Across Spain and in twelve of its seventeen autonomous communities, the most common age is 49, corresponding to the birth year 1976. In regions affected by long-term depopulation, referred to as Empty Spain, the dominant age is already 61. In some provinces, such as Zamora, this figure reaches as high as 62 and 63 years.

Spain's Demographic Divergence

While the most common age in the country and in most regions is 49 years, in depopulating provinces it reaches 63 years, revealing deep demographic disparities.

Population and Immigration Growth

Spain's population has exceeded 49.5 million. Among residents, there are over 10 million people born abroad, and in Madrid, nearly half of people aged 30-34 are foreigners.

Legacy of the Baby Boom

The dominant age of 49 is a direct legacy of the baby boom of the 1970s, which peaked in 1976. The highest birth rates in coastal regions and Madrid were recorded between the late 1950s and mid-1970s.

Spain's demographics paint a picture of a country at two speeds. For the majority of the population, living mainly in metropolitan and coastal areas, the most common age is currently 49. This figure, reflecting the baby boom generation of the 1970s, dominates in twelve of the seventeen autonomous communities and at the national level. The Spanish baby boom, also known as the 'baby boom', occurred mainly in the 1960s and 1970s, following a period of economic stagnation and isolation during the Francoist era, and contributed to a significant population increase. A completely different picture is presented by the interior regions, referred to as Empty Spain. These areas, experiencing an exodus of young people to cities for decades, are aging at a dramatic rate. Here, the most common age is already 61, and in some provinces, such as Zamora, it reaches even 62 and 63 years. This generational gap is a clear indicator of territorial inequalities and challenges related to depopulation. Simultaneously, despite societal aging in many regions, Spain records growth in its total population, which has exceeded 49.5 million. A key role in this growth is played by immigration. The country is home to over 10 million people born abroad. This phenomenon is particularly visible in large cities; in Madrid, nearly half of the residents in the 30-34 age group are of foreign origin. This data indicates that while the native population is aging, the influx of young migrants partially compensates for these trends in urban centers.