Whilst the recession has forced many British expatriates to abandon their dream lives on the Spanish Costas here on Lanzarote their numbers have continued to grow. As the quantity of permanent residents from the UK has expanded by just over 30% since the end of 2007, according to census data released by ISTAC, the Canarian Institute of Statistics. Establishing the British as the largest group of non-Spanish nationals on the island.

According to ISTAC the British expat population on Lanzarote has expanded by 31.34% over the last three years. And now totals 7761 officially registered residents – up from 5909 residents in 2007. An increase that has been recorded against the backdrop of recession so severe that it has forced many British emigres to give up their new lives in other parts of Spain. As their pensions and savings have been reduced in value by inflation, low interest rates and rising living costs. Whilst the overall population of Lanzarote also declined in 2010 for the first time in many years.

As a result the British expat community now accounts for 5.48% of the total island population of 141,427 residents. Which also comprises sizeable groups of German, Colombian and Moroccan nationals. Reflecting the surprisingly cosmopolitan demographic mix of the island with 30% of the entire population born outside of Spain.

Perhaps even more surprisingly - given its reputation as a haven for those in search of property in Lanzarote for retirement purposes – the island is attracting far more young foreign residents than old. As whilst 8.8% of the total expat population is aged 65 years and over the overwhelming majority, 73.34% – are aged between 20 and 65 years. With 20 to 39 year olds accounting for just over 40% of all foreign residents.