Breaking News English

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

Spain's economic [foes / woes] are putting a huge social cost on all sectors of society. The middle class [on / in] particular is suffering badly. The capital, Madrid, is [seeing / seen] increasing numbers of university-educated and professional people sleeping [smooth / rough] . Samur, a charity for the homeless, said 25 per cent of [them / those] sleeping on the streets completed [some / any] kind of higher education. It also [revealed / revelled] that over 40 per cent of them are homeless as a result [for / of] losing their job. The charity also reports that homelessness has not [vented / 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 / of] good use by busking.