Deaths outstrip births

FEWER babies were born in Spain for the third year running, revealed 2011 figures from the national statistics’ office, INE.

Mothers gave birth later last year, at an average age of 31.4 years, and had 1.35 children each, compared with 1.38 in 2010.

Last year’s 468,430 registered births were 3.5 per cent fewer than in 2010 while the 387,347 deaths showed a 1.9 per cent increase. 

Life expectancy for males born last year rose to 79.1 years but remains practically unchanged for females at 84.9 years.

Non-Spanish mothers gave birth to 90,390 babies – 19.3 per cent of the total – but again this was lower than the 98,845 – 20.4 per cent – registered in 2010.

Foreign residents accounted for 2.4 per cent of deaths although they represent more than 12 per cent of Spain’s population.