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Date Published: 14/02/2025

Spain's population surpasses 49 million, largely driven by immigration

The nation’s demographic growth reaches a historic milestone, largely due to an influx of foreign residents

Spain’s population has surpassed 49 million for the first time, reaching 49,077,984 inhabitants as of January 1, 2025. This marks an increase of nearly 1% compared to the previous year, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE). The driving force behind this growth has been immigration, as the number of foreign-born residents has risen significantly, while the native-born population has only seen a modest increase.

In the last quarter of 2024 alone, Spain’s population grew by 115,612 people, contributing to a total annual increase of 458,289. The number of foreign-born residents expanded by 100,793, bringing the total to 6,852,348. Meanwhile, the native-born population grew by just 14,819. Much of this increase has come from immigration from countries such as Colombia, Venezuela and Morocco, reflecting Spain’s continued role as a key destination for those seeking new opportunities.

At present, around 20% of Spain’s population was born outside the country. Growth has been recorded across all autonomous communities, with the largest increases seen in the Valencian Community, Madrid and Catalonia. At the same time, the number of households has reached an all-time high of 19,425,559, reinforcing the scale of demographic change taking place.

Málaga province, in particular, has seen substantial growth. Its population rose by 14,402 in 2024, bringing the total to 1,789,103 residents. Significantly, 66.15% of this growth – 9,528 people – came from the foreign-born population, underlining the strong role that immigration plays in shaping the province’s future.

This demographic shift highlights the increasing diversity within Spain and the importance of immigration in the country’s economic and social fabric. As the nation continues to evolve, with a growing number of foreign residents settling in Spain and having their residency status regularised, their contributions will continue to influence the nation’s development, bringing cultural richness and demographic dynamism.

While Spain’s population is growing, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring sustainable infrastructure, housing and public services. Policymakers will need to consider how best to manage this continued rise in population while making the most of the opportunities that come with a more diverse and expanding society.

Image: Pixabay/Pexels

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