Business · Economy · 3 hrs ago
Pension costs exceed social security contributions in 18 Spanish provinces
A study found pension spending is at least twice contributions in 18 Spanish provinces.
The analysis covers Spain's 50 provinces from 2000 to 2024 and highlights areas in the northwest and interior, including Zamora, León and Asturias.
In Zamora, the population fell 17.5% while the economy grew 26.7%.
That meant its output per person rose 53.5%, but nearly half of that increase came from having fewer people to share the output.
The study calls this growth through depopulation, not greater prosperity.
Young adults have left these provinces at a faster rate than the national average, reducing the number of people of working age and contributing to an older population.
In León and Asturias, pensions cost three times contributions.
The study says high pension costs reflect both the number of pensioners and, in some provinces, higher-than-average pensions linked to former industry and mining jobs.
Pension spending is at least twice social security contributions in 18 Spanish provinces, according to a study by the Territorio y Prosperidad think tank.
The study examines economic and population changes across Spain’s 50 provinces from 2000 to 2024.
It says population loss has contributed to rising GDP per person in several provinces, even where economic growth was weak.
León and Asturias pay three euros in pensions for every euro contributed by workers and companies.
The study says the high pension-to-contribution ratios in some provinces also reflect pensions above the national average.
- Who
- The Territorio y Prosperidad think tank analysed the figures. The findings concern pensioners, workers and companies in Spanish provinces.
- What
- Pension spending is at least twice social security contributions in 18 provinces.
- When
- The study covers 2000 to 2024. The article was published on 3 November 2026.
- Where
- Spain, across its 50 provinces.
- Why
- Population loss and high pension levels contribute to the imbalance in some provinces.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The study examined economic and population changes across Spain’s 50 provinces.
The population aged 20 to 34 born in Spain fell by 47% in the 13 provinces described as depopulating.
El Mundo published its report on the study’s findings.
- Provinces
- 18 have pension spending at least twice social security contributions
- León and Asturias
- Three euros in pension spending for each euro contributed
- Zamora
- Population fell 17.5% from 2000
- Zamora
- GDP per person rose 53.5% from 2000
- Study period
- 2000–2024