Record-Breaking Life Expectancy: New Data
Spain has recorded an average life expectancy above 84 years for the first time in its history. The figure rose to 84.01 years, setting a new record for the country. For comparison, in 2023 this number was 83.77 years, and half a century ago it was just 73.4 years. Experts attribute this steady rise to improved quality of life, better access to healthcare, and lifestyle changes among the population.
Women in Spain continue to outlive men: their average life expectancy is 86.53 years, compared to 81.38 years for men. In recent years, the gender gap has remained steady, even as both numbers continue to climb. Despite these positive trends, specialists note that rising life expectancy comes with an aging population and shifts in the country’s age structure.
Aging Population and Demographic Challenges
The country is seeing a clear shift in its age structure: the proportion of elderly people is rising while the number of young people is shrinking. The base of the demographic pyramid is narrowing, while the top is widening. This poses serious challenges for the social support system and the economy. In 2024, the number of newborns declined by 0.8% compared to the previous year, reaching a historic low of just 318,005 babies. This is the lowest figure since official records began in 1941.
The average age of women at the birth of their first child remains at 32.6 years, and one in ten children is born to a mother over 40. Moreover, half of all children are born to women who are not married. These trends reflect shifts in society and the economy, as well as the challenges young families face.
Birth Rate and the Role of Migration
In 2024, a quarter of all newborns in Spain have foreign mothers. When considering origin, a third of babies are born to women from other countries. The birth rate among foreign women is almost twice as high as among Spanish women: 12.04 versus 5.61 per thousand women. On average, Spanish women have 1.07 children, while foreign women have 1.27. However, even accounting for migration, the overall birth rate in the country continues to fall, reaching a historic low of 1.1 children per woman in 2024.
The reasons for the decline in birth rates lie in social and economic factors. Young people are entering the job market later, facing unstable employment, and struggling to balance work and family life. Additionally, infertility cases are on the rise. As a result, Spain has recorded a negative natural population growth for the eighth consecutive year: the number of deaths exceeds the number of births by 116,056.
Impact on Society and Prospects
An aging population and a shrinking number of young people present the country with new challenges. The social support and healthcare systems, originally designed for a different demographic structure, require adaptation. On average, after the age of 65, Spaniards spend about 9.5 years (women) and 9.8 years (men) in good health. However, after 85, most face chronic illnesses.
Experts point out that declining birth rates are a global trend, and Spain will be no exception. In the coming years, the country will need to find solutions to support families, integrate migrants, and adapt to new demographic realities.
