Canary Islands hit historic low birth rate and see rise in early school dropout in 2025

In May 2025 the Canary Islands recorded only 888 births, the lowest monthly total in a decade and a 32.16% drop compared with May 2016. From January to May the archipelago registered 4,655 newborns, 1.48% fewer than the same period a year earlier. Deaths have continued to exceed births, with 10,184 deaths recorded since the start of the year, an average of 377 deaths per week versus about 172 births per week, creating a prolonged negative natural balance.

The same year the region posted an early school‑leaving rate of 15.9% among 18‑ to 24‑year‑olds, the second‑highest in Spain and up from 13.1% in 2024. Less than half of two‑year‑old children were enrolled in school (46%). Only 43.7% of residents aged 25‑34 held a higher‑education qualification, trailing the Balearic Islands and Melilla. The proportion of 15‑year‑olds correctly placed in age‑appropriate secondary education stood at 73.3%, below the national average of 75.7%.