Lorraine Williamson
Belief in Spain remains diverse: 30% of Spaniards believe that extra-terrestrial beings have visited Earth, and a significant portion holds on to other alternative beliefs and conspiracy theories.
However, recent research shows that the majority of Spaniards still have confidence in science.
Belief in science remains the norm in Spain
A study conducted by Fundación BBVA, based on a telephone survey of more than 2,000 Spaniards aged 18 and older, sheds light on how people in Spain view science, faith, and pseudoscientific ideas.
The study confirms that truth and objective knowledge are highly valued among the Spanish population. A striking 80% of respondents consider scientific knowledge the most reliable source of information. Meanwhile, only a small minority believe that the general public possesses more knowledge than experts or scientists.
Additionally, the study reveals that two-thirds of Spaniards are convinced that most important issues can be explained by science and that what remains unexplained will eventually be clarified in the future.
Alternative beliefs persist
Despite trust in science, a considerable part of the population continues to hold alternative beliefs. For example, 30% of respondents believe that extra-terrestrial beings have visited Earth, and the same percentage thinks that astrology and the position of the stars influence people’s lives and future.
Other superstition-related findings include:
- 14% believe in the existence of witches.
- 24% think it is possible to communicate with spirits.
- 5% are convinced that the number 13 brings bad luck.
- 14% believe that no human has ever been to the moon and that the moon landing was staged.
- 4% believe that the Earth is flat.
How religious is Spain today?
The results indicate that religious doctrines are increasingly less seen as a counterpart to science. For instance, 78% of Spaniards accept the theory of evolution as an explanation for human origins, while only 33% are convinced that the universe was created by God or a higher power.
Although nearly half of Spaniards still believe in God, adherence to traditional religious concepts is declining:
- 38% believe in the concept of sin.
- About one-third think there is life after death.
- Approximately 20% believe in reincarnation, the devil, and the existence of hell.
Medical science versus alternative treatments
Medical science enjoys broad support among the Spanish population. Nearly all respondents (99%) indicate that they would rely on conventional healthcare in case of a serious medical problem.
However, some Spaniards occasionally use alternative medicine:
- 21% have tried homeopathy, though only 2% use it regularly.
- 14% have experience with reflexology.
- 8% have tried Reiki.
- 3% have used Ayurvedic treatments.
More than 31% of Spaniards have tried at least one of these methods, although they are not widely considered primary healthcare options.
Spanish population primarily trusts science
The study shows that despite the presence of superstitions and alternative beliefs, the Spanish population overwhelmingly maintains belief in science and common sense. The rise of the ‘post-truth’ culture, in which facts are subordinated to emotions and personal beliefs, seems to have less impact in Spain than elsewhere. Science continues to be seen as the key to objective truth and progress, while conspiracy theories and pseudoscience have only limited support.