A few stats from St Jean Pied de Port

[sillydoll]

Some statistics on the number of pilgrims that were welcomed at St Jean Pied de Port up until 9 November 2008
The number of pilgrims registered at the office in 2008, until November 9, shows a remarkable increase of + 57% since the year 2004 (a Holy Year) and an + 8% increase over last year.

Year 2004 : 2005 : 2006 : 2007 : 2008
Number 21387 : 23573 : 25398 : 31010 : 33569

The table below shows the total number of pilgrims registered until November 9, 2008 and 2007 (in brackets) and the twelve largest nationalities represented.

France 7806 (7628)
Germany 6101 (5492)
Spain 3636 (3584) I
Italy 3465 (3380)
Canada 1368 (1345)
Pays-Bas 1054 (982)
G.B. 880 (781)
Swiss 859 (685)
Belgium 808 (733)
U.S.A 763 (678)
South Korea 743 (332)
Ireland 698 (639

Firstly, a spectacular increase in the number of South Koreans: an above average increase in British, Americans and Germans. Only a 3% for Spaniards, Italians, French and Canadians and a drop in the number of Swiss pilgrims.

In 2008, as in 2007, 87.2% of pilgrims were walking.

In 2008, 71.1% of pilgrims began the way in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port,compared with 69.6% last year.

 

[cecelia]

Thanks for the stats Sil - very interesting! It doesn't surprise me that more people are starting from SJPP - it's that wonderful walk into the foothills of the Pyrenees. Enjoying that scenery is such a fabulous way to start the camino frances and gets the heart open on day one ( and the lungs, blood vessels as well). That walk blasts my workaday world right into oblivion - albeit that my body moans and groans the whole way over!
cecelia

 

[KiwiNomad06]

In 2008, 71.1% of pilgrims began the way in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port,compared with 69.6% last year.

So I was one of the 28.9% this year who began before SJPP in France, before reaching this very welcoming Pilgrim's Office. I can remember the feeling of achievement I had as I reached the gate just above the Pilgrim's Office very clearly..... yet it was six months ago now. Seems like yesterday!

 

[Anniesantiago]

Gotta love that gate!