Spain's Demographic Journey: Migration and Population Trends

Spain: A Historical Look at Migration Patterns

Has Spain always been a destination country? A look at its history reveals significant shifts in migration patterns:

• 1898: Spain loses its last major colonies, Cuba and the Philippines, leading to an increase in the peninsular population.
• 1914-1918: World War I.
• 1936-1939: Spanish Civil War. Political refugees seek asylum in France and Mexico.
• 1939-1945: World War II.
• 1950s-1960s:
  • Domestic Migration: Significant movement from rural areas to urban centers within Spain.
  • Emigration to Europe: Many Spaniards emigrate to more industrialized European countries like Germany and France.
  • Emigration to Latin America: Continued emigration to various Latin American nations.
• 1973: World Oil Crisis. Many Spanish emigrants return home.
• 1975: Francisco Franco passes away, marking the end of the dictatorship.
• 1986: Spain joins the European Economic Community (EEC).
• 1990s: Due to a strong economy, immigrants begin to arrive in Spain.
• 1992: The European Union (EU) is formed with the Maastricht Treaty.
• 2002: The Euro currency is introduced in Spain.
• 2008: Global Economic Crisis. Immigrants in Spain begin to return to their home countries.

Key Characteristics of Spain's Population

Life Expectancy in Spain

At approximately 81 years old, the life expectancy of Spain's population is among the highest in the world. Possibilities to further increase this life expectancy include creating more hospitals and care homes, and guaranteeing the pensions of retirees.

Population Distribution Across Spain

Spain has a medium population density, with approximately 93.2 inhabitants/km². However, Spain's population is very unevenly distributed across its territory.

• Most Densely Populated Areas: These include the Community of Madrid, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, and the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla.
• Least Densely Populated Areas: These typically include interior regions of the peninsula, such as Castile-La Mancha and Extremadura.

Rural and Urban Population Dynamics

In rural areas, agriculture and livestock farming are the main economic activities. In contrast, people in urban areas tend to work in industry or services.

Population distribution by settlement size can be categorized as follows:

• Rural Population: Less than 2,000 inhabitants. Under 7% of the total population lives in rural areas.
• Semi-Urban Population: Between 2,000 and 9,999 inhabitants. About 15% of the population lives in these areas.
• Urban Population: More than 10,000 inhabitants. Approximately 78% of the population lives in these areas.