We analyze the diversity of Basque social reality through the Sociometer. - Ikerfel

For more than three years, Ikerfel has been collaborating with the Basque Government’s Sociological Research Office in conducting the Basque Sociometer, a key study for understanding the evolution of public opinion in the Basque Country.

The Basque Sociometer is a periodic barometer that measures citizen perceptions on key issues such as trust in institutions, the economic situation, the labor market, cultural identity, and quality of life in the Basque Country.

For the Basque Government, this analysis is essential for:

Designing public policies aligned with citizen expectations.
Anticipating changes in social perception and adjusting strategies.
Evaluating the impact of government measures over time.

In this context, the Basque Government‘s primary need was to ensure that the data collected accurately, representatively, and continuously reflected changes in Basque society. Ikerfel has played a key role in ensuring the rigor of the process and generating high-value insights.

imagen aerea de san sebastian y la bahia de la concha

Applied Methodology.

To carry out this study, the following methodology was applied:

Telephone interviews (CATI Ikerfel Survey System).

Quantitative Research:

Individual computer-assisted telephone interview (Ikerfel CATI Survey System), using a structured, closed-ended questionnaire, conducted with a representative sample of the population (18+) of the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country.

Sample:

3,030 interviewees.General population, 18 years and older.Sampling error: ±1.8%

Fieldwork:

Three annual waves.

We conduct in-depth research into the perceptions, attitudes, and values of Basque citizens on key issues such as the political, economic, and employment situation.

Key issues for Basque society.

The latest results of the Sociometer highlight key issues for Basque society:

Employment in focus: 49% of citizens place the labor market as their main concern, although far from the 80% recorded a decade ago.
Growing housing concerns: Concern over housing prices and access is increasing, reaching 47% of the population, doubling the 2024 figure.
Democracy valued, parties questioned: 51% approve of the functioning of democracy, but there remains a clear disaffection toward political parties (only 20% trust them).
Institutions with support: University (86%), Basque Government (77%), provincial councils (73%) and town councils (69%) stand out as the most valued entities.
Dual identity: 40% of Basques feel both Spanish and Basque.
Stable independence, with a generation gap: Support for independence does not vary, but shows strong differences according to age.

You can check the latest reports here.