The Demographic Transition and Immigration Flows in Spain: A Close Relationship

Abstract

Demographic transition took place in Spain much later than in most other western European countries. The conjunction of a rise in life expectancy and a decline in fertility rates since the 1980s initiated a gradual ageing process. However, the substantial immigration flow that has taken place since the end of the 1990s has slowed this trend down, and has become a new factor affecting Spain's demographic evolution. This aging and immigration have become inseparable processes.