Spain Is a Doughnut: Empty Spain, Rural Exodus & Why Everyone Lives on the Coast

Why does Spain look like a doughnut on the map? In this episode of Spanish Practices, we take a slightly sarcastic (and surprisingly informative) deep dive into "Empty Spain" (España vaciada) — the vast, sparsely populated interior where villages are disappearing, schools are closing, and the local bar might be the only sign of life. Meanwhile, the coasts and major cities are bursting at the seams. So what happened? We explore: Why most of Spain's population lives along the coast and in major cities The great rural exodus and the decline of inland villages The long-term impact of the Francisco Franco era on economic development Why regions like Andalusia became agricultural powerhouses while the north industrialised The reality behind "España vaciada" and what it means today And whether cheap houses, fibre optic broadband, and a bit of imagination could bring people back to rural Spain From empty plains to overcrowded costas, this episode explains how Spain became one of Europe's most unevenly populated countries — and why the middle is, quite literally, missing. If you've ever driven through inland Spain and wondered where everyone went… this one's for you. Subscribe for more witty, honest takes on life in Spain, culture, and the realities behind the postcard. 🇪🇸🍩 Madame Hoochie is played by Chris Lowrie and is currently appearing at his Majesty's Pleasure Basildon.