Else Beekman
Spain has reached an all-time high of 49 million residents, according to the latest figures from the National Statistics Institute (INE). This remarkable growth, primarily driven by immigration, is accompanied by further declining birth rates.
Over the past year alone, Spain’s population has grown by 458,000 people. Notably, this increase is entirely due to foreign-born residents. In the last decade, nearly 3 million new people have settled in Spain, reversing previous demographic stagnation. The last time Spain experienced similar levels of growth was during the housing boom of the early 2000s.
The role of immigration
Immigration has been the defining factor in Spain’s recent population surge. While the number of people born in Spain has steadily declined, the foreign-born population has risen sharply—from 5.9 million a decade ago to 9.4 million today. Therefore, Spain’s demographic expansion is almost exclusively linked to migration.
A similar trend was seen between 2002 and 2009 when Spain attracted nearly 4 million migrants, mostly seeking job opportunities. However, the financial crisis that followed led to a decline in foreign arrivals. Since 2015, a renewed wave of immigration has been responsible for 100% of the country’s population growth.
Latin American immigration fuels Spain’s economic growth
The majority of Spain’s new residents come from Central and South America, reinforcing the country’s workforce and economic stability. Thanks to shared language and cultural ties, Latin American immigrants integrate more seamlessly into Spanish society, filling key labor shortages. In January, JP Morgan highlighted this trend as a major contributor to Spain’s rapid economic growth. With a strong presence in industries such as tourism, technology, and services, these newcomers are playing a crucial role in sustaining the country’s economic momentum.
Falling birth rates and aging population
Despite the overall increase in population thanks to immigrants, Spain continues to experience record-low birth rates. In 2023, only 321,000 babies were born, marking a new historic low. The natural balance of births versus deaths has also resulted in a net population loss, with over 115,000 more deaths than births recorded in 2023.
The country’s age distribution has shifted dramatically over the past two decades. In 2002, the largest demographic group was between 20 and 40 years old. By 2025, this dominant group has aged into the 40 to 60-year bracket.
Uneven growth across regions
While Spain as a whole has gained nearly 2.7 million residents in the last decade, this growth has not been evenly distributed. Urban areas, the Mediterranean coast, and island regions have seen the highest population increases. Madrid and Catalonia each account for over 700,000 new residents. Additionally, the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, and the Valencia region have also experienced significant growth.
Conversely, some inland regions such as Castilla y León, Asturias, and Extremadura have seen population declines of around 3% over the past ten years. This divide between growing and shrinking areas continues to shape Spain’s demographic landscape.