Portugal hits record 11.4 million population amid aging and regional imbalance

Portugal’s resident population reached a historic 11.4 million in 2025, the highest level ever recorded. Growth over the past seven years has been driven mainly by immigration and longer life expectancy rather than higher birth rates. The active‑working‑age population stood at 7.35 million, while people aged 65 and over numbered 2.66 million, giving a ratio of only 2.76 active persons per senior. This places Portugal as the third‑most aged nation in the EU, with 182 seniors for every 100 youths.

Immigrants now account for 13.5 % of the total population – about 1.5 million foreign residents – a decisive factor in offsetting the post‑pandemic birth‑rate decline. Births remain at historic lows, with live‑birth numbers 2.5 % lower than the pre‑COVID period.

Regional disparities are stark. The Greater Lisbon and Setúbal peninsulas have seen total population growth of around 18‑19 % since 2015, driven by increases in the 15‑64 age group, allowing active‑population growth to keep pace with senior growth. Conversely, the North shows almost stagnant active‑age numbers and a 31 % rise in seniors. The autonomous regions are facing sharp declines: the Azores’ active workforce fell 8.7 % while seniors rose 26 %; Madeira saw a 3 % drop in workers and a 31.2 % rise in seniors. Education gaps persist, with four in ten active‑age citizens lacking secondary schooling.

Overall life expectancy reached 82.5 years, the ninth‑highest in the EU, underscoring the demographic transition toward an older, more immigrant‑diverse society.