Environment

With one of the highest standards of living in Europe, Catalonia offers a first-class setting for living and doing business.

Overview

With an area of 32,106 square kilometers and a population of 7.4 million, Catalonia represents 6.3% of the Spanish territory and 16% of the Spanish population.

Catalonia’s population is similar to those of countries like Denmark, Bulgaria and Austria.

Strategic location

Strategically located in the Mediterranean and well communicated, Catalonia is an ideal launching pad for entry into the markets in Europe, Latin America, North Africa and the Middle East.

Barcelona’s new airport has direct flights to cities in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. It ranks 9th busiest among European airports, connects the city to 150 destinations and was named best European cargo airport in 2009. Facilities are currently used by more than 32 M passengers. A third runway and a new terminal area will increase traffic by up to 55 M passengers and 70 M when an additional satellite building is operational.

Tourism

The geography of Catalonia is rich and varied. The coastal zone and inland valleys and mountains make it possible to enjoy leisure activities all year round. Fifteen million foreign tourists visit Catalonia every year, which represents one quarter of those who visit Spain, the third most visited country in the world.

Barcelona receives five million foreign visitors a year, which makes it the fourth most visited city in Europe.

A dynamic economy

Catalonia has always been known for its intense business activity. Commercial and industrial companies stand out for being active, innovative, open and competitive.

Catalonia’s figures in terms of GDP, business and exports are the highest in Spain. Catalan GDP accounts for almost 20% of Spanish GDP. Catalan industry accounts for one fourth of all Spanish industry.

Balance of industry and services

Diversification of production has a clear effect in terms of competition, given that the extensive portfolio of suppliers guarantees the supply of materials at very competitive prices, thus ensuring the efficiency of Catalan production. In the services sector, company-oriented services occupy an important position in Catalonia and open up a wide range of possibilities for services companies.

International and globalised

More than 5,300 foreign companies are currently operating in Catalonia. Catalan exports represent almost 30% of all Spanish exports.

• 36% of all Spanish exporting businesses are located in Catalonia.
• 20% of all Catalan industrial companies export on a regular basis.
• 75% of exports go to EU markets.
• 60% of imports come from EU countries.