The number of self-employed in Spain fell during the first quarter of 2013 from 3,024,652 at the end of December 2012 to 3,005,396 at the end of March 2013. This equates to a 0.6% decline in numbers.
March 2013 actually saw a slight increase in self-employed, the first rise after eight months of significant declines.
The only areas to experience an increase in the number of self-employed during the first quarter were the Balearics, Ceuta and Melilla with 446 new entrepreneurs.
The highest losses were in Extremadura (-1.3%) and Cantabria (-1.1%). Andalucia was at the low end with minus 0.3%.