Spain has reached a new demographic milestone as the number of inhabitants born outside the country has surpassed 10 million for the first time. The most recent data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) indicates that the total population stands at approximately 49.5 million as of January 1, 2026. This marks a significant moment in Spain's demographic history, illustrating how immigration has become a vital source of population growth. In contrast, the number of native-born individuals has been in decline, leading to a negative natural population growth rate.

The report highlights that the main nationalities among immigrants in the last quarter were Colombian, Venezuelan, and Moroccan. This indicates a diverse influx of populations from various countries, contributing to Spain's cultural and demographic landscape. The rise in the foreign-born population in Spain is significant amid a backdrop of low birth rates and an aging population, which have both posed challenges to the country's social and economic stability.

Furthermore, the increase in foreign-born residents helps to mitigate the negative natural growth rate the country has been experiencing. This trend suggests that immigration will be essential for maintaining population levels and supporting economic growth in the future. As Spain grapples with demographic changes, understanding the implications of such shifts will be crucial, especially in terms of policy-making and integration strategies for new residents.