SOCIO-ECONOMIC DESCRIPTION

Over the last few years the different villages and districts that fall into the geographic scope of the Plazaola Tourism Consortium have evolved considerably with regards to both their demographic development and their socio-economic activities.

Today a population of nearly 10,000 is represented by the various districts and town councils assigned to the Plazaola Tourism Consortium. In the last few decades there has been a notable exodus from the rural to the urban environment due to the possibilities and advantages offered by the latter. However, more recently, although the exodus continues, it is to a much lesser degree and there is a greater renewed interest in the rural way of life and its corresponding resources. This means that more employment has been created and consolidated in the area and as a result local services have been increased and access to housing has been made easier; in general an effort is being made to establish a dignified standard of living within the rural sector.

It should be noted that the agriculture and livestock industry has always been the principal economic resource in the region and the driving force behind all areas of development; today, however, the situation is quite different.

The region could be seen as a mosaic representing all of the different districts; within this mosaic the different rates and levels of socio-economic activity can be observed and one area distinguished from another.