The demographic revolution in Spain: Over 20% of residents were born outside the country
[60103] The demographic revolution in Spain: Over 20% of residents were born outside the country
New data reveals that Spain has become the central hub for immigration to the European Union, with ten million foreign-born residents preventing demographic decline in the country.
The demographic revolution in Spain: Over 20% of residents were born outside the country
According to data updated to the beginning of 2026, Spain has crossed a significant demographic threshold: about 10 million residents in the country were born outside its borders, a figure representing about 20.3% of the total population. The data, based on Eurostat reports, highlights Spain's critical role in changing the face of Europe.
The Abu Ali Express channel (which takes a critical line regarding immigration policy and regional players) noted that "without immigration, Spain's population would have actually shrunk" due to low birth rates and aging processes of the local population. According to the report on the channel, Spain is responsible for the lion's share of demographic growth in the European Union.
Similarly, Hadashot 360 | All The News reported that in the period between January 2024 and January 2025, the European Union's population grew by about 1.07 million people. According to Hadashot 360, Spain, which constitutes only about 11% of the EU's population, "contributed almost a third of the total growth in the number of residents of foreign origin" in Europe during this period, with an addition of about 700,000 foreign-born residents.