Nearly 18% of Fuerteventura’s residents are European expats

The latest demographic data for the island reveal a complex picture that challenges many long‑standing myths and legends.

Demographic Overview

• 33 % of the population were born on Fuerteventura (41,924 people).
• 28.63 % are Spanish citizens born on other islands or on the mainland (36,360 people).
• 17.89 % are European immigrants (22,727 people, 2024 data).
• 14.01 % are Latin American immigrants (17,792 people, 2024 data).
• 6.47 % come from the rest of the world, the majority from African countries (8,200 people).
• Overall, 67 % of residents were not born on the island, amounting to a foreign population of 85,090 people.

“The feeling among islanders of not finding their place is becoming increasingly evident in a social construct aimed at profound social change.”

European Immigrants

European residents have remained relatively stable since 2021, holding steady at 17.89 % of the total population. The Italian community is particularly notable, especially in the municipality of La Oliva, where native‑born residents represent only 24 % (7,126 locals) compared with 22,567 people born elsewhere.

Latin American Growth

The fastest‑growing immigrant group is Latin American, now accounting for 14.01 % of the island’s inhabitants—up two percentage points since 2021. This translates to 17,792 South American residents on the island.

Immigrants from the Rest of the World

Immigrants from outside Europe and the Americas, largely from African nations, make up 6.47 % of the population, or 8,200 individuals.

A Numerical Curiosity

Fuerteventura averages 208,000 tourists per month, with an average stay of 10 days. This yields roughly 70,000 tourists who are present on the island at any given time. Consequently, about 155,000 people residing on the island are foreigners, compared with 41,924 native‑born residents.

The demographic shift is occurring at a rapid pace, reshaping the island’s social fabric in ways.