Navarre's Population Dynamics: Migration & Demographic Trends

Navarre's Migration History

Emigration was the primary migratory flow throughout the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. This emigration primarily targeted destinations outside America, including France and, to a lesser extent, Guipúzcoa, often linked to the industrialization processes of those territories. Most migrants originated from mountainous regions.

In the 1960s, Navarre became a destination for Spanish internal migration, driven by the country's industrial transformation. Immigrants primarily settled in Pamplona and neighboring municipalities (e.g., Burlada, Berriozar), as well as other cities like Alsasua and Tudela. These immigrants largely came from major regions such as Castilla y León, Extremadura, and Andalusia.

This period also saw a significant rural exodus, again linked to the industrialization of the capital. Immigrants to the capital primarily originated from the Navarrese Pyrenees and the Middle East, regions experiencing prolonged depopulation. With the industrial crisis of the 1970s, migration from other Spanish areas largely ceased, though movements continued with some bordering provinces, involving both emigration and immigration.

Demographic Structure of Navarre

Population Pyramids: A Visual History

• 1960: Triangular Shape (Expansive)

  Represents a young population with a broad base, indicating a high birth rate. This corresponds to Spain's development years and the demographic impact of the "baby boom." There was an incoming differential in the 20-24 age group, corresponding to those born during the Civil War (1936-1939).

• 1970: Bell or Warhead Shape (Mature, Stationary)

  Characterized by a mature, stationary population with a fairly wide base.

• 1981: Urn Shape (Declining Birth Rate)

  Birth rates were clearly down, caused by the economic crisis of 1975 and coinciding with the political transition from the Franco regime to democracy. This led to progressive birth control.

Age Structure

• Young Population: 14.26%, well below the 35% considered characteristic of a young country.
• Elderly Population: 17.48%, above the 12% threshold considered indicative of an aging country.

Overall, Navarre, like Spain as a whole, has an aging population.

Sex Structure

Women generally have a longer life expectancy due to biological factors and working conditions.

Birth Rate Trends

In Spain, there has been a slight recovery in birth rates for the 0-4 age group (though still low). This modest increase is primarily attributed to immigration.