Evolution of Immigration and Emigration in Spain
Graphics: Foreign Immigration in Spain
Until the last third of the 20th century, Spain was primarily a country of emigration. Spaniards steadily migrated to America during the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as to North Africa during certain periods.
The flow of migrants to America began with the discovery and conquest of the continent and continued throughout the colonial period. It was an intense and continuous migration involving thousands of people from all Spanish regions who sought to improve their living conditions. For some, emigration was temporary, but for others, it turned out to be definitive. Only after the Civil War did the number of legal emigrants decline considerably, which resulted in significant illegal emigration.
Since 1960, the stream of American emigration lost importance and was replaced by the stream of emigration to industrial European countries.
Foreign Immigration in Spain
Recent Growth in Immigration
Over the past ten years, the increase in the foreign population in Spain has been more significant than at any other time. In 1999, just over 700,000 foreigners lived in Spain; by 2006, this figure rose to constitute 9.3% of the total Spanish population.
Primary Causes of Increased Immigration
- Unequal living conditions in the immigrants' countries of departure.
- Political instability and armed conflicts in some countries of origin.
- Economic growth in Spain.
- The gradual aging of the Spanish population and its impact on the economy.
- Employment offers in activities that appear unattractive to the local Spanish population.
- The low initial number of immigrants previously residing in Spain.
- Spain's position as a "gateway" to Southern Europe, being the nearest border for migrants from Africa.
- The mild climate and lower cost of living compared to other European countries.
Foreign Population by Region of Origin
The primary regions of origin for immigrants to Spain are, in order of importance:
- Europe: 38.9%
- Central and South America: 35.6%
- Africa: 18.9%
Top Five Countries of Origin
Five countries account for nearly half of the foreign population in Spain:
- Morocco: 13.59%
- Ecuador: 11.13%
- Romania: 9.82%
- United Kingdom: 6.63%
- Colombia: 6.40%
These figures represent the three main areas of origin and reflect the diversity of causes that bring migrants to Spain, ranging from economic and political factors to the mild climate.
Illegal Immigration and Transit Points
We must also remember that illegal immigration exists and is difficult to quantify. In many instances, Spain serves only as a transit country. We would highlight the importance of the Canary Islands as a significant passage point from Africa. It should be noted that after the 2008 economic crisis, this effect has diminished.