Press Release 18/08/2020
The Basque Country occupied second place in the ranking of European Union countries with the largest 65 and over populations.
It achieved a value 22.2% higher the EU28 average (20%) in 2019
One of the most relevant demographic indicators is that which refers to the structure of population by age, specifically the 65 and over group. In 2019 the percentage of the population of the Basque Country stood amongst the highest in the EU28 countries, according to the latest available Eustat and Eurostat data. With 22.2% of its population 65 and over, it stood in the year in question above the EU28 average of 20%. In the ranking of all the countries in the Union, the Basque Country was exceeded only by Italy (22.8%)
The evolution of each age group is, evidently, the result of the size of the generations that come to be incorporated therein, as well as the differential effect of mortality, migration and birth rate in each one. The progression of older people is also explained by the increase in life expectancy.
The 65 and over age group of the Basque Country saw an upward trend in the 2008-2019 period. Thus, it reached a percentage of 18.6% in 2008, 20.2% in 2013, and 22.2% in 2019.
Meanwhile, the 65 and over population for Spain went from 16.4% in 2008 to 19.4% in 2019. In any event, unlike the Basque Country, it has always been below the average amongst EU 28 countries for all of the years in question.
In terms of the ranking, in 2019 the 65 and over age group in the Basque Country was only exceeded by Italy (with 22.8%). As well as Italy, the countries with the highest percentages were Greece (22%), Finland and Portugal (21.8%, respectively) and Germany (21.5%), amongst others.
In contrast, the lowest percentages for this age group registered in the EU 28 corresponded to Poland (17.7%), Cyprus (16.1%), Slovakia (16%), Luxembourg (14.4%) and, lastly, at the bottom of the ranking, Ireland, with 14.1% of its population belonging to the 65 and over age group.
For further information:
Eustat - Euskal Estatistika Erakundea / Basque Statistics Institute
C/ Donostia-San Sebastián, 1 01010 Vitoria-Gasteiz
Press Service: servicioprensa@eustat.es Tel: 945 01 75 62