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Immigration Drives Spain’s Population to 49.15 Million as Birth Rates Fall

Funcas ranks the country’s fertility drop third in the EU, warning of strain on pensions, healthcare, elder care services.

Los pies de un bebé.
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Overview

  • A surge in net migration lifted Spain’s population to a record 49.15 million in the first quarter of 2025, offsetting natural decline.
  • Between 2008 and 2023 annual births plunged by 38%, marking the third-largest drop in the EU and with Cantabria experiencing the steepest regional fall at 49%.
  • Assisted reproduction treatments have jumped sixfold since 2003, reaching nearly 200,000 cycles in 2022 and accounting for 12% of all births.
  • The average age of mothers rose from 30.8 years in 2003 to 33.1 in 2023, reflecting a trend toward delayed parenthood.
  • Funcas warns that sustained sub-replacement fertility will shrink the workforce and reshape housing markets and service sectors.