Demographic challenges in Catalonia and the prospect of immigration is transforming social structures. The community is experiencing an accelerated aging of the natives and a low birth rate. This makes Catalonia a historically diverse region, today experiencing a change in its population composition.
The population of Catalonia has grown exponentially, from 1.65 million in 1857 to 8 million in 2024. Of this population, 2.4 million are first or second generation immigrants. Thus, Catalonia faces significant challenges in the demographic structure.
53, 4 % of young men were not born in Catalonia
It is important to highlight the decisive role played by immigration in the increase of the Catalan population. In Barcelona, more than 50% of young men were foreign-born, highlighting a growing multiculturalism in the region. Despite this, immigration has not been sufficient to balance the low birth rate of native Spaniards.
Since 1976, the number of births to Spanish mothers has decreased by 70%. It should be noted that, in the last 15 years, the number of deaths of Spaniards born in Catalonia has increased by 280,000. This corresponds to births to mothers born in Spain.
Demographic challenges in Catalonia: Fertility has been historically low
This means that fertility in Catalonia has been low historically, it should also be noted that the last forty years it has been comparable to the rest of Spain, which remains at the same levels and has prevented it from reaching to maintain a stable population. Currently, twice as many Spanish citizens die in Catalonia as are born. In contrast, this balance among the immigrant population is the opposite, with six births for every death.
Spaniards residing in Catalonia have no family origins
According to a report, Spaniards living in Catalonia have no local family roots. In combination with those of Catalan origin and from other parts of Spain. Although these policies of linguistic immersion, their language is Spanish. Likewise, surnames are more common in Spain and are also more common in Catalonia, which is a significant manifestation of cultural integration.
Demographic challenges in Catalonia: Impact is evident in the young population.
The impact is evident in the young population, which means that half of the babies born in Catalonia have a foreign parent. It should be noted that, in the province of Girona, this percentage exceeds 50%.
In addition, many of the new Catalans are children of African, Asian and Hispanic-American parents. This, with a notable presence of Muslims, occurs in provinces with smaller populations, such as Lleida, Girona and Tarragona.
The major demographic challenges in Catalonia and the demographic future of the region reveal an aging and shrinking population. These projections indicate that this region will continue to register fewer births and more deaths. This will result in a steady decline of the native population.
