Spanish Population & Castile and León Demographics
1. Major Sources of Spanish Population Data
Census
Reflects the population’s state at a given time, published every ten years. It is state-run, universal, obligatory, and confidential, containing information on residence, age, sex, marital status, children, nationality, etc.
Municipal Register (Padrón Municipal)
Prepared by municipalities and constantly updated with information on marriages and address changes.
Civil Registration
Records births, deaths, and marriages.
1.2 Population Evolution
Natural Movements
From the mid-19th century, birth rates declined, further impacted by emigration in the early 20th century, the Civil War, and its aftermath. Economic development and increased marriages from the 1950s led to recovery, peaking between 1956 and 1964. Rates fell again from 1977, reaching one of the world’s lowest levels due to declining fertility and women entering the workforce. Mortality declined from the early 20th century due to medical advances, increased life expectancy, and improved sanitation. Natural growth (birth rate minus mortality rate) reduced by 1900, rose after the 1918 flu pandemic, peaked between 1955 and 1964, and declined from the 1970s.
2.1 External Migratory Movements
Spain transitioned from a country of emigration to an immigration center.
Emigration Phase
- America: Peaked during the 16th and 17th centuries, declined in the 18th, and rose again in the 19th and early 20th until the 1930s when destination countries implemented restrictions. Post-Civil War, emigration increased to Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, etc.
- Western Europe: Post-war rebuilding created labor demands. Spanish emigration to Germany, France, and Switzerland peaked between 1960 and 1973, exceeding one million people, primarily from Andalusia and Galicia.
Immigration Center
Immigrants, mostly young, have higher birth and fertility rates than Spaniards. Migration from developed European countries joins that from Latin America, Eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia, often for specific jobs in trade and agriculture.
2.2 Internal Migration
Starting in the 16th century with movement to the periphery, it accelerated in the late 19th century with industrial development in Barcelona. The Civil War and its aftermath slowed the movement. From the 1950s, industrial development and tourism caused a resurgence, affecting young people and leading to rural aging and urban rejuvenation. Currently, internal migration is scarce, and rural areas are sparsely populated.
4.1 Population Structure by Sex and Age
Structure by Sex
More women than men.
Age Structure
A clear aging trend, with more elderly in provinces affected by migration. Aging increases social expenditures (pensions, healthcare) due to longer life expectancy.
4.2 Labor Force Structure
The labor force declined due to compulsory schooling, increased higher education, and early retirement.
- Female labor force: Grown by 35%.
- Employed population: Decreased during the 1970s and 1980s.
- Unemployed population: Declined from the 1990s until 2007.
Working population by sector:
- Primary sector: Decreasing.
- Secondary sector: Peaked in 1981.
- Tertiary sector: Steady increase.
5.1 Evolution of the Castilian-Leonese Population
The Douro Valley’s agricultural capacity led to early human occupation. Roman times saw intense activity. Recruitment in the Middle Ages shaped the territory and settlements. The discovery of America revitalized the Castile and León region. In the 18th century, emigration to America occurred. The 19th century saw immigration and a rural exodus, continuing into the 20th century and accentuating internal imbalances. Recent decades show emigration.
5.2 Natural Movement in Castile and León
Tending to decrease.
- Birth rate: Low (7%), favoring an older population.
- Mortality rate: Slightly above the national average (10%).
- Infant mortality: Similar to the national average.
5.3 Migratory Movements in Castile and León
Throughout the 20th century, over two thousand people migrated from Castile and León. Early emigration targeted Latin America, shifting to France, Germany, and Switzerland in the 1950s. Migration also occurred to Madrid, Catalonia, and the Basque Country. Since 2002, foreign immigration has offset the migration balance, directed towards cities and originating from Latin America, North Africa, and Eastern Europe. These immigrants, often employed in construction, mining, and domestic services, are typically young and face integration challenges.
5.4 Population Distribution in Castile and León
Uneven distribution, with 50% of the land having a density below 10 inhabitants/km².
- Mountain regions: Sparsely populated and experiencing abandonment.
- Plain regions: Depopulation.
- Core cities: Valladolid, León, Burgos, Salamanca.
5.5 Population Composition in Castile and León
Aging trend due to declining birth and fertility rates and increased life expectancy. The labor force is slightly lower than the national average, and unemployment is high.
Sectors of activity:
- Primary sector:
- Secondary sector: Stagnant growth.
- Tertiary sector: Continued development.