It
is difficult to give accurate data about the population of Benajarafe, as
the electoral register is incorrect. However, in recent years, the
population growth has been the fastest in the municipality.
The
electoral register for 1991 gives a figure of 1,781 inhabitants,
practically equal to that of 1960.
The
census taken from the elections of the last few years is more accurate: -
1,051
voters (1991), 1,184 (1995), 1,421 (1999) and 1,409 (2000)
If
we add these figures, to the number of people not registered here,
including minors, people from other areas and abroad, we get a figure of
3.000 / 3,500. We also have to take into account the large number of
people that have second homes in the area.
Furthermore, Benajarafe is as popular with tourists in the winter
as it is in summer.
Other
data from the 1991 census suggests that 79% of the population, 18% of
which is foreign, isn’t permanently resident in Benajarafe. These
figures have no doubt risen since then.
Twenty
years ago, the inhabitants were farmers or fishermen, but both industries
have declined in recent years.
Today
the economy relies mainly on tourism, with an increase in the service
industries reflecting this trend.
You
can see the old boatyard to the right, which is not as busy as it used to
be. During the summer there are so many bathers in the area, they have
difficulty launching the few boats that remain.
Over
fishing has decimated the industry here, as in many other places. But good
catches of anchovy, sardines and other small fry are still to be had. The
fishing for ‘chanquete’, a relative of the anchovy, has been made
illegal, as it’s harvesting was destroying other embryo marine life.
You
can see from the photo on the left, the traditional fishing methods that
are still employed. Small
boats are used to tend the nets that are hauled from the shore (copo).
Many fishermen use rods from the shore. Out at sea the hand-line is
employed.
Agriculture
is in decline, as more and more workers are turning to the tourist
industry, with its much greater profits.
