Births rise in Spain for first time in over a decade

"The number of babies born in Spain rose slightly for the first time in more than a decade in 2025, official data showed Wednesday, a boost for a country facing one of Europe's most serious demographic crises. Spain recorded 321,164 births last year, a rise of 3,159 or around one percent over 2024, according to preliminary figures from national statistics institute INE. It is the first time that the yearly number of births has increased since 2014."

"But the number of deaths in 2025 rose 2.5 percent over the previous year to 446,982, leading to a natural population decline of 122,167. Spain has recorded a natural population decline -- more deaths than births -- each year since 2017. Countries all over the world are facing population crises with births below figures needed to sustain current populations, leaving older people dependent on a shrinking working-age population."

"With Spain facing an ageing population and low birth rate, the country has pursued an open immigration policy in recent years, in contrast to its peers in the West. Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez unveiled a plan last month to regularise 500,000 undocumented immigrants, mainly from Latin America. The policy has faced strong criticism from right-wing parties, who call it "reckless". Sanchez argues immigrants help sustain the workforce and maintain the pension system."

Births in Spain rose to 321,164 in 2025, an increase of 3,159 (around one percent) over 2024 and the first annual rise since 2014. Deaths increased 2.5 percent to 446,982, producing a natural population decline of 122,167. Spain has recorded a natural decline each year since 2017. Global trends show births below replacement levels, leaving older populations dependent on fewer working-age people. Spain pursued an open immigration policy and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez proposed regularisation of 500,000 undocumented immigrants, mainly from Latin America. The proposal faced right-wing criticism, while the government says immigration sustains the workforce and pensions. Spain's population was 49.5 million, including 7.2 million foreigners (14.6%).

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