Donostia-San Sebastián is the capital of Gipuzkoa province in the Basque Country and is situated at the north coast of the Iberian Peninsula.

The city has more than 186.125 inhabitants (January 2014), to which another 400.000 of its metropolitan area can be added. In spite of being a relatively small city, Donostia/San Sebastián has forged a name on the international level, thanks to, among others, its remarkable cultural activity to which belongs the international San Sebastian Film Festival. On top of that, the city has been awarded the title European Cultural Capital 2016, together with Wrocław.

Donostia is a socially committed city that knew how to maintain a significant social equilibrium. More than 800 associations are registered and one out of ten citizens is cooperating with NGOs, facts that underline the participative character of the city. The local economy is foremost based upon the service sector.

Donostia is a significant tourist destination thanks to the beauty of its location between sea and mountains and also its historical and artistic heritage. One should neither forget the popularity of its gastronomy, culture and festivals, to the latter belong the festival of Santo Tomas and the “Tamborrada” on San Sebastian’s day.

Regarding the origin of its citizens, four out of ten are born outside the city. Donostia disposes of a foreigner collective of 12.436 persons (January 2014) which makes for 6.6 % of the total population. Of the total migrant stock, the largest regional group are Latin-Americans (47 %) and Africans (10.51 %). With the aim to manage diversity with an intercultural focus, Donostia integrated in the RECI network and has adopted an action plan: Strategy for the City 2020-E2020DSS.  To its objectives belong the development of policies and programs in different areas that facilitate the reception of immigrants and their social dynamism, with the end to create an open and inclusive city.

Donostia – San Sebastian: Results of the Intercultural Cities Index