Spain’s population has surged to 49.4 million, according to the latest Annual Population Census from the National Statistics Institute (INE).
The surge has been caused mostly by immigration, especially from Colombia, Venezuela and Morocco.
Over the past year, the number of people officially living in Spain grew by more than 470,000.
While the number of Brits living here fell, likely as a result of Brexit and difficulty in obtaining residency, they are still a large force in many expat havens.
In fact, there are still four towns in Spain where British nationals outnumber Spaniards. See them below (data from the January 2025 census).
San Fulgencio (Alicante, Valencia region)
With a population of 9,587, San Fulgencio has one of the highest proportions of foreign residents in Spain.
- British residents: 3,235
- Spanish residents: 3,175
- Foreign population: 66.9%
Germans and Dutch nationals also form sizeable communities, but Britons remain the dominant group.
Arboleas (Almeria, Andalucia)
A long-established expat hotspot in the Almanzora Valley.
- British residents: 2,198
- Spanish residents: 1,429
- Foreign population: 66.7%
Belgian and Peruvian communities are also present, but Brits make up the largest share.
Bedar (Almeria, Andalucia)
A small hillside village popular with overseas buyers.
- British residents: 414
- Spanish residents: 412
- Foreign population: 57.8%
Here, Britons narrowly outnumber Spaniards, alongside smaller German and Moroccan populations.
Partaloa (Almeria, Andalucia)
Another Almanzora municipality with a strong British presence.
- British residents: 425
- Spanish residents: 336
- Foreign population: 62.2%
Belgians and Dutch nationals also feature prominently.
Together, these towns highlight how, despite falling overall numbers, British expats continue to shape daily life in parts of southern and eastern Spain, particularly in rural Andalucia and the Costa Blanca hinterland.
