Spain's Population Growth and Migration Impact

Real Population Growth in Spain

The actual growth of the population can be calculated using the formula: Real Growth = Natural Growth (Births - Deaths) + Net Migration (Immigrants - Emigrants). Since the 19th century, Spain's population has increased threefold, but this growth has not been steady. It can be divided into distinct periods:

• Mid-19th to Early 20th Centuries

  The increase was low due to low natural growth, characteristic of the old demographic regime (high birth and mortality rates), and significant overseas emigration.

• 1900-1975 Period

  This period saw high growth, driven by the high natural growth typical of the demographic transition. The increase would have been even greater if not partially constrained by continued mortality from epidemics, war, and emigration.

• 1975-2001 Period

  The population increase was very low due to the low natural growth characteristic of the modern demographic regime. The decrease would have been greater if not offset by the return of emigrants due to economic crises and the rise in foreign immigration starting around 1995.

• Since 2001

  Population growth has accelerated, primarily driven by foreign immigration and somewhat higher birth rates.

Consequences of External Migration

External migration has had significant implications for Spain:

• Demographic Consequences

  These included a decrease in the effective Spanish population and changes to its distribution. Varying migration flows across regions contributed to imbalances in the current spatial distribution of the population.

• Economic Consequences

  Initially, consequences were positive, easing pressure from natural population growth and unemployment. However, the impact on savings for the areas of origin was often negative. Emigrants' savings were sometimes invested by banks in more developed areas, or returning migrants settled in different areas seeking work or small business opportunities, rather than their place of origin.

• Social Consequences

  These involved the challenges of uprooting and integration in destination countries. Migrants often faced societies with unfamiliar languages and customs, harsh living conditions, separation from families, poor quality housing, and low-wage employment. After the 1975 economic crisis, migrants were frequently the first affected by layoffs. Many returned without having improved their professional qualifications or gained new skills, facing renewed difficulties in finding work and securing housing back in Spain.