Spain, as all European countries, has very populated cities where, sometimes, inhabitants' personal safety is in danger; therefore, it is advisable for any foreigner to put into practice the same safety measures of their origin countries. In Spain, the phone number 112 is the central emergency phone number (National police, Urban Police, Civil Guard, Fire Department, Paramedics).

Firstly, you must choose where to stay and try to know the area; in this way you will know where you should go.

When walking along the street, try to avoid lonely and dark places. In Spain it is recommended to walk in the opposite direction of the cars and as far as possible of the sidewalks' corner and the wallet or bag to the inside of the sidewalk, in order to avoid the so-called 'tirones' (pull-away).

Whenever you are going to use an Automatic cash dispenser, you must look around first in case there are suspicious people. If you have any doubts with certain people, do not use the cash dispenser at this moment or go to another one.

Recent statistics show that the period with a highest theft rate is on Easter and summer holidays. Taking precaution measures is recommended at these times of the year.

Terrorism is a social problem, and even Spaniards consider it the number one domestic problem, followed by drugs. The main character of Spanish terrorism is the illegal organisation ETA (which in Basque correspond to the initials of Basque Nation and Freedom) which, from its creation in 1959, has been committing terrorist acts whose political goal is to achieve the total independence of the Basque provinces: the Basque country (Biscay, Alava and Guipuzcoa), Navarre and the French regions of Lapurdi, Low Navarre and Zuberoa, which belong to the Department of Atlantic Pyrenees.

Nevertheless, ETA is not an entity completely autonomous; it is a relatively well-structured organisation network where each part plays a role. ETA is in charge of the military fight with point black killings, bomb cars, revolutionary taxes on businessmen (money required under the threat of murder), etc.

ETA is far from having democratic ideals and, by means of extremely cruel and violent crimes, it is only supported by very close environments.

Since 1999, after the most bloody terrorist attacks ever after their commanders-in-chief became less professionals, which are not composed by experienced activists anymore, and have been substituted by voluntary and fanatic young people. This led ETA to behave in a more uncontrolled way, choosing among their victim's politicians, military men, civil guards and journalists in the entire country.

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