The latest demographic data for Spain reveals a deep chasm between regions. While the most common age for the entire country is 49, in areas affected by depopulation this figure rises to 63. This divergence illustrates the problem of an aging society in the interior, while cities attract a younger population, including migrants.
Dominant age nationwide
The most common age of a resident in Spain is 49, reflecting the impact of the baby boom generation from the 1970s.
Dramatic aging of the interior
In depopulating areas, mainly in the interior, the most common age rises to 63, indicating mass emigration of young people.
Population growth driven by migration
Despite the aging of the native population, Spain's population is growing and exceeds 49.5 million, mainly due to immigration.
Young migrants in cities
In large centers like Madrid, up to half of people aged 30-34 were born abroad, rejuvenating the structure of metropolises.
Spain's demography paints a picture of sharp territorial contrasts. For the entire country, considering mainly the populated coasts and metropolitan areas, the most common age is 49. The Spanish demographic peak, known as the "baby boom," reached its height in the 1970s, after the Francoist period, leading to a significant increase in births, the echo of which is visible today in the age structure. A completely different reality is shown by data for so-called Empty Spain. In these areas, experiencing intense depopulation, the most common age of a resident rises to 63. This fourteen-year difference between the national average and the average for depopulating regions is one of the starkest indicators of demographic inequalities in the European Union. Young people are leaving the countryside and small towns en masse in search of education and job opportunities in large urban agglomerations. Paradoxically, despite this internal drain of young labor, Spain's total population continues to grow, surpassing the threshold of 49.5 million people. The key factor driving this growth is immigration. Over 10 million people born outside its borders live in the country. The rejuvenating effect of migration is particularly visible in large cities. For example, in Madrid, in the 30-34 age group, nearly half of the residents are of foreign origin. This data confirms that Spain is becoming a society of two speeds: an aging and depopulating interior and dynamic, international metropolises where the influx of migrants mitigates the effects of the demographic decline.