Next Discussion Group meeting, as always, will be on the last Friday of the month, 27th of February, at the Javea Social Centre.
We will talk about what ‘Integration’ actually means here.
Spain today is home to nearly 50 million people, and almost one in five was born outside the country. In total, in Spain live 14% of foreigners, it is about 7 million of the total population. In some regions, international communities are highly visible in daily life, business, and neighbourhood culture. In Javea, only a bit more than half of the population 53% are Spanish citizens. But numbers only tell part of the story.
What does it really mean to live in Spain without being Spanish? Is integration about employment? Language? Taxes? Social networks? Participation in local traditions? Or simply time spent here?
Many foreign residents enjoy comfort, safety, healthcare, and quality of life. Yet comfort does not automatically equal belonging. One can live well — and still feel slightly outside.
So we ask: are we guests, settlers, immigrants, expatriates, or simply neighbours?
What is your experience? Are you part of Spanish social life — or mainly connected to other internationals?