Spain Sees First Increase in Birth Rate in a Decade, But Regional Variations Highlight Ongoing Demographic Challenges

After a decade of declining birth rates, Spain has witnessed a modest but significant increase in the number of births in 2024. This shift, although small, marks a crucial turning point in the country's demographic landscape.

National Trends

According to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), a total of 322,034 babies were born in Spain in 2024, representing a 0.4% increase (1,378 more births) compared to the previous year. This rise is largely attributed to net migration, which has seen over 642,000 people move to Spain in the last two and a half years, one of the highest immigration rates in Europe[1][2].

Despite this positive trend, Spain's fertility rate remains low at 1.4 babies per woman in 2023. The increase in births is more a reflection of the growing fertile population due to immigration rather than an improvement in fertility rates among the native population.

Regional Variations

The increase in births is not uniform across Spain. Cantabria and the Balearic Islands recorded the highest increases, with Cantabria seeing a 13.3% rise and the Balearic Islands a 5.7% increase. In contrast, Galicia and the Basque Country experienced significant declines, with Galicia's birth rate dropping by 4.4% and the Basque Country's by 3.7%[1][2].

Madrid, known for its vibrant and diverse population, also saw an increase in births, with a 4.7% rise. However, regions like Galicia, Castilla y León, and Catalonia faced the most negative natural population balances, with more deaths than births[2].

Demographic Challenges

Despite the slight recovery in birth rates, Spain continues to face significant demographic challenges. The country saw 439,146 deaths in 2024, a 0.7% increase from 2023, resulting in a natural population decline of 114,937 people. This marks the eighth consecutive year where deaths have outnumbered births[1][2].

The trend of delayed motherhood is also becoming more pronounced. Births to mothers aged 40 or older have increased by 8.5% over the past decade, now accounting for 10.4% of all births. Economic constraints, work-life balance challenges, and high housing costs are identified as primary barriers to family formation, with over 77% of respondents citing a lack of economic means as the main reason for having fewer children[1][2].

Immigration and Population Growth

Immigration remains the key factor in Spain's population growth. The influx of over one million new residents since the end of 2022 has helped Spain surpass the population barrier of 49 million inhabitants. Only five regions—Madrid, Murcia, the Balearics, Melilla, and Ceuta—achieved positive population growth in 2024[2].

Integration and Future Outlook

Spain's integration programs for migrants are crucial in addressing the demographic challenges. Various initiatives, such as the host family program for Ukrainian families and projects against violence against women, are in place to support the integration of new residents. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to make Spain a more inclusive and diverse society[3].

In conclusion, while the increase in birth rates in Spain is a welcome change, it is clear that the country still faces significant demographic hurdles. The role of immigration in boosting the population and the need for continued support for family formation and migrant integration will be pivotal in shaping Spain's demographic future.