Spain has undergone a remarkable turn-about in the last 25 years. By converting itself into an economic power force. It has caused envy in many European and other countries throughout the world. Prior to democracy, this country was living behind the times, it was poor, culturally underdevelloped and with numerous problems. Many people emigrated to more advanced countries, such as Germany, England, Grace, etc. There have been many positive changes since becomming a democracy in 1975.

Our economy is doing well, although, there are still unemplyment problems. Our languageis growing world wide. The arts including writers, actors, painters, musicians, architects, chefs, etc are now receiving the deserved recognition throughout the world.

Long gone is our inferiority complex, and we habe gone on to become an important focusof attention around the world. We are part of the European Union and important international magazines and newspapers (News Week, Le Figaro, L’Express, etc) give creditibility to Spain, not only within the European Union but also Throughout the world.

Important economic indicators like the growth of the gross domestic product (GDP), the reduction of unemployment, the public deficit, low interest rates, low taxes, etc, indicate that this comunity is doing well. Spanish companies are moving more and more outside our borders. Telefónica, Endesa, Repsol, and large banks like BBVA, BSCH, Zara, Mango, and Terra-Lycos are becoming known all over the world.

The Spanish language is growing fast. For example, in the United States, Spanish it given more importance because 12% of the popuylation in the US is of Hispanic ofigin. It is calculated that the Spanish-speaking population in the US in the year 2004 will be 42% of the total population. In Brazil,our language is given a lot of importance for various reasons:

The similarity to Portuguese.
Economic relations of this country with Spain and South American countries.

However, Spanish on the Interet still needs to be developed further. The French also prefer Spanish as a second laguage. American univertity students are learning Spanish for the future, believing it to be essential in economic relations with South American countries, and for the growing importance of the Hispanics in their country.

Great artists such as the Spanish film director Amodóvar who won an Oscar in Hollywood earlier this year have served to strengthen our country in the cultural arena. Also, important fitures in the US, such as Antonio Banderas have helped advancement to our country in thge film world.

Spanish fashion is also important throughout the world. Spanish designers such as Adolfo Dominguez, Loewe, and Zara are the most famous names outside of Spain.

In sports, we have demonstrated that we know how to otganise important events like the Olympics in Barcelona, with perfect organisation, that has been internationally recognised.

Also prestigious Spanish athletes are nbringing major recognition to sport. In Golf figures like Ballestereos, Olazábal, and Sergio García, bicyclists including Indurain (winner of five Tours de France); tennis players like Arancha Sánchez Vicario and Conchita Martínez, motorcyclist Alex Crivillé, have all become famous world-wide. No one can doubt the talent of footballers like Raúl who plays for Real Madrid.

All of this has served to strengthen the importance of Spain, throughout the world.

Tourism has also been fundamental in making this country globally known, interesting places to visit, excellent climate, clean sandy beaches, good food, culture, friendliness and guaranteed sun, have put us on the map. Spain is the country of fiestas. The fiestas of Snfermines of Pamplona, Las Fallas of Valencia, The Feria of Sevill, the Carnival of the Canaries and other important celebrations also make our country attractive to our visitors.

The Canaries are, of course, a desirable destination to European tourists. Our climate, the beaches, dramatic landscapes and cuisine are famous throughout Europe, the main visitors to the Canaries coming from England and Germany.

The Canaries, have seen the most dramatic increase economically, trhoughout Spain. This has been mainly due to the tourist sector but also the reaal estate business has played a large parte to the economy of this archipielago, as more and more people wish to buy a property and spend time on these beautiful islands.