The main black point is the very high unemployment rate. The economy, the euro zone’s fourth largest, has been fully integrated into the global economy and a bevy of multinationals created. King Juan Carlos was the engine of reforms during the transition to democracy, sealed in the 1978 Constitution. The changes in all spheres have been profound, even taking into account the prolonged recession that ended in 2014. The country telescoped its political, economic and social modernisation into a much shorter period than any other European country.
Spain has changed beyond recognition since General Franco died 40 years ago.
