The tourism here mainly comes from the students studying abroad, the auxilares de conversación (English teaching assistants), and Spaniards coming from other cities. Most people that travel up north in Spain go to the Basque country, and Asturias is to the left and sort of forgotten. Another thing that's different about Asturias is its climate. When most people think of Spain, they think of a really hot climate. However, Asturias has nothing of the sort; it's rainy and cold most of the year. In the mountains it snows quite a bit, but in the main city center it mostly falls as rain. Everyone in Asturias owns an umbrella and carries it with them every day even if the forecast does not call for rain. You never know when there will be some rain (my umbrella is now my best friend)! The last difference between Asturias and most other areas of Spain is the local economy, which is really reliant upon the environment. The majority of cities are supported by the locals and their farms. Yes, there are stores that are a part of major chains, but there is still a great deal of reliance on the locals to provide the community with the majority of the produce.
The most critical thing about the environment that helps people live here is the rain. Without the rain the farms would not be successful, and for most families, that is their only source of income. In the past, Asturias's economy was largely based on the carbon mines, but now only one mine is running. Today farms are incredibly important to the community, and thus the climate is a huge part of the success of Asturias's economy.
