Barcelona, May 30 – The latest municipal census report reveals a city undergoing profound demographic transformation, with residents from 181 different nationalities. The foreign population has reached 26.6% of the total registered residents, amounting to 460,409 people, an increase of 0.7%.
Foreign Population Surges, Native-Born Declines
While the foreign population continues to grow, native-born Barcelonans now account for only 44.6% of the total. Argentina, Colombia, and Pakistan are the most represented foreign communities in the city.
Ciutat Vella stands out as the district with the highest foreign presence, where non-Spanish residents constitute 54.8% of the population. This reflects a broader trend across the city, as detailed in the municipal census report released this morning by the City Council.
Overall Population Decline and Record Low Births
Despite the increase in foreign residents, Barcelona’s overall registered population currently stands at 1,729,963, a decrease of 0.1%. This marks a reversal of the growth trend observed since 2023.
The census also records the lowest number of births since 1900, excluding 1939, with only 11,012 babies born. The fertility rate has dropped to 0.88 children per woman, and the average age for first-time mothers is 33.5 years.
Household Composition and Negative Vegetative Balance
Households with minors represent only 21.4% of the total, while single-person households account for one-third. The city’s vegetative balance is negative, with -3,549 people, and 14,557 deaths registered.
Aging Population and Educational Attainment
The average age of Barcelona’s population is 44.6 years. The city has also reached a record number of centenarians, with 1,196 individuals, 82% of whom are women.
In terms of education, 37.4% of residents over 16 years old hold university degrees or advanced vocational training qualifications. Women surpass men in this regard, with 39.6% compared to 35%. Among newly arrived foreign residents, 44% report having a university degree.
Implications for Barcelona’s Future
These demographic shifts present both opportunities and challenges for Barcelona. The increasing diversity enriches the city’s cultural fabric and brings new perspectives. However, it also necessitates careful planning for social integration, housing, and public services to ensure that all residents can thrive.
The City Council’s report underscores the need for policies that address the changing needs of Barcelona’s diverse population, from supporting families and promoting birth rates to ensuring adequate resources for an aging populace and integrating new arrivals into the community.
The ongoing transformation highlights Barcelona’s dynamic nature as a global city, attracting people from all corners of the world while grappling with internal demographic pressures.
