Since Spain joined the EU twenty years ago, the country has seen a significant development in its economy and social structure. Once considered to be one of Europe’s peripheral economies, largely agrarian and slow-moving, it is now one of the most industrialized and dynamic in the region, potentially overtaking Italy to become the 5th largest economy in Europe. This economic transformation, when combined with the country’s rich artistic heritage, unique range of architectural styles and distinct regional cultures make Spain a fascinating study tour destination.

A key factor in the country’s growth has been the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). FDI has been encouraged in all sectors of the Spanish economy through tax incentives and the relaxation of bureaucracy and red tape. Major investors from the US (e.g. Philip Morris, Pepsi), the EU (e.g. Siemens) and Japan (e.g. Nissan) are attracted by Spain’s location within the European single market and the well-qualified workforce, which commands lower wages than in France or Germany