The silent crisis of youth emigration
A worrying phenomenon is shaking Spanish society, with Catalonia at the center of the scene. The flight of educated young people, a trend that has intensified in recent years, is a warning that we cannot ignore. In 2022, Spain saw 623,239 people leave the country, a figure that contrasts with the 381,724 who did the same the previous year. This migration is not just a statistic; it is an alarming indicator of the loss of talent.
A new migration paradigm
The new profile of Spanish emigrants is notably different from the past. They are no longer low-skilled workers looking for opportunities abroad; they are now young people with higher education looking for a better future. This brain drain not only represents a loss of human resources, but also implies a decrease in the investments made in their education, which translates into a loss of human capital of around 150 billion euros.
The devastating impact of abortion
In addition to emigration, another phenomenon is manifesting itself strongly in Catalonia and Spain: abortion. In 2023, 103,097 abortions were registered in Spain, with Catalonia leading the way with an alarming rate of 14.92 per 1,000 women. This means that one out of every five abortions in Spain takes place in Catalonia, a figure that highlights the seriousness of a situation that causes a decline in the rate of population growth.
Demographic consequences
The significance of these numbers is profound. The decline in births, which translates into a 20% to 40% drop, will inevitably affect the future workforce. With fewer births, the working population will shrink, generating a domino effect that will impact the country’s economy.
A dangerous combination
The combination of low birth rates and massive emigration creates a bleak picture for the Spanish economy. The country faces stagnant productivity and a growing reliance on low-skilled sectors, while investment in R&D remains stagnant. The situation is complicated by an alarmingly low fertility rate of 1.1.
Long-term repercussions
The effects of low birth rates and emigration are not only immediate. With an increasing dependency burden and an aging population, Spain faces a future where innovation and competitiveness could be compromised. This leads to a vicious circle of low wages and a lack of opportunities for professional growth.
The value of human capital
Human capital is fundamental to a country’s economy. In Spain, the value of human capital per capita was 320,975 euros in 2021, while in Catalonia it was 385,170 euros. The losses associated with abortion and emigration, which total more than 183 billion euros, represent a significant loss of GDP, equivalent to 13.3% at the national level.
A critical reflection
We face a complex and worrying reality. The loss of human capital, both through emigration and abortion, forces us to rethink our social and economic policies. Without a change of course, the future of Catalonia and Spain is uncertain, with challenges that will require innovative solutions and a deep reflection on the value of human capital and its importance for sustainable growth.
