© Lehendakaritza

It's almost incredible to think that Internet has converted our world into a global village in such a short time. Millions of people of every condition and class now have access to all kinds of information and can share thoughts, ideas and interests in a potentially unlimited forum of.

It's the same north or south, for the rich and the poor from virtually every country on the map, no matter how large or small. The Internet culture makes us more equal and gives us the opportunity to consolidate our knowledge and discover other people, other cultures and other countries.

Although the Basque Country is a small place, tiny in comparison with some other areas, the people here are proud to be Basque and to speak one of Europe's oldest languages. Like everyone else, we have our defects and virtues, but we like ourselves the way we are, open to the world. Because it is only when you are capable of seeing others that you are capable of knowing yourself. And the Basques are fascinated by the world and its incredible diversity. It's as important to us as keeping our word, because we believe that people who do not keep their word or the commitments they acquire with others end up isolated and alone. They lose credibility.

We believe passionately in dialogue and multicultural encounters, because it is one of the distinguishing features of the new millennium.

Welcome to everyone looking to discover the Basque Country. This web site is a bid to close the gap between the Basque Country and the world and to learn something from the world at the same time. I invite you all to surf around the region, getting a glimpse of the region's beaches and mountains, the city streets and museums like the Guggenheim-Bilbao. You'll find that we are fairly uncomplicated, although we are highly enthusiastic about everything we do, whether it's work or leisure. We enjoy having people to visit, just as we like getting out and about and discovering new places and faces.

Welcome too to everyone who sees this as a good place to do business, to develop a business idea or a project for the future. Here you'll find skilled, fully trained people perfectly capable of putting your ideas into practice. Not only that, you'll find a regional government and authorities with extensive economic, tax and financial powers ready to help you. What we do we like to do well and we work to a straightforward but exacting culture: zero defects. We are third in Europe as regards businesses with quality certifications.

We've got plenty to offer and anyone who visits us will find locals ever disposed to give what's asked of them without demanding anything in return. This place is well worth a visit. Above all, it's a place that is worth living.

Welcome to the Basque Country.

Juan José Ibarretxe
Lehendakari