Ourense records historic rise in foreign‑born population

According to the latest data from Spain’s Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) for April 2026, the province of Ourense in Galicia now has more than 53,000 residents born abroad, representing about 17 % of its 306,642 inhabitants – a record share for any Spanish province.

The increase is driven by rapid growth among Cuban, Peruvian and Colombian communities. Between 2021 and 2025 the Cuban‑born population rose 66.5 % to 2,378 people, the Peruvian‑born community jumped 314.6 % to roughly 908, and the Colombian‑born population grew 119 % to over 4,200. Venezuelans remain the largest foreign group with over 11,000 residents but their growth has slowed. Local officials see the influx of younger families as a way to counteract Ourense’s long‑standing ageing and population decline.