Spain
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
Spain's demographic profile in 2024 reflects ongoing trends of low fertility and delayed motherhood. The total maternal rate remains notably low at 0.57 births per woman, unchanged from the previous year, while the average maternal age rises to 32 years, one of the highest globally and in Europe. Childlessness holds steady at a high level of 43%, maintaining Spain's position with one of the highest shares of childless individuals in Europe.
- The generational birthgap indicator (TFG) inched up slightly to 46.6%, indicating a persistent and significant gap between generations.
- Total births slightly decreased to 318,005, continuing a subtle decline in annual births.
- Childbearing patterns remain stable with a cohort parity measure around 1.94, far below levels seen in the 1970s.
In 2024, Spain exhibits low fertility and high maternal age, with demographic trends reflecting long-term declines and generational gaps.
- Total maternal rate low at 57.0%, ranking 25th in Europe
- Children per mother low at 1.94, 4th lowest in Europe
- Mean age at childbearing high at 32.0 years, 2nd highest in Europe
- High generational birthgap indicator at 46.6%, 4th highest in Europe
- Childlessness elevated at 43.0%, among top 7 in Europe
Key fertility indicators — Spain
| Total Maternal Rate (TMR) | 57.0% |
| Childlessness Rate (TCR) | 43.0% |
| Birthgap Indicator (TFG) | 46.6% |
| TGI (great-grandchildren per 100 parents) | 15 |
Motherhood prevalence (TMR)
In 2024, the total maternal rate (TMR) in Spain stands at 57.0%, showing minimal change from 2023 when it was 57.2%. The TMR has been on a downward trend over the last five years, averaging 59.1% between 2020 and 2024. This figure is considerably lower than the 1970s average of 96.6%, reflecting a decline of about 39.6 percentage points. Spain falls towards the lower end of the scale globally, ranking 28th out of 38 countries, and within Europe, it is among those with the lowest TMR values, positioned 25th out of 31.
| Year | TMR | Year | TMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 74.1% |
| 1980 | 90.4% | 2020 | 61.5% |
| 1990 | 67.0% | 2023 | 57.2% |
| 2000 | 64.7% | 2024 | 57.0% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Children per mother (CPM)
In 2024, the number of children per mother in Spain stands at 1.94, showing minimal change from 1.95 in 2023. Over the latest five years, this figure has remained fairly steady, averaging 1.94. When compared to the 1970s average of 2.71, the current rate is about 0.77 lower. Spain's children per mother metric is among the lowest worldwide, ranking 6th out of 38 countries, and within Europe, it ranks 4th out of 31 nations for the lowest values.
| Year | CPM | Year | CPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 1.85 |
| 1980 | 2.45 | 2020 | 1.92 |
| 1990 | 2.03 | 2023 | 1.95 |
| 2000 | 1.86 | 2024 | 1.94 |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Average maternal age (AMA)
The average maternal age in Spain reached 32.0 years in 2024, marking an increase of 0.5 years from 2023. This upward trend has been consistent over the last five years, with the average maternal age during this period at 31.6 years. Compared to the 1970s average of 24.9 years, the current figure is 7.1 years higher. Spain ranks prominently in terms of maternal age globally, holding the 3rd highest position out of 38 countries.
Within Europe, it stands even higher, ranked 2nd among 31 countries.
| Year | BIRTH | Year | BIRTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 29.82 |
| 1980 | 25.06 | 2020 | 31.19 |
| 1990 | 26.82 | 2023 | 31.50 |
| 2000 | 29.13 | 2024 | 32.02 |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG)
By 2024, the Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) reached 46.6%, corresponding to a total fertility rate of 1.11. This marks a slight increase of 0.6 percentage points from 2023. Over the past five years, spanning 2020 to 2024, the TFG has shown an upward trend, averaging 44.5%. Since the 1970s baseline of 0.0%, the current level is approximately 46.6 percentage points higher. A consistent generational birthgap has existed since 1981. The indicator was at its lowest in the mid-1970s (1975–1979), with an average near 0.0%. Spain ranks prominently worldwide, positioned 6th out of 38 countries, and holds the 4th highest spot among 31 European nations in terms of TFG.
| Year | TFG | Year | TFG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 33.9% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 43.0% |
| 1990 | 34.3% | 2023 | 46.0% |
| 2000 | 41.7% | 2024 | 46.6% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Societal Half-Life (SHL)
Spain’s SHL stands at 37.6 years years in 2024. It is essentially unchanged from the previous year. Over the past five years, SHL has been falling, averaging 39.5 years. Compared with the 1970s average (86.6 years), SHL is now shorter by about 49.0 years.
Globally, Spain has one of the shortest SHL values (ranked 33/38).Within Europe, it has one of the shortest SHL values (ranked 28/31).
Triple Generation Impact (TGI)
With this Birthgap (TFG) for every 100 people of fertility age in Spain, there would be 15 great-grandchildren, representing a -85.0% drop from the current generation.
Globally, Spain has one of the highest TGI drops (ranked 6/38). Within Europe, it has one of the highest TGI drops (ranked 4/31).
Birth trajectory
Using the birth rates observed in 2024, the total number of births is projected to decline significantly over the coming decades. By 2062, annual births are expected to decrease from 318,005 to around 159,002, representing a 50% reduction. Looking further ahead to 2149, births could drop by 90%, falling to approximately 31,800. These projections do not take into account the effects of migration.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
In 2024, the childlessness rate (TCR) in Spain reached 43.0%, showing only a slight increase from 42.8% in 2023. Over the last five years, this rate has been steadily rising, with the 2020–2024 average at 40.9%. This marks a significant jump from the 1970s average of 3.4%, an increase of about 39.6 percentage points. The period with the lowest childlessness was the early 1990s (1990–1992), averaging 32.9%. Spain holds the 11th position globally among 38 countries and ranks 7th out of 31 European nations, indicating one of the highest childlessness rates on the continent.
| Year | TCR | Year | TCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 25.9% |
| 1980 | 9.6% | 2020 | 38.5% |
| 1990 | 33.0% | 2023 | 42.8% |
| 2000 | 35.3% | 2024 | 43.0% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Total births
In 2024, Spain recorded 318,005 total births, a slight decline of 1,518 compared to the previous year. The average annual total births over the last five years stood at 328,567, reflecting a downward trend. When compared to the 1970s average of 647,236 births, the current figure shows a significant reduction of 329,231 births, marking a 50.9% decrease.
| Year | Births | Year | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 485.0k |
| 1980 | 570.1k | 2020 | 340.4k |
| 1990 | 400.9k | 2023 | 319.5k |
| 2000 | 396.5k | 2024 | 318.0k |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI)
The Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI) in Spain reached 59.9% in 2024, showing a slight increase of 0.7 percentage points from the previous year’s 59.3%. Looking at the last five years, the trend has been upward, with an average BRI of 57.2% during 2020–2024. When compared to the 1970s average of -45.1%, this marks a rise of approximately 105.0 percentage points. Spain’s BRI stands out internationally, ranking 5th among 35 countries worldwide, and it holds the 2nd highest position among 30 European nations.
| Year | BRI | Year | BRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 25.7% |
| 1980 | -25.1% | 2020 | 54.4% |
| 1990 | -28.8% | 2023 | 59.3% |
| 2000 | 19.6% | 2024 | 59.9% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
