The Basque Country may be small but it has a big identity. With over 5,000 years of history, it conserves a unique culture and the oldest language in Europe. Today it’s a modern country with a human development rating that places it in eighth place in the world, according to the United Nations (PNUD).
Located at the eastern end of the Cantabrian coast, it covers an area of 7,234 km² and its position makes it the nexus of the European Atlantic axis. It has a population of over 2 million people, with a density of over 300 inhabitants per square kilometre.
Industry is the driving force of the Basque economy, accounting for 21.7% of GDP, and it aims to lead the fourth industrial revolution: 130% productivity per employee. Unemployment stands at 12.89%, well below its neighbours. The Basque Country has the eighth highest per capita income in Europe. The life expectancy is 83.4 years, a figure which is only beaten in the world by Japan and Hong Kong.
The capital of the Basque Country is Vitoria-Gasteiz, where the Basque parliament and the seat of the Basque government are located. Its degree of autonomy in policy areas including education, industry, culture, health and social security and services. The official languages are Basque and Spanish. The cultural and creative industries (CCIs) are included in the RIS3 2020-2030 strategy of the Basque Country.
Basque Country is represented by the Department of Culture and Linguistic Policy of the Basque Government in the DC Network.
Contact
Josean Urdangarin
lynx@euskadi.eus
basquedcc.euskadi.eus
