The share of urban population in Spain saw no significant changes in 2023 in comparison to the previous year 2022 and remained at around 81.55 percent. Still, the share reached its highest value in the observed period in 2023. The urban population refers to the share of the total population living in urban centers. Each country has their own definition of what constitutes an urban center (based on population size, area, or space between dwellings, among others), therefore international comparisons may be inconsistent.Find more key insights for the share of urban population in countries like Portugal.

While Spain’s population has increased slightly since the year 2000, the share of the rural and urban populations has remained relatively constant, with Spain being a highly urban country. This consistently high urbanization is a consequence of both economic and social factors. The Spanish wealth is generated in the cities to a large extent Two thirds of Spain’s economic output, as divided across economic sectors, comes from the service sector, with only three percent originating from agriculture. Naturally, service-based economies are easiest when people live closely, while agricultural practices need more land, and thus a rural population. Of course, this also brings economic costs, such as the high living and housing costs in Madrid. What draws people into cities? Social factors also drive people to cities. For some, it is being closer to family or culture, such as art museums. For others, it is finding a large city with green spaces, like Madrid. For others, it is the opportunity to watch a game in a world-class soccer stadium, perhaps FC Barcelona. These and other factors continue to keep Spaniards in their cities.

Historical chart and dataset showing Spain urban population by year from 1960 to 2023.

Spain ES: Population in Largest City: as % of Urban Population data was reported at 17.171 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 17.008 % for 2016. Spain ES: Population in Largest City: as % of Urban Population data is updated yearly, averaging 15.595 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 17.171 % in 2017 and a record low of 14.326 % in 1960. Spain ES: Population in Largest City: as % of Urban Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Spain – Table ES.World Bank: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Population in largest city is the percentage of a country's urban population living in that country's largest metropolitan area.; ; United Nations, World Urbanization Prospects.; Weighted average;

ES: Population: Male: Ages 30-34: % of Male Population data was reported at 6.155 % in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 6.451 % for 2016. ES: Population: Male: Ages 30-34: % of Male Population data is updated yearly, averaging 7.684 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 9.231 % in 2008 and a record low of 6.091 % in 1971. ES: Population: Male: Ages 30-34: % of Male Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Spain – Table ES.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Male population between the ages 30 to 34 as a percentage of the total male population.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on age/sex distributions of United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; ;

This raster layer shows the areas of Castellón, Spain which were developed between 1990 and 2000. Categories of new development represented in these data include: infill, extension and leapfrog. Infill represents development within all the open spaces in the urban footprint of the earlier period excluding exterior open space. Extension represents development in contiguous clusters that contained exterior open space in the earlier period and that were not infUnited States Leapfrog represents development entirely outside the exterior open space of the earlier period. These data are part of the Atlas of Urban Expansion.

The population density of Spain maintained a steadily at a rate of over 92 inhabitants per square kilometers in the last decade, with the latest figures revealing a density of 95 people per square kilometer in 2022. Spain’s degree of urbanization is rather high, with levels reaching over 81 percent of urbanization in the country. Andalusia, with a total number of 8.6 million inhabitants, ranked first on the list of most populous autonomous communities in Spain.

Population density: a world of contrast

Spain is far from the European Union’s average population density, which stood at approximately 111.89 people per square kilometer in 2021, that is, a difference of over 17 people per square meter below the average. Monaco, the country with the highest population density in the world, featured about 24,621 inhabitants per square kilometer, making Spain’s population density look minimal. The results in Macao were very similar, with a population density that reached over 21,000 people per square kilometer.

The re-population of a country

The population of Spain declined for many years during the economic recession, returning to a positive trend after 2015. The Spanish population is projected to increase by nearly two million by 2028 compared to 2024. Despite this expected increase, Spain has one of the lowest fertility rate in the European Union, with barely 1.29 children per woman according to the latest reports.

Spain ES: Population: Male: Ages 15-19: % of Male Population data was reported at 4.857 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 4.776 % for 2016. Spain ES: Population: Male: Ages 15-19: % of Male Population data is updated yearly, averaging 8.408 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 9.089 % in 1980 and a record low of 4.698 % in 2014. Spain ES: Population: Male: Ages 15-19: % of Male Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Spain – Table ES.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Male population between the ages 15 to 19 as a percentage of the total male population.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on age/sex distributions of United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; ;

This raster layer contains urban land use and land cover data for Madrid, Spain in 2000. Categories of urban land use represented in these data include: urban, nonurban, water and other. Urban land cover, or urban extent, is typically measured by the total built-up area (or impervious surface) of cities, sometimes including the open spaces captured by their built-up areas and the open spaces on the urban fringe affected by urban development. Urban land is occupied by urban uses that include all land in residential, commercial, industrial, and office use; land used for transport, parks, and public facilities; protected land, and vacant land. Land in urban use does not include cultivated lands, pasture lands, forests, farms and villages, intercity roads, and nature areas. These data are part of the Atlas of Urban Expansion.

Spain ES: Population: Male: Ages 10-14: % of Male Population data was reported at 5.399 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 5.292 % for 2016. Spain ES: Population: Male: Ages 10-14: % of Male Population data is updated yearly, averaging 8.681 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 9.549 % in 1973 and a record low of 4.610 % in 2010. Spain ES: Population: Male: Ages 10-14: % of Male Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Spain – Table ES.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Male population between the ages 10 to 14 as a percentage of the total male population.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on age/sex distributions of United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; ;

The salinization of freshwaters is a global water quality problem that leads to the biological degradation of aquatic ecosystems. However, little is known about the spatial extent of freshwater salinization and the relative contribution of each human activity (e.g. agriculture, urbanization, mining or shale-gas extraction). Here, we investigated environmental factors that explain spatio-temporal patterns of water salinity and examined the causes, the extent and the degree of salinization of Spanish rivers. Results showed a strong variation in water salinity among river typologies and between river reaches in good and poor ecological status according to the Water Framework Directive. The variation in water salinity was largely explained by a combination of natural (i.e. climate and geology) and anthropogenic (i.e. land use) factors. By contrast, land use factors as urbanization and agriculture were the main drivers of salinization, which affected more than one quarter of the rivers and streams in Spain, especially those in the most arid regions (central and southern regions) and in the main courses of the largest rivers such as the Ebro, Douro and Tajo rivers. The information provided here can be relevant to set priority regions and actions to ameliorate freshwater salinization.

Spain ES: Urban Population Growth data was reported at 0.489 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 0.383 % for 2016. Spain ES: Urban Population Growth data is updated yearly, averaging 1.284 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.806 % in 1968 and a record low of -0.035 % in 2013. Spain ES: Urban Population Growth data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Spain – Table ES.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Urban population refers to people living in urban areas as defined by national statistical offices. It is calculated using World Bank population estimates and urban ratios from the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on the United Nations Population Division's World Urbanization Prospects: 2018 Revision.; Weighted average;

This raster layer contains the total area occupied by the built-up area of Castellón, Spain and its urbanized open space in 2000. Categories of urban land use represented in these data include: urban, suburban, rural and urbanized open land. The built-up area of the city is the area occupied by built-up pixels within the set of administrative boundaries defining the city. The urbanized open space consists of all fringe open spaces (including exterior open spaces) and all captured open spaces. These data are part of the Atlas of Urban Expansion.

Spain ES: Population: Total: Aged 0-14 data was reported at 6,840,258.000 Person in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 6,869,351.000 Person for 2016. Spain ES: Population: Total: Aged 0-14 data is updated yearly, averaging 8,171,594.000 Person from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 9,852,370.000 Person in 1977 and a record low of 5,936,998.000 Person in 2001. Spain ES: Population: Total: Aged 0-14 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Spain – Table ES.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Total population between the ages 0 to 14. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship.; ; World Bank staff estimates using the World Bank's total population and age/sex distributions of the United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; Sum;

The size of the Fast Food Market in Spain market was valued at USD XX Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD XXX Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 1.96% during the forecast period. The fast food market in Spain has been growing steadily over the past few years. It is characterized by a mix of international chains, like McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC, as well as a growing number of domestic brands and niche offerings. The market has adapted to Spanish tastes while also introducing global fast food trends. With the increasing pace of life and urbanization, Spanish consumers are seeking convenient and quick meal options. This shift has fueled the demand for fast food, especially in urban areas where time constraints are significant. Recent developments include: In November 2022, the Owners of Doppio Zero announced plans to launch their new outlet Spanish tapas eateries at 110 Castro St. in Mountain View. Courtesy Vida., In August 2022, the first virtual waiter app in Spain was launched by a Funky pizza restaurant. Customers use the "Funky Pay" app on their phones to explore the menu, place orders, and make payments. The company claims that this happens to be the first time in Spain that a purpose-built app has been included in a restaurant's ordering system., In February 2022, Taco Bell announced its plans to open its 100th restaurant in Spain.. Key drivers for this market are: The younger population in Spain, particularly teenagers and young adults, is a major consumer base for fast food. This demographic is drawn to the affordability, convenience, and variety offered by fast food outlets.. Potential restraints include: There is a growing awareness of the health risks associated with fast food consumption, such as obesity and heart disease. This has led some consumers to reduce their fast food intake or seek healthier alternatives.. Notable trends are: The integration of technology into the fast food experience is becoming more prevalent. Self-service kiosks, mobile apps for ordering and payment, and digital loyalty programs are increasingly common, enhancing customer convenience and engagement..

Bus transport, urban and suburban overground railway transport and metro services represent the bulk of industry revenue. Supported by the EU Commission and European Investment Bank, urban public transport is becoming more sustainable, rolling out electric buses and low-emission trains. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems have gained popularity as a cost-effective alternative to far more expensive urban rail investments. Similarly, European metro services remain major cities' primary public transport service, driven by convenience and increasing urbanisation across Europe. Over the five years through 2024, industry revenue is projected to drop at a compound annual rate of 4.1% to €93.7 billion. The COVID-19 outbreak slashed passenger numbers, with many trains and bus services across Europe suspending or reducing operations amid lockdown orders. Accordingly, industry revenue dropped by 18.6% in 2020 and has only partially recovered. By the end of 2021, many European metropolitan areas only recorded a 60-70% of pre-pandemic public transport ridership level, with the European parliament warning of a 10-15% structural drop in public transport usage over the four years through 2024. In 2024, industry revenue is expected to tumble by 2.5% as inflationary pressure makes public transport services more expensive. Over the five years through 2029, industry revenue is expected to climb at a compound annual rate of 2.1% to reach €104 billion. The Europe Strategy for low-emission mobility and EU urban mobility framework strive to boost the share of sustainable transport modes in urban transport systems, including increasing the number of electric buses in circulation. These strategies will help the EU reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and by 90% by 2050 while boosting investment in the industry. Similarly, autonomous shuttle services have the potential to support urban transit service expansion with lower capital and operating costs compared with other modes of public transport.

Spain ES: Urban Population data was reported at 37,268,800.000 Person in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 37,095,211.000 Person for 2016. Spain ES: Urban Population data is updated yearly, averaging 29,103,091.500 Person from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 37,268,800.000 Person in 2017 and a record low of 17,227,480.000 Person in 1960. Spain ES: Urban Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Spain – Table ES.World Bank: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Urban population refers to people living in urban areas as defined by national statistical offices. It is calculated using World Bank population estimates and urban ratios from the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects. Aggregation of urban and rural population may not add up to total population because of different country coverages.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on the United Nations Population Division's World Urbanization Prospects: 2014 Revision.; Sum;

The Spain hair care market is expected to add more than USD 450 Million from 2023 to 2028 due to increasing urbanisation and changing lifestyles.

Spain ES: Rural Population data was reported at 9,277,148.000 Person in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 9,371,187.000 Person for 2016. Spain ES: Rural Population data is updated yearly, averaging 9,980,651.500 Person from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 13,227,520.000 Person in 1960 and a record low of 9,277,148.000 Person in 2017. Spain ES: Rural Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Spain – Table ES.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Rural population refers to people living in rural areas as defined by national statistical offices. It is calculated as the difference between total population and urban population. Aggregation of urban and rural population may not add up to total population because of different country coverages.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on the United Nations Population Division's World Urbanization Prospects: 2018 Revision.; Sum;

The building boom (1998-2007) that took place along the Mediterranean coast of Spain, where the Region of Murcia is situated, produced an enormous increase in the extent and number of built-up areas, partly as a consequence of the demand on the part of retired people (mainly from the north of Europe) drawn, amongst other factors, by the climate. Indeed, the number of this type of resident increased 7.5-fold between 1991 and 20112 (Membrado Tena, 2015). Among the regions affected along the Spanish Mediterranean coast is the administrative area known as the “Comarca del Campo de Cartagena Mar Menor” (CCCMM), where the change from the classic “sun and beach” tourism to residential tourism is evident. The result here and in other areas along the coast is a radical transformation of the landscape. The absence of any planning and the rapid way in which such tourism has extended has hade a strong environmental impact. Some of the most negative consequences have been changes in soil use (IGN, 2006; Burriel, 2008; Gaja, 2008; Romero 2010; Rullán, 2011; the destruction of the landscape; drought in regions with water shortage (Vera, 2006); artificial soil sealing, with the consequent increase of flood risk. The area analysed is one of the most important tourism attractions of the province of Murcia due to its climatic characteristics, natural spaces and recreational potential. It is also an area where second homes have been built since the mid 1970s, especially around the Mar Menor lagoon.