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Bilbao And The Basque Country - Spain

Moving to Bilbao and the Basque Country - Spain

Contribute to the community by sharing information to help the Desi community connect and support one another. Provide details about apartments where the Desi community resides. Answer questions from those moving here for work, school, or other reasons. Share information about areas or buildings with a significant Desi population, including rent costs, utilities included, accessibility, availability of laundry facilities, and other relevant details. Note: This section is not for posting apartments for rent—please use the classifieds section for that. The goal is to offer guidance and answer questions for people planning to move to this area.

 

1. South Asian Community

• The South Asian community in Bilbao and the Basque Country includes individuals of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Nepali origins.

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2. Dominant Ethnic Groups

• Indian and Pakistani communities form the largest groups within the South Asian diaspora.
• Bangladeshi and Nepali populations are smaller but growing, primarily among students and young professionals.

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3. Areas with Significant South Asian Populations

• Bilbao City Center: A diverse area with South Asian residents and businesses.
• Barakaldo: Suburb with a growing South Asian population, especially Pakistani families.
• Santurtzi: Home to many Indian and Pakistani residents.

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4. South Asian Main Market Areas

• Bilbao La Vieja (Old Town): Features shops and small businesses run by South Asians, including clothing stores and restaurants.
• Casco Viejo: Known for a mix of multicultural stores, including some South Asian-owned outlets.

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5. South Asian Grocery Stores

• Spice Bazaar (Bilbao): Offers Indian and Pakistani spices, lentils, and other essentials.
• Asia Alimentación (Barakaldo): Popular for South Asian ingredients and frozen products.
• Pak Halal Foods (Santurtzi): Specializes in halal meat and groceries.

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6. Transportation

• Public Transport:

  • Metro Bilbao: Efficient and well-connected to South Asian-populated areas.
  • Bizkaibus: Bus services connecting suburbs like Barakaldo and Santurtzi to the city center.

• Ride-Sharing: Uber and Bolt are available in the region.

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7. Religious Places

• Temples:

  • Hindu temples are limited but services are held in private community spaces.

• Gurdwaras:

  • Nearest gurdwara is in Barcelona; small Sikh gatherings occur in Bilbao for special occasions.

• Mosques:

  • Centro Islámico de Bilbao: Serves the Pakistani and Bangladeshi Muslim communities.

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8. Best Public Schools in South Asian Areas

Elementary Schools:

• Escuela Pública San Ignacio (Bilbao): Known for diversity and inclusiveness.
• CEIP Gurutzeta (Barakaldo): Popular among immigrant families.

Middle Schools:

• IES Ibarrekolanda (Bilbao): Offers strong academic programs in a multicultural environment.
• IES Minas (Barakaldo): Welcomes students from South Asian backgrounds.

High Schools:

• IES Botikazar BHI (Bilbao): Known for quality education and cultural inclusivity.
• IES Zunzunegi BHI (Barakaldo): Preferred by families in the South Asian community.

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