Spain Sees First Increase in Births in Over a Decade Amid Demographic Challenges

In 2025, Spain recorded a total of 321,164 births, marking the first increase in the number of births since 2014. This rise of 3,159 births, or approximately 1%, comes as a significant development for a country grappling with one of Europe's most pressing demographic crises. Despite this positive trend in births, the number of deaths also rose, reaching 446,982, which represents a 2.5% increase from the previous year. Consequently, Spain experienced a natural population decline of 122,167 people, continuing a trend of more deaths than births that has persisted since 2017.

The Local (Spain)The Straits TimesSpain sees first rise in births in a decade but numbers remain 24% below 2015 levels

Spain's demographic challenges are compounded by an aging population and a historically low birth rate. The country has pursued an open immigration policy to mitigate these issues, contrasting with many of its Western peers. In January 2025, Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a plan to regularize 500,000 undocumented immigrants, primarily from Latin America. This policy aims to bolster the workforce and support the pension system, which is increasingly strained by the demographic imbalance.

The Straits Times

The increase in births was not uniform across the country. The largest increases were observed in the Community of Madrid (3.3%) and the Basque Country (3.0%). Conversely, significant declines were noted in the autonomous cities of Melilla (-10.1%) and Ceuta (-6.6%), as well as in the Balearic Islands (-2.6%). In terms of mortality, the most substantial increases in deaths were recorded in Ceuta (16.5%) and Melilla (15.2%), while La Rioja saw a decrease of 3.7%.

Spain sees first rise in births in a decade but numbers remain 24% below 2015 levels

The immigration policy proposed by Sánchez has faced criticism from right-wing parties, who label it as "reckless." Critics argue that such measures may not adequately address the underlying issues of low birth rates and an aging population. However, Sánchez maintains that immigrants are essential for sustaining the workforce and ensuring the viability of the pension system.

The Straits Times

While the increase in births is a positive sign, it is essential to contextualize this change. The 2025 birth figures are still nearly 100,000 lower than the 2015 levels, indicating that the overall trend of declining births remains a concern. The final data for 2025 from the National Statistics Institute (INE) will provide further clarity on whether this uptick signifies a lasting change in demographic trends.

Spain sees first rise in births in a decade but numbers remain 24% below 2015 levels

• “Sanchez argues immigrants help sustain the workforce and maintain the pension system.” — Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain

The Local (Spain)

In summary, while Spain's slight increase in births offers a glimmer of hope amidst ongoing demographic challenges, the country continues to face significant hurdles, including rising mortality rates and a contentious immigration policy.

The Straits Times