Spain Population

Spain Population in 2026

Spain Population Introduction

Spain's population reached an all-time high of 49,570,725 inhabitants on January 1, 2026, according to official data from the National Statistics Institute (INE). This historic milestone represents a growth of 81,520 people during the fourth quarter of 2025, with migration accounting for the entire increase. For the first time in Spanish history, over 10 million residents were born abroad, now comprising 14.6% of the total population. The foreign-born population includes both non-citizens and those who have obtained Spanish citizenship, totaling 10,004,581 individuals.

This demographic surge is driven primarily by immigration, as the native-born population continues declining due to negative natural growth. Spain recorded its lowest number of births in more than two centuries in 2024, with just 317,255 births. The fertility rate has fallen to 1.10 children per woman, well below the 2.1 replacement level needed for generational stability. Among Spanish nationals specifically, the fertility rate drops even further to 1.07 children per woman.

Spain Population in Barcelona

Barcelona's population stood at 1,729,963 inhabitants on January 1, 2026, representing a slight decrease from the 1,732,066 recorded the previous year. Despite this small decline, the figure remains the second highest in the city's historical records. Barcelona continues to be one of Spain's most attractive destinations for international migrants, alongside Madrid and Valencia, posting some of the highest positive migration balances in the country. In Catalonia specifically, more than 50% of births are now to mothers born abroad, with the province of Girona reaching 57.9%.

Migration Driving Spain's Population Growth

Migration has become the sole driver of Spain's population growth, with 626,268 net newcomers arriving in 2024, the third-highest inflow of the decade. Colombian, Moroccan, and Venezuelan nationals topped the arrivals list, collectively accounting for more than 400,000 newcomers. In the fourth quarter of 2025 alone, 36,600 Colombians, 27,000 Venezuelans, and 22,000 Moroccans arrived in Spain. This steady upward trend in foreign population increased by 56,431 people in just that single quarter.

Aging Population and Demographic Challenges

More than 21% of Spain's residents are now over age 65, rising to 25% among native Spaniards. The most aged regions include Asturias, Galicia, Castile and León, and the Basque Country, while Murcia, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands have the youngest populations. Life expectancy remains among the highest in Europe and reached a new historic peak in 2024. However, this longevity combined with low birth rates creates significant pressure on public healthcare and pension systems.

Regional Fertility Variations Across Spain

Fertility rates vary dramatically across Spain's autonomous communities, with the Canary Islands recording the lowest at just 0.82 children per woman and only 0.78 among Spanish women. In several provinces, fertility has fallen below one child per woman, marking an unprecedented demographic crisis. The average age at which Spanish women have their first child reached a historic high of 32.3 years, a key factor behind the low birth rate. In 2024, 33.2% of all births were to mothers born abroad, while 38.5% of newborns had at least one immigrant parent.

Spain Population Summary

Spain's population reached a record 49,570,725 inhabitants in early 2026, driven entirely by immigration as native-born population continues declining. Over 10 million residents are now foreign-born, representing 14.6% of the total population. The country faces profound demographic challenges including historic lows in births (317,255 in 2024), fertility rates at 1.10 children per woman, and an aging population where over 21% are seniors. Barcelona, with 1,729,963 residents, remains Spain's second-most populous city despite a slight decline. Migration from Colombia, Venezuela, and Morocco continues fueling growth while putting pressure on housing, healthcare, and social services. Without continued immigration, Spain's population would be shrinking rapidly due to negative natural growth that has persisted since 2011.