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Spain surprises with its entrepreneurial spirit, beating global business heavyweights
Against stereotypes, Spain ranks fifth worldwide for grit and drive to succeed
When you think of Spain, images of lazy afternoons, siestas, and the infamous “mañana” attitude might spring to mind. But there’s a surprising side to the country that flies in the face of these clichés: its people who show remarkable passion and perseverance when it comes to launching new businesses.Starting a business is never easy. It requires a clear vision, choosing the right legal structure, securing financing, and navigating a maze of administrative and tax procedures. For first-time entrepreneurs, getting the right guidance can make all the difference.
A recent global study by Remitly shines a fresh light on Spain’s entrepreneurial spirit by ranking countries according to what’s known as the grit scale. This scale, developed at the University of Pennsylvania, measures long-term commitment, passion, and the ability to keep pushing forward despite setbacks - not just bursts of effort, but dedication over time to achieving goals.
According to Remitly’s report, South Africa tops the list with 46.18 points out of 60, with cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town celebrated for their dynamic business environments fuelled by optimism and drive. The United Kingdom comes second, closely followed by Ireland and India.
Spain comes in a respectable fifth place with 41.13 points. What sets the country apart, according to Remitly, is its “passion, creativity, and desire to do things differently.” This is especially true in vibrant sectors such as fashion and gastronomy, where innovation and adaptability are essential.
Spain’s ranking beats out some major entrepreneurial players like the United States, New Zealand, Brazil, Greece, and Italy, which round out the top 10. This strong showing reflects Spain’s growing ability to reinvent itself and adapt to changing economic landscapes.
So, while the laid-back stereotype remains popular, the truth is Spain’s entrepreneurial community is anything but idle. It’s full of determined, creative minds ready to take on challenges and break new ground.
If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business here, knowing Spain ranks so highly worldwide might just give you that extra spark of confidence.
Image: fauxels/Pexels
