Cantabria reports lowest economic growth in Spain for 2025

Cantabria GDP Spanish regional economy GDP per capita economic growth INE statistics

According to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), Cantabria recorded a GDP growth of 1.7% in 2025, which is 0.9 percentage points lower than the Spanish national average of 2.6%. This represents the lowest growth rate among all Spanish autonomous communities.

Cantabria's GDP per capita stands at 31,266 euros, falling below the national average of 34,237 euros. The highest GDP per capita was recorded in the Community of Madrid at 47,220 euros, followed by the Basque Country and Navarra.

In response to regional challenges, the Cantabrian government has announced several social and economic initiatives. These include an investment of over 126 million euros to combat rural depopulation and 1.28 million euros in subsidies to improve employability through vocational training and guidance services for the unemployed. Additionally, a new sociosanitary coordination strategy for 2026-2030 has been presented to support the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.

Separately, the Fundación ONCE and Fundación Diálogos have launched a scholarship program to fund official secondary and vocational education for adults with disabilities (33% or higher degree of disability) during the 2026-27 academic year.