This book presents a concise survey of the Spanish economy from the end of the Civil War of 1936–9 to the present. In it the author analyses the transformation of Spain from a backward agrarian economy - committed by Franco and the country's military rulers to the impossible quest of self-sufficiency - to a modern, rapidly growing, outwardly orientated economy. By analysing demographic developments, changes in agriculture, industrial growth, changes to the financial system and the development of foreign trade, the author shows how Spain has reached a position where it is fully integrated into the international economy and, since January 1986, has been an active member of the European Community. This is a book both for students of twentieth century economic history, and for their teachers.