An unprecedented demographic change
Catalonia is in the midst of a demographic transformation that redefines its social and cultural structure. Recently, data have been published that reveal that by 2023, 52.6% of babies born in Catalonia had at least one foreign parent, a percentage that exceeds the national average of 38.8%.
Regional comparisons and implications
This trend demonstrates a unique demographic phenomenon in Catalonia, where the presence of foreign population is becoming more and more significant. In contrast, regions such as Extremadura have a much lower rate, with only 14.8% births with foreign parents. This reflects not only an increase in the foreign population, but also a change in birth ages.
Fertile age and migratory flows
The data from the National Statistics Institute show that more than 40% of the Catalan population between the ages of 25 and 39 is of foreign origin. In addition, between January and April 2025, Catalonia received 14,500 immigrants, while the native population decreased by 10,000. This dynamic suggests a population renewal mainly fueled by immigration.
Fertility rate and cultural diversity
The fertility rate in Catalonia has reached a historic minimum of 1.1 children per woman. However, this number varies significantly according to the origin of mothers. Foreign women have an average fertility of 1.32 children, while the native ones remain at 1.06. Municipalities such as Salt and Lloret de Mar have registered birth rates of foreign mothers that exceed 50%.
Future perspectives and social adaptation
Demographic change in Catalonia is not only numerical, but also cultural. The immigrant communities, with high birth rates, are contributing to a progressive demographic replacement. According to academic studies, if current trends are maintained, immigrants and their descendants are likely to become the majority in the region in the coming decades.
Impact on society
As Catalonia continues to grow, with an increase in the total population of more than 8.1 million, the percentage of foreign population already exceeds 25%. This new reality demands an adaptation in various fields, such as the labor market, education and social policies, which will have to take into account an increasingly diverse society.
