QUALITY OF LIFE

One of the highest Human Development Indexes (HDI) in the world

Within the parameters established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the population of Álava enjoys a high Human Development Index, based on three fundamental factors for quality of life: health, education and standard of living.

The Basque Country’s annual public health expenditure per capita is one of the highest in the world. The Basque Country’s Education System enjoys international prestige. Its trilingual linguistic model (Basque, Spanish and English) begins at the age of 4. The level of purchasing power of Álava’s population is among the highest in Spain.

VITORIA-GASTEIZ AND ÁLAVA TO LIVE IN

Vitoria-Gasteiz, the ideal European model of a medium-sized city

This city’s development is considered exemplary and has received international recognition, earning it the designation of ‘European Green Capital’, the ‘Global Green City Award’ and its inclusion by the European Union in the first list to name 100 cities that aspire to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Álava, a welcoming space, with astounding nature and an extensive patrimony

More than half of Álava is classified as an Outstanding and Singular Landscape and 28% of its surface area forms part of the European Natura 2000 Network. In the Middle Ages, Álava acquired a key role due to its strategic location. Throughout its history, Álava has developed a rich patrimony and acquired its own legal statute, the fueros, which granted it the right to self-government lasting into the present day.

Our gastronomy

Basque cuisine is one of the most admired in the world, from the creations of its internationally renowned chefs, who have earned themselves a significant number of Michelin stars, to its micro-cuisine (pintxos), and not forgetting the traditional cooking available at every corner. All of these are clear signs that gastronomy in the Basque Country is a social phenomenon, linked to its culture and permeating its entire social fabric and everyday life.

RIOJA ALAVESA WINES AND TXAKOLI FROM ÁLAVA

Discover the Basque Country

At the heart of the Basque Country, Álava is an ideal spot from which to travel short distances in exploration of the unique culture of this spectacular region, all of which is well worth discovering, be it through its cosmopolitan cities and the character of its villages, a visit to its majestic mountains and the call of its rolling valleys or—of course— enjoying its seaside towns and the beauty of the Basque coastline, which is committed to sustainability.