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SocietySpain

A tiny Spanish village fighting depopulation

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Anna Warsberg
April 7, 2026

The rural village of Arenillas in northwestern Spain is so desperate for a craftsperson that the job comes with free housing.

In the tiny Spanishvillage of Arenillas, home to just 40 people, the mayor is trying to reverse depopulation. A municipally owned apartment has become available, paired with a job at a local construction company and the chance to run the village bar. Interest is pouring in from around the world, but few applicants have the needed building skills. With many empty homes, no shops and unreliable phone reception, locals hope new families can breathe life back into rural Spain.

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