Introduction
Fertility rates reflect the demographic foundations of Spain society. The total fertility rate measures the average number of children a woman would have during her childbearing years (typically ages 15-49), assuming current age-specific fertility patterns continue. A fertility rate of approximately 2.1 children per woman is considered the replacement level needed to maintain a stable population size without migration.
Fertility patterns in Spain are influenced by economic conditions, social policies, education levels, and cultural factors. Understanding these trends helps address key demographic challenges such as population ageing, labour force sustainability, and social welfare systems.
Data come from Eurostat's demographic statistics, which compile harmonised birth and population data from national statistical offices across EU member states. These data are updated annually and provide comprehensive coverage of fertility trends by age, region, and other demographic characteristics.
Total Fertility Rate
In 2023, Spain's total fertility rate fell to 1.12 children per woman (-0.04 y/y), highlighting persistent demographic challenges as fertility remains well below the replacement level, with implications for future population size and age structure. For comparison, the European Union's average fertility rate was 1.38 children per woman in 2023.
Fertility Rates by Age
Fertility patterns vary significantly by maternal age, reflecting changing life course decisions and social norms. Younger women (under 25) in Spain typically have lower fertility rates, while births peak among women in their late 20s and early 30s — a trend consistent with delayed family formation and higher educational attainment.
Age-specific fertility rates measure the average number of children born to women in a specific age group during a given year. In 2023, the age-specific fertility rate for women aged 20-24 in Spain stood at 0.02 births per woman (0 y/y), remaining stable compared with previous years. Among women aged 30-34, the rate reached 0.075 births per woman (-0.003 y/y) in 2023, suggesting constraints on childbearing as women balance career advancement with family formation during prime reproductive years. For women aged 35-39, fertility fell to 0.061 births per woman (-0.003 y/y) in 2023, indicating ongoing challenges for women pursuing later childbearing, including biological constraints and career demands.
Mean Age at Childbirth
The mean age of women at childbirth provides insights into the timing of fertility decisions and reflects broader social and economic trends. Over recent decades, the average age at childbirth has increased significantly in Spain, as women delay childbearing to pursue education and career opportunities.
In 2023, the mean age of women at childbirth in Spain amounted to 32.6 years (0 y/y), reflecting relatively stable trends in the timing of childbirth. The mean age at first birth was 31.5 years (-0.1 y/y) in 2023, while the mean age at second birth reached 33.5 years (0 y/y), showing consistent patterns in birth spacing.
Birth Order Distribution
The distribution of births by order (first, second, third, and higher) reveals patterns in family size preferences and fertility behaviour. First-order births represent the decision to have children, while higher-order births reflect the desire for larger families.
In 2023, first-order births accounted for 50.3% of all live births in Spain (-0.2 y/y), while second-order births represented 36.1% (+0.7 y/y) in 2023, suggesting improved conditions for expanding family size as family support policies and economic conditions strengthen. Third-order births accounted for 9.7% (-0.4 y/y), suggesting limited growth in larger families as economic constraints and lifestyle choices continue to influence fertility decisions. Fourth and higher order births represented 3.9% (-0.1 y/y), reflecting declining preference for larger families as economic constraints and lifestyle choices favour smaller family sizes.
Births Outside Marriage
The proportion of births outside marriage reflects changing social norms, family structures, and relationship patterns in Spain society. This indicator has increased significantly over recent decades, reflecting broader shifts in family formation and relationship stability.
In 2023, births outside marriage accounted for 50% of all live births in Spain (-0.1 y/y), showing stabilisation in family formation patterns as social norms adapt to diverse relationship structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
The replacement level fertility rate is approximately 2.1 children per woman. This represents the average number of children needed per woman to maintain a stable population size over the long term, accounting for mortality before the end of childbearing years. A fertility rate below 2.1 indicates that, without migration, the population will decline over time, while a rate above 2.1 suggests population growth. Spain's fertility rate is currently 1.12 children per woman, which is significantly below the replacement level.
Spain's fertility rate of 1.12 children per woman compares to the European Union average of 1.38 children per woman. For comparison, fertility rates in other European countries:
- France: 1.66 children per woman
- Sweden: 1.45 children per woman
- Ireland: 1.5 children per woman
- Germany: 1.39 children per woman
- Italy: 1.21 children per woman
- Spain: 1.12 children per woman
- Greece: 1.26 children per woman
Several factors shape fertility decisions in Spain:
- Economic conditions: Income levels, employment security, and housing costs influence the ability to support children
- Social policies: Family benefits, parental leave, and childcare availability affect childbearing decisions
- Education and career: Higher educational attainment and career aspirations often lead to later childbearing and fewer children
- Cultural norms: Social expectations about family size, gender roles, and the timing of childbearing
- Work-life balance: Policies supporting flexible work arrangements and shared caregiving responsibilities can support higher fertility
- Migration: Emigration patterns and return migration can influence fertility dynamics
The total fertility rate is calculated by summing age-specific fertility rates (ASFRs) across all childbearing ages, typically 15-49 years. Age-specific fertility rates represent the number of births per 1,000 women in each age group during a given year. The total fertility rate expresses this as the average number of children per woman, assuming current age-specific patterns continue. This synthetic measure allows comparison across countries and time periods, regardless of age structure differences. The calculation uses data from vital statistics registers and population censuses, compiled by national statistical offices and harmonised by Eurostat.
Fertility Rate in Other Countries
Explore fertility rate data in specific countries — choose a country to see detailed analysis.
Methodology and Data Sources
All charts and indicators update automatically based on Eurostat's annual demographic statistics, typically released approximately 12-18 months after the reference year once national statistical offices publish their final results. The data are derived from vital statistics registers and population censuses, harmonised to ensure comparability across EU member states. The total fertility rate is calculated as the sum of age-specific fertility rates across all childbearing ages (typically 15-49 years), expressing the average number of children per woman if current age-specific patterns continue.