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Part 3: Spain/La Gomera - Publicly-funded Burials

August 16, 2013

La Gomera is one of the Canary islands -- Spanish territory that lies off the northwest coast of Africa. The local authorities have taken an unusual approach to funerals: they're paid for with public funds.

https://p.dw.com/p/19LJe
Leichenwagen mit Blumen auf La Gomera - Die spanische Karaeninsel "La Gomera" liegt im äußersten Südwesten Europas. Und hier geht die Inselverwaltung mit dem Tod der Menschen auf eine besondere Art um: für Beerdigungen zahlt die öffentliche Hand. Schlagwörter: La Gomera, Beerdigung, Leichenwagen, Herkunft: DW Eigendreh
Image: DW Eigendreh

More than ten years ago, all the local residents were given burial insurance. That's rare in Europe, and especially in Spain -- where funerals, cremations, coffins and funeral flowers cost a lot of money. But as Spain struggles with its economic crisis, some are asking whether public money for burials might be put to better use.

08.2013 DW European Journal Sommerserie Europe on the edge La Gomera