How Many People Live in Madrid Metropolitan Area?

By Anna Duncan

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a bustling city with a rich cultural heritage. The metropolitan area of Madrid comprises the city itself along with the surrounding municipalities.

It is one of the largest and most populous urban areas in Europe. So, how many people live in Madrid metropolitan area? Let’s find out.

Population of Madrid Metropolitan Area

According to the latest data from Eurostat, the population of Madrid metropolitan area was estimated to be around 6.6 million people in 2020. This makes it the third-largest metropolitan area in the European Union after Paris and London.

Growth Rate

The population of Madrid metropolitan area has been steadily increasing over the years. Between 2011 and 2020, it grew by around 8.5%. This growth rate is higher than that of Spain as a whole which grew by only 5% during the same period.

Composition of Population

The population of Madrid metropolitan area is diverse and cosmopolitan. It comprises people from all over Spain as well as from other countries. Around 88% of the population is Spanish while the remaining 12% are foreign nationals.

Spanish Population

Within the Spanish population, around 67% are native Madrileños while the remaining 33% come from other parts of Spain.

Foreign Population

The foreign population in Madrid metropolitan area comes from various countries such as Romania, Ecuador, Morocco, Colombia, Peru, and China among others. The largest community is that of Romanians who make up around 8% of the total foreign population.

Density

As one would expect with such a large population, Madrid metropolitan area has a high density with an average of around 800 people per square kilometer. However, this density varies greatly between different municipalities within the metropolitan area.

Most Populated Municipalities

The most populated municipalities within Madrid metropolitan area are Madrid city itself, followed by Móstoles, Alcalá de Henares, Fuenlabrada, and Leganés.

  • Madrid City: With a population of around 3.3 million people, Madrid city is the largest municipality in the metropolitan area.
  • Móstoles: Located to the southwest of Madrid city, Móstoles has a population of around 206,000 people.
  • Alcalá de Henares: To the east of Madrid city lies Alcalá de Henares with a population of around 200,000 people.
  • Fuenlabrada: Situated to the south of Madrid city, Fuenlabrada has a population of around 194,000 people.
  • Leganés: Located to the southwest of Madrid city, Leganés has a population of around 186,000 people.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Madrid metropolitan area is home to over 6.6 million people with a diverse and cosmopolitan population. The area has been steadily growing over the years and is expected to continue doing so in the future. With its rich history and culture along with its modern amenities and infrastructure, it’s no wonder that so many people choose to call this metropolitan area their home.