Since its accession to the European Union and NATO, Spain has reached considerable levels of world influence, international respect, and domestic political consolidation. Today’s per capita income has surpassed the median of the European Union, soon making Spain a net contributor to the European integration process. Spain’s quality of life is ranked among the best twenty in the world. Economic and social development has converted the country to the second immigration destination, surpassed only by the United States.

In turn, Spain’s foreign direct investment is the leading financial contributor in several Latin American countries. Spanish officials serve in high positions at the UN, the EU, and other world-wide organizations. Spanish troops contribute to pacification and peacekeeping missions around the world. The Spanish language has been converted into “the second-second language of the world” –more people study Spanish than any other language, except English. Hispanics are today the largest minority in the United States. Spain, in sum, has been made into a crucial subject for study and laboratory for reflection.

It is for these and other reasons that it is felt that there is a need for a forum of discussion and information-sharing about Spain which goes beyond academic circles and superficial knowledge. Spain Study Group is a serious and objective project founded by Miami conscientious residents and affiliates in various parts of the world.

The Group has as a sole mission the reflection, deep thinking and sharing of basic information and relevant facts, scholarly research and independent opinion on current Spain, its history, and its place in today’s Europe and its relations with the Americas. The tasks of the Group intend to reach beyond stereotypes, superficial analysis, and slanted partisan views.

The economy and trade, foreign and domestic investment, society and immigration, and Spain’s relations with the United States will receive priority attention in the periodic meetings and briefings organized by the Study Group. Due to the geographical locality of Miami, the activities of the Group will also give proper attention to Spain’s relations with Latin America and the Caribbean.

The content of the reports issued or the information relayed from other sources will aim to enrich the experience and to broaden the education of readers, web users, and attendees at meetings and briefings regarding the current profile of Spain and its position in the world. Outreach focus and open approach will always drive the activities and functions of the Group. The origin of information, reports, and documentation shared by the Group will always enjoy rigorous high levels of accuracy and scholarship deriving from the best academic sources and the most influential opinion-makers.

Members of the Spain Study Group are available for participation in media programs, business and government briefings, outreach appearances in schools and communities, and for general consultation. Although members reflect a basic consensual point of view and accurate data, they speak on their behalf and do not take any guidelines or instructions from any branch of the Spanish government or any other official or private organizations.