Following four consecutive years of growth, the Spanish economy experienced a decline as of 2001. This led to a lower growth rate than forecast. However, the number of affiliates to the social security system increased in recent years.

According to the census conducted in 2001, there are 40 847 371 Spanish inhabitants, a positive development compared with the previous census. In the fourth quarter of 2002, Spain had an active population of 18 495 400. The numbers employed were 16 377 300 while unemployment stood at 2 118 200.
The unemployment figures mirror the weakening of the employment situation. The figures at December 2002 show that there were 1 688 068 people registered as unemployed in employment offices, a little more than in previous years.

The number of affiliates registered with the social security system was 16 126 300 on the last day of December 2002. This is an increase of 476 400 compared with the same period the previous year There was thus an increase of 3% compared with the previous year. This is, however, slightly lower than the increase in previous years.

An analysis of supply, demand and contracts in the various economic sectors shows that the highest supply, highest demand and largest number of contracts were in economic activities belonging to the services sector.

Activities with job-creation prospects in the medium term include those relating to the environment, as well as the following: Production and operations department managers in agriculture, hunting forestry and fishing (1221). General managers in agriculture, hunting forestry and fishing (1311). Biologists, botanists, zoologists and related professionals (2211). Electrical engineering technicians (3113). Chemical engineering technicians (3116). Physical and engineering science technicians not elsewhere classified (3119). Building and fire inspectors (3151). Farming and forestry advisers (3213). Sanitarians (3222). Travel consultants and organisers (3414). Travel guides (5113). Field crop and vegetable growers (6111). Mixed crop growers (6114). Forestry workers and loggers (6141). Building and related electricians (7137). Power production plant operators (8161). Motorised farm and forestry plant operators (8331).