Spain is facing unprecedented pressure on its cities due to rapid population growth and a surge in tourism. The country is experiencing a phenomenon that can be described as a 'two-speed Spain': one, overcrowded and thriving, encompassing major cities and coastal areas, and the other, depopulated and stagnant, known as 'empty Spain'. In Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and other major cities, population figures are reaching record levels, creating serious challenges for transportation, housing, and infrastructure. About 90% of Spain's population lives on just 2.6% of its territory, the highest population density in Europe. This population growth, often driven by the search for work and a better quality of life, leads to overcrowded public transport, soaring real estate prices, and social tension. Experts emphasize the need for a national urban policy to promote more harmonious development, as individual regions can only see a partial picture of the problem.
