Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, presents a unique demographic profile compared to mainland Portugal. This blog post explores key differences in population trends, life expectancy, and foreign residency rates.

Population and Foreign Residents

As of December 31, 2023, Madeira’s population stood at 256,622 residents. Notably, the foreign resident population reached a record 14,060, marking a 19.2% increase from the previous year. Foreign nationals now represent 5.5% of Madeira’s total population. In contrast, mainland Portugal has a higher proportion of foreign residents, exceeding 12% as of 2023.

Life Expectancy

Between 2020 and 2022, the national average life expectancy at birth in Portugal was 80.96 years. Men lived an average of 78.05 years, while women reached 83.52 years. In Madeira, the average life expectancy stood at 78.77 years, below the national average and only slightly higher than the Azores, which recorded the lowest at 78.04 years.

Fertility Rates and Population Growth

Madeira faces demographic challenges, including one of the lowest fertility rates in Portugal. While the national fertility rates range from 1.2 to 1.7 children per woman, Madeira consistently ranks at the lower end of this spectrum. Despite a recent increase in births and a decline in deaths, the region’s population growth remains negative.

Migration Patterns

In 2023, Madeira experienced a net outflow of residents, with more individuals departing the island than arriving. This trend suggests increased emigration among younger residents, even as the island continues to attract tourists and foreign nationals.

Conclusion

Madeira’s demographic landscape is characterized by a growing foreign population, lower life expectancy, and declining fertility rates compared to mainland Portugal. These factors contribute to the region’s unique demographic challenges and opportunities.

For more detailed statistics and information on Madeira’s demographics, you can visit the Wikipedia’s page on Madeira.