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Latest News from Spain
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7 March 2007
Foreigners Make Up 9.3% of Spanish Population
Spain's National Institute of Statistics latest figures show that foreigners now make up 9.3% of the population of Spain. There are now over 4,144,000 foreigners among the population of 44,708,964.
The number of foreigners registered with the authorities rose by 11.1% of the total number of people who are listed. The largest rises in the population were recorded along the Mediterranean coast, Madrid and Catalonia. In Catalonia, there are 139,491 more people, Andalucia 125,873, Valencia 114,459 and Madrid 44,040.
Figures show the largest concentration of foreigners are in the Balearic Islands (16.8%), Valencia (13.9%), Murcia (13.8%) and Madrid (13.3%). By nationality, Moroccans form the largest group, followed by Ecuadorians, Romanians, British and Colombians. The fastest rising foreign populations are from Romania, Morocco, Britain, Bolivia and Italy.
Total Eclipse of Moon Visible Over Most of the Planet Today
The Earth's shadow will completely block the face of the moon from reflecting the sun's light tonight, Saturday 3rd March. The eclipse will last more than six hours and will be visible over most of the planet. The eclipse will begin at 9.15 pm and will reach its maximum at 12.20 am and will be complete by 3.25 am.
Picasso Paintings Stolen in Paris
Two Picasso paintings, worth 50 million Euros, have been stolen from the Paris home of the artist's granddaughter. The paintings, "Maya and the Doll'' and "Portrait of Jacqueline,'' disappeared overnight between Monday and Tuesday. How the robbery was carried out remained a mystery as police say there was no evidence of forced entry, but it is thought the paintings were probably taken while the occupants of the house were asleep.
Day Without Mobile Phones in Spain Protest Fails
Last Thursday's Dia Sin Movil protest against increases in mobile phone charges has been described as a flop. Movistar, one of Spain's main operators claimed there was only 0.5% fewer calls on their network, and 0.12% less from other clients. The protest was against increased connection charges by nearly 25%, from 12 cents to 15 cents. Movistar, Orange and Vodafone, all increased their charges. The companies put up the costs in order to make up for money lost after the Government introduced a new rounding up law, making it illegal for them to charge for a full first minute even if it was not used.
Nerja - La Herradura Motorway Link Opened
After two years of delays, the Nerja to La Herradura section of the Autovia del Mediterraneo was officially opened last Thursday, 1st March 2007, by the Public Works Minister, Magdalena Álvarez. The 9.5 kilometres of road will cut journey time between Malaga and Almunecar down to 45 minutes. The cost of the work was more than 150 million Euros.
Spain Heads Europe in Cosmetic Surgery Operations
The Spanish Plastic Surgery Association has released figures showing that Spaniards spend 800 million Euros a year on cosmetic surgery, with 400,000 operations taking place in the past year. The figures put Spain at the head of Europe. The average spend per person last year was 2,000 Euros.
Elton John Concert in Seville
Elton John will return to Europe this summer with a tour called "The Red Piano Show". The concert in Seville will be the only Spanish venue. The tour is to mark his 60 birthday and 40 years of touring. The concert will take place in the Plaza de España on 18th May 2007. Tickets for the show are now available with prices starting 150 Euros.
Beckhams Missing Spain Already
Victoria Beckham singled out Spanish film crews on the red carpet at Elton John's party to open up about how she'll miss living there, Posh said: "We're very very excited to be moving to LA, of course we're going to really miss Spain.”It's treated us very well, the people have been wonderful and we've had a fantastic four years, but we're very excited to be moving to LA now." And she revealed she was still searching for a property in the States before the family move out later this summer, "I'm looking for houses, I'm looking for schools, I've got lots of things that I'm trying to sort out right now," she said, and the former Spice Girl added: "I think it's a fantastic opportunity for David, for our children and for myself too, so we're just very very excited, "we love Spain, we'll always have a place in our hearts for Spain and we'll keep going back," she continued. "We've got a house there, the kids have lots of friends, I have lots of friends, David has lots of friends."
David Attenborough Receives Award in Spain
David Attenborough, the naturalist and documentary filmmaker, has been presented with an International Award by the Spanish Geographic Society, the Sociedad Geografica Espanola. The panel said Attenborough was being honoured for his important contribution to showing the biodiversity of the planet over the past 50 years. The ceremony was officiated by Prince Felipe and Princess Dona Letizia, the Prince and Princess of Asturias.
Malaga - Washington Flights
Spanish airline, Iberia, has announced five new flights a week from Malaga to Washington, although passengers will have to change planes in Madrid. Flights will leave Malaga at 0915 and arrive in Dulles airport in Washington at 1600 with return flight leaving Washington at 1800 and arriving in Malaga at 1055 the following day, Susannah and Sonia take note!
International Women's Day
Next Thursday, 8th March is International Women's Day. The day has been observed since in the early 1900's. The president of Diputacion of Malaga, Salvador Pendon, this week, presented the acts which will be held to celebrate the day.
Malaga Film Festival
Malaga's 10th annual film festival opens next Friday, 9th March until Saturday 17th March. The festival will showcase no fewer than 15 major movies; five of them premieres, in just eight days of screenings.
Spain's Cuatro to have 'X-Factor'
The Spanish broadcaster Cuatro is launching a local version of hit talent show "The X-Factor." It will air prime time on Cuatro. The show, which has versions in Australia, Belgium, Turkey, Russia and Colombia, is being pitched in Spain as a latest generation talent show, with two contests for solo singers and a band category.
Antequera
A 3,000 square metre plot has been allocated for a second health centre for Antequera. The plans submitted also include a Mercadona supermarket, a cafeteria, offices and parking. The plot is located on Avenida de la Estacion.
In addition, more than 20 million Euros is to be spent on the creation of new sports facilities in the municipality including the construction of a paddle complex with 13 courts in La Quita, the creation of three tennis courts and four padel courts next to El Mauli sports centre and the construction of a multi-sports stadium which will have a covered athletics track and a football pitch.
Alora Half Marathon
Tomorrow, Sunday 4th March, more than 750 competitors will participate in the 9th Alora Half Marathon. The marathon will start from the Plaza Fuente Arriba at 10.00 am. The route will be Alora - Pizarra - Alora with a distance of just over 21 kilometres.
Northern Access Road to Alora Completed
The works for the northern access road linking Alora with the A-357 have been completed this week, however, the junction with the main road has still to be finished off satisfactorily.
Malaga's Towns Still Failing to Treat Waste Water
Alora is one of many towns in Malaga province that could face EU fines for failing to properly treat municipal sewage. An EU directive set 31st January 2005, as the deadline for towns with populations of between 2,000 and 15,000 to have waste water treatment plants. The 25 non-compliant towns have a combined population of nearly 190,000 residents, whose sewage is being dumped untreated into the region’s rivers and coastal waters. In the majority of cases construction is either scheduled to begin this year or has already begun. Construction contracts have been awarded for two plants that will treat the waste water from Alhaurin de la Torre, Alhaurin el Grande, Alora, Cartama, Coin and Pizarra.
Speed Limit in Strait of Gibraltar to Protect Sperm Whales
The Spanish navy has asked ships in the Strait of Gibraltar to slow down to avoid hitting whales. The Strait is one of the main breeding grounds for Sperm whales and it is thought that at least 25 sperm whales live in the area. The Ministry of Defence and the Marine Hydrographic Institute is to issue a warning to sailors in their next monthly bulletin of a 13 knot speed limit. The feeding of the whales and the use of sonar equipment to attract them will also be banned.
Malaga 1 - 1 Sporting Gijon
Malaga failed to take what chances they had and nearly lost this game. They struggled badly and with so many of their passes going astray they constantly put themselves under pressure. Malaga's next game is away to Las Palmas, Saturday 3rd March, kick off at 8.30 pm.
Nadal Out of the Dubai Open
Spain's top tennis player, Rafael Nadal, has been knocked out of the Dubai Open in the quarter finals by Mijail Youzhny in two sets, 7-6 and 6-3. The Russian player, Youzhny, won the first set on a controversial point, and Nadal lost his serve in the middle of the second set to lose the match.
This news was written and contributed by 1Casa.
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