Monday 9 June 2008

United Nations of Benidorm

When we look at Benidorm today with its skyscraper hotels and packed beaches it's difficult to believe that less than 50 years ago its population was around 6000 people. Since then the population has rocketed skywards as fast as new hotels and its make up tells the story of Benidorm too.

Nowadays around 73000 people are registered here with the council and, of these, 35% are foreigners who were born in no less than 121 different countries before coming to Benidorm. Many of these immigrants are Brits who have retired here or come to run businesses serving the many British tourists, the other big groups are from Rumania, Argentina and Equador who have come to work in hotels and construction.

It probably won't be a surprise to hear that over half the 47,000 Spanish residents have come to Benidorm from outside the Valencian Community. If you ever been around when the Andalusians or Asturians celebrate their regions' Fiestas you'll know just how many of them there are!

Even better with pretty well every region of Spain represented you can sample the whole of Spain on a plate in Benidorm's bars, cafes and restaurants without having to travel far.

Source: Benidorm-spotlight.com