February Week Three

This week we discussed the hot topic of "Empty Spain," the phenomenon of depopulation that is hitting Spain's rural areas the hardest, including our region of La Rioja.
For listening, learners can try an activity from Elllo called Country VS. City.

For original version check out a short documentary entitled, Can a Busload of Single Women Help Solve One of Spain's Biggest Problems?
Learners can read an article called Life in the city versus life in the country. Or, try a downloadable PDF about the countryside from British Council: Countryside is Great.

For original version, try an article from the BBC about Empty Spain, Can Opera Save the Town of Medinaceli?  Or The Emptying of Spain's Interior.  There are also numerous articles on the English edition of El Pais, such as Spain's Dying Railroad Towns.
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Please write an article detailing the causes of depopulation in rural Spain.  What are some potential solutions? What is your opinion on the matter?
Best,
Kelly