Economy and Standard of Living
Spain has enormous extensions of fertile lands, from which 54 % is dedicated to Agriculture. Some of the main products are citrus fruits, grapes and olives; the last two are used for wine and oil production. The fishing sector is also very important; the Spanish fishing float is one of the most important in the world. Besides Spain is a great tourism power due to the variety of the landscape, the conservation of the historical patrimony and the nice character of its people.

The most important industrial advances are concentrated in sectors like Agriculture and Food, Automobiles, Chemicals, Ship Building, Steel, Textile, and shoe making. Besides, Spain is one of the richest countries in mineral production from ancient times. Nowadays, its mineral diversity allows us to find almost all kinds of minerals.

Generally speaking, the Standard of Living in Spain is high, and population enjoys, without great efforts, of the essential social services such as health, education and housing.

Regarding unemployment, the average unemployment rate is a little high. Besides, one of the most typical aspects of unemployment in Spain is the unequal incidence it has on different sectors. Women and young people are the most affected. Anyway, unemployment general situation in Spain is expected to improve, according to some experts' opinion. They consider that the effects of the 'Plan General para el Empleo' (General Plan for Employment) should be seen soon. It was a co-ordinate Plan of economic policy and employment creation started by the Government that will last until the year 2004.

On the other hand, Spain is one of the countries receiving more foreign investment and one of the biggest European investors in Latin America.

According to some figures from the IMF, Japan, Germany, Spain and the USA are, in this order, the countries with the highest reserves in the world. Spain has a reserve of $66 billion.

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