Figures on demographic structure and business activity reveal a territory with a high degree of initiative. However, this snapshot should be viewed from two perspectives: one the one hand rural districts demonstrate the highest levels of entrepreneurism and on the other, some of the most industrial areas, specifically areas with the greatest capital in other territories, have suffered most from deindustrialisation and unemployment. *(Note)
Economic activity, as we know it, requires two fundamental elements: a population prepared to work and economic activities that generate jobs. Our territory revolves around industry and mass manufacturing, therefore differing from territories dedicated to other economic activities (finances, property speculation, etc.). In addition, this territory has a high aging rate and a low level of generational replacement.
Working population
The Basque Country's working population stands at 1,469,304 persons. As described in the section on SOCIETY AND LIVING CONDITIONS, the activity rate varies from one territory to another, with clear imbalances due to aging. The structural ratio of the active population shows us that we are going to find it hard to replace older workers over the next few years (117.02 workers between 40 and 64 years old for every 100 between 15 and 39 years old). However, this deficit is not uniform throughout the territory. Whilst in Navarre there is quite a balanced rate (104.86), the remaining territories paint a different picture, particularly Zuberoa (153.22) and Lower Navarre (129.74). The most rural districts present the most unbalanced demographic structure (Roncal-Salazar 185.08; Basabürüa 169.25; Montaña Alavesa 159.84; Llanada Alavesa 152.08…). In this respect, municipalities such as Gallipienzo (470), Sansol (415.38), Jeztaze (320.00) or Zalduondo (309.68) demonstrate greater imbalance and a challenge for the future.
Regarding the presence of business establishments (density per 1000 inhabitants), the pattern is highly significant. Less developed districts have greater density (Garazi 84.19; Cinco Villas 83.39, etc.) and the more developed or better communicated areas have lower density (Duranguesado 33.47; Arratia-Nervión 33.35).
Another aspect to be considered regarding businesses is the activity sector. Looking at the presence of industrial establishments, Navarre has the highest rate (14.91) and Lapurdi the lowest (6.13). In industrialisation, Navarre's rate is similar to Araba (13.63), Gipuzkoa (13.14) and Zuberoa (13.59). Districts such as Rioja Alavesa (41.06), West of Tierra Estella (32.28), Ultzama (28.94) or Sakana (28.05) are most outstanding in terms of industrial establishments.
Entrepreneurism and initiative
Analysing the origin of business owners shows us the level of initiative in each territory. In general, the presence of local business initiatives is higher than 80% (Lapurdi 76.15; Gipuzkoa 94.12). Navarre's districts have a particularly low rate of initiative or a greater dependency on employers from other territories (Sakana 60.23; Roncal-Salazar 59.30; Alto Bidasoa 59.04; Tafalla 58.81…). This data is no less important as some of these districts are suffering the most from closing companies and increased unemployment.
The self-employment rate is also a good indicator of initiative level. In this case, the most rural districts have the highest number of self-employed workers (County of Trebiñu 59.08; Roncal-Salazar 58.80; Baztan 45.75…) and cities have the least (Lapurdi Itsasegia 12.41; BAB 13.06; Bilbao conurbation 15.62…).
In short, employment and economic activity in the Basque Country demonstrate a wide variety of patterns. However, we can see that greater local initiative goes hand in hand with hanging on to jobs.
*Note: This text aims to provide information and make it easier to read the data being presented. The text has been written by the Gaindegia technical team. It does not aim to reflect Udalbiltza's opinion.