Source: http://www.expatexplorer.hsbc.com/files/pdfs/overall-reports/2012/report.pdf
Despite economic uncertainty the weather and easy going lifestyle mean expats are keen to stay Spain ranks 3rd in the Expat Explorer Experience league table, while wider problems in the Eurozone account for the lower ranking in the Expat Explorer Economics league table (22nd).
Spain, along with the rest of the Eurozone, has faced economic uncertainty over the past year. However the easy lifestyle and good weather has made it a popular haunt for expats, particularly those looking to retire. A third (32%) of expats in Spain are retirees against a global average of only one in ten (9%). The sunny climate means that 79% of expats in Spain expect better weather against a world average of only 29%, which likely contributes to Spain ranking 3rd in the Expat Explorer Experience league tables.
In light of the wider economic troubles facing the Eurozone, 39% of expats in Spain believe the country is off on the wrong track while 58% believe it is getting worse as a place for expats to live and work. Only one in ten (11%) expats moved to Spain to take advantage of a job opportunity against a 31% global average. Similarly only 11% of expats believe it is a good place to earn more
money, compared to a world average of 30%.
Despite 92% of expats in Spain being dissatisfied with the economy, none are actively looking to leave. Increased opportunities for outdoor pursuits and leisure time perhaps play a part in helping this desire to stay in the country - 37% of expats are more active in sports compared to a global average of 27% and more than half (55%) believe they have a better work/life balance against a world average of 37%.
Improved diet is also a key factor. Nearly three quarters (71%) of expats report having a better diet since moving to Spain and 66% strongly agree that they prefer the food available. Expats also make a considerable effort to integrate, with 71% of expats strongly agreeing that they’ve tried to learn the local language.
Overall, despite the economic troubles, Spain is still a favoured place amongst expats. The easy going lifestyle, top weather and food appear to compensate expats for the difficult financial times.
"Spain is different", Andalusia, South of Spain, by Reina Cañí, at flickr.com