Introduction to the Province of Burgos (Spain)

The province of Burgos has 364.000 inhabitants (with the 67% of this population established in only three municipalities) distributed in 14.900 km2.

Because of its wide extension, the spatial and environmental characteristics are very different depending on the area. 

Burgos has a strong business environment. It should be noted the high industrial potential of the province of Burgos, with a strong influence and implementation of the automotive and agri-food industry, not forgetting the important potential of renewable energies. 

In addition agriculture and livestock farming sectors are very relevant in the province of Burgos, especially in rural areas.

UNEMPLOYMENT RATES (4th Trimester, 2016): 10,47% (one of the lowest unemployment rates by regions in all the country). 

Rural Profile of the Burgos Region

The province of Burgos is mainly considered a “rural region”.  There are 371 municipalities (368 with less than 20.000 inhabitants) and more than 1.200 living areas. 

Strengths of the Rural Economy

Traditional industries in the province of Burgos are:

• Agriculture and livestock farming (one of the main cereals’ Spanish producers). 
• Agri-food industry.
• Renewable energies.
• Rural tourism (and related services).

Challenges for the Rural Economy

Territorial challenges are quite different in the province of Burgos considering rural areas and those which are not (only three municipalities with more 20.000 inhabitants).

Main territorial challenge in rural areas is depopulation which is closely related to lack of services (education, health…) and bad infrastructures and communication tools (internet connection).

The Burgos region of Spain is best known for...

• Burgos is the Spanish province with the highest number of municipalities and living areas (more than 1.200).
• For the importance of the agriculture and agri-food industry. 
• Reference destination of rural tourism. 
• The varied and quality gastronomy. 

Introduction to SODEBUR the partner representing the Province of Burgos (Spain)

SODEBUR, the Society for the Development of the Province of Burgos, is a public entity created by the Provincial Government in order to promote the social and economic development of the rural areas in the province of Burgos (Spain). The Society has four main services: Infrastructure and Industrial Engineering, Social and Economic Promotion, Image and Tourism and Institutional Cooperation.

Introduction to Beatriz García Val of  SODEBUR

Beatriz is the RURAL SMES project coordinator in the Society for the Development of the Province of Burgos – SODEBUR)

Phone: 0034947061929

Email: [email protected]

The role of Beatriz

Responsible for “Institutional Cooperation” area in SODEBUR.

Beatriz is in charge of proposals’ preparation and submission in order to obtain funding at regional, national and European level with the participation and collaboration of other local agents and entities.

3 things to know about Beatriz

1. Beatriz has a background as an Industrial Engineer, but has been working in European projects for the last seven years.
2. Beatriz loves to travel, read and listen to music
3. Beatriz enjoys hiking and enjoying the nature and landscape of Burgos

What Beatriz loves about her region

• Different landscapes depending on the area (mountains, forests, rivers and waterfalls...)
• Gastronomy
• Personality of the citizens (calm and honest) 

The changes the Burgos Region would like to see implemented from this project

The province of Burgos has a very complete infrastructure to promote entrepreneurship (technicians are established in the different territories of rural areas with specific training activities and available funds for new business).

The main change should be related to the motivation of our citizens (changing “I can’t” to “I can do it!”)