laudio

Laudio, known in Basque as Llodio, is a municipality in the province of Álava, within the Basque Country of northern Spain. It is located to the east of Bilbao and forms part of the Basque metropolitan area. The town sits in a valley and is connected to surrounding municipalities by road and rail.

The area has medieval roots; urban growth accelerated during the industrial expansion of the 19th and 20th centuries, when metalworking and related industries were prominent in the Basque Country. Today Laudio has a diversified economy, with manufacturing, services, and commerce forming the core, supported by small and medium-sized enterprises.

Administratively, Laudio is governed by a municipal council (ayuntamiento). The population is predominantly Basque-speaking, with Spanish widely used in education, administration, and daily life. The municipality participates in regional cultural and social activities that reflect Basque heritage.

Culturally, Laudio hosts local festivals, markets, and religious events, and it preserves historic architecture alongside modern facilities. The surrounding countryside provides parks and walking routes, linking urban life with rural landscapes.

Transport is well integrated with the Bilbao metropolitan transport network, with road connections to the city and neighboring towns, and regular rail and bus services that facilitate commuting and regional travel.

Laudio/Llodio is recognized as part of the Basque Country’s industrial and cultural landscape, illustrating the close ties between local history, language, and regional development.