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Spain's increasing economic problems have led to shrinking population. country's National Statistics Institute stated that in year to February 1st, Spain's total registered population fell by 205,788. Analysts attribute much of this decline to immigrants fleeing country amid high unemployment and bursting of property bubble. There was also sharp rise in number of Spaniards leaving the country in search of work abroad. This brain drain represents fall in pool of qualified and skilled workers in event of economy picking up pace again. Albert Esteve, demographics expert, explained why people are leaving, saying: "Spain is less attractive because there are no jobs."

Spain's economic woes are putting huge social cost on all sectors of society. middle class in particular is suffering badly. capital, Madrid, is seeing increasing numbers of university-educated and professional people sleeping rough. Samur, charity for homeless, said 25 per cent of those sleeping on streets completed some kind of higher education. It also revealed that over 40 per cent of them are homeless as result of losing their job. charity also reports that homelessness has not dented enterprise. Many of those who lost their regular work are trying to make ends meet by collecting and selling scrap metal, becoming street artists or putting their musical skills to good use by busking.