Spain’s population has hit a record high of 48.95 million as of October 1, with immigration driving 84% of the growth since January 2022, according to the Features analysis center.
Of the 1.5 million increase, 1.2 million came from foreign nationals, while 232,000 were from Spanish citizens.
Immigration has boosted populations across all autonomous communities, except Extremadura, which saw a decline. Regions like Asturias, Castilla y León, and Galicia, often grappling with demographic challenges, experienced significant gains from incoming migrants.
Historically, immigration spurred 70% of Spain’s population growth before the 2008 crisis. However, numbers dipped between 2012 and 2015 as many immigrants left. Growth resumed in 2016 at a slower pace, plateauing during 2020–2021. Since 2022, a surge in immigration has marked a new phase of robust population expansion.
