Spain's geographic location in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula has influenced migration patterns throughout its history. In the 1960s, Spain experienced large-scale emigration to countries like Germany, Switzerland, and France, but by the 1990s it had become a destination for immigrants due primarily to economic development, EU integration, and democratic consolidation. Immigrants come mainly from Africa because of Spain's proximity across the Strait of Gibraltar, Eastern Europe because of its Mediterranean location, and Latin America because of historical ties. The number of foreign residents in Spain increased nearly fivefold between 2000 and 2007.

2. Spain’s geographical location: in the southwestern Europe

3. Spain is part of the Iberian Peninsula. Its geographical location and history are crucial in the migratory phenomenon.

4. Pictures of Spain in the ’60s Spain was a country of emigrants.

5. Major migration from Spain to Europe in the years 1960-1973

6. In the ’60s, Spanish emigrants were going primarily to West Germany, Switzerland and France.

8. Irregular immigrants arriving to a spanish coast in small boats Diversity of cultures in Spain

9. The regular and irregular immigration are contributing to the rejuvenation of Spanish population.

10. Evolution of foreign residents number In the bar chart, we can see that in 7 years the foreign population in Spain increased significantly (it has nearly quintupled).

12. REGULAR AND IRREGULAR IMMIGRANTS COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN IN THE BEGINNING OF XXIst CENTURY.

13. IRREGULAR IMMIGRATION SUMMING-UP FROM SPANISH HOME OFFICE Due to the current economic crisis, irregular immigration is becoming a problem for Spanish authorities.

17. Comparative report of repatriations (2006/2007)

19. Comparative report of repatriations (2007/2008)

21. Repatriation of irregular immigrants (2008/2009) The number of repatriations decreases due to the decrease of irregular immigrants arrivals to Spain.

24. Spain has become a multicultural country