Spanish Population Change: Fertility, Mortality, Migration

Demographic regimes

Old regime

Old regime: Births were high due to the predominance of a rural economy and society and the absence of effective systems to control high natality. Mortality was high because of low living standards, poor medical conditions, inadequate diet and poor sanitation. The imbalance was pronounced: to the high fertility was added a high mortality, with catastrophic mortality episodes caused by epidemics, wars and poor harvests. Infant mortality was very high, and life expectancy was low.

Natural growth and transition (1900–1975)

Natural demographic transition (1900–1975): Fertility decreased and mortality declined. Natural growth remained high while mortality fell, especially between 1920 and 1965 when mortality declined sharply. Overall growth fell later due to increases in the standard of living (better diet) and medical advances. Infant mortality decreased thanks to advances in pediatrics, and life expectancy rose as a result.

Current regime (since 1975)

Current demographic regime: From around 1975 both birth and death rates became low, producing low natural growth. Natality declined from 1975 onward.

1975–1998: Decline in births

Between 1975 and 1998 there was a sharp decline in births due to economic changes and the socio-cultural situation. The delayed age at marriage and changes in attitudes and values during the transition to democracy contributed to the declining birth rate. Religious influence has declined, contraception became widespread, and women entered the workforce.

Since 1998: Recovery and migration

Since 1998 the birth rate has experienced a partial recovery due to immigration. Mortality figures remain low; the apparent increase in deaths is largely caused by the increasing number of elderly people, since actual age-specific mortality rates continue to decline.

Causes of death and life expectancy

The causes of death have changed: there is an increase in the so-called "3 Cs": cancer, cardiovascular disease, and car (road) accidents. Overall mortality is very low and life expectancy is increasing thanks to medical advances.

• By sex: life expectancy is higher for women than for men; men have often had lifestyles that involve greater risk.
• By social status: life expectancy is higher among wealthier and skilled occupational groups, which have lower mortality related to labor conditions and social class.

Natural growth trend to 1998

The natural growth rate of the current demographic regime fell until 1998 due to persistently low birth rates combined with low mortality.

Summary of factors mentioned

• High births and high mortality in the old regime due to rural economy, poor sanitation and medical care, epidemics, wars and crop failures.
• Decline in mortality and fertility during the 20th century; major mortality decline between 1920 and 1965.
• Infant mortality declined due to advances in pediatrics; life expectancy rose.
• Post-1975 decline in births due to economic, cultural and social changes, delayed marriage, reduced religious influence, contraception and female labor participation.
• Recovery in birth rates since 1998 linked to immigration.
• Apparent mortality increases driven by population aging, while age-specific mortality continues to fall.
• Shift in causes of death toward cancer, cardiovascular disease, and road accidents.
• Clear differences in life expectancy by sex and socioeconomic status.