Family — the foundation of society

In Spain, the family (la familia) is the central reference point of life — far more than in Germany. This is evident in everyday life at every turn:

• Multigenerational living: Many young Spaniards live with their parents well into their 30s — not just out of economic necessity (although high rents and youth unemployment are factors), but because it is culturally accepted. The average age of moving out is 29.3 years
• Sunday Comida: Sunday lunch at the grandparents' is sacred. Three generations at the table, four courses, endless conversations — the "Sobremesa" (togetherness after the meal) often lasts longer than the meal itself
• Children everywhere: Spain is extremely child-friendly. Children are still on the street at 11 PM, are doted on from all sides, and are welcomed in restaurants. There is no "This is not a place for children"
• Grandparents as childcare: The Abuelos (grandparents) play a central role, picking up grandchildren from school, cooking lunch, and being omnipresent in the park

Paradoxically, Spain has one of the lowest birth rates in Europe (1.16 children per woman) — economic insecurity, high housing costs, and late family formation are the reasons. It is a country that loves children but has too few.