Gibraltar Rate of Natural Increase

Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, has a notably low rate of natural increase (RNI) in its population. As of recent years, Gibraltar’s RNI is close to zero or even negative, reflecting very low birth rates and a relatively aging population, with population growth primarily sustained by net migration rather than natural increase. In contrast, neighboring Spain also exhibits a low or negative RNI, facing similar demographic challenges of declining fertility rates and an aging populace. However, compared to Morocco, situated just across the Strait of Gibraltar, the difference is stark: Morocco maintains a positive RNI, driven by higher birth rates and a younger demographic profile. Thus, while Gibraltar and Spain share demographic trends of stagnating or shrinking natural population growth, Morocco continues to experience more robust natural population increases, highlighting a demographic divide between Europe and North Africa.

Data from US Census International Database