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Spain faces massive decline in population

BMJ 2000; 320 doi: 10.1136/bmj.320.7239.891 (Published 1 April 2000)
Cite this as: BMJ 2000;320:891.1

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  1. Xavier Bosch
  1. Barcelona

    The Spanish population will decrease by 9.4 million in the next 50 years, according to a report released last month by the United Nations' population division. This represents a 24% net loss in its current population.

    The reason is the low birth rate of the country, which at 1.2 children per woman is one of the lowest in the world.

    Joseph Chamie, director of the UN population division, said: “In 2050, Spain will be the country with the highest percentage of old people in the world.” Currently, the over 65 age group makes up 17% of the Spanish population. If current trends continue, this will rise to 37% by 2050, which represents a total increase of 117% of this age group …

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