Military Personnel as a Percentage of Population in Spain, 1987-2016

Spain's military personnel as a percentage of the population witnessed a steady decline from 1987 to 2016, reflecting the country's shift from mandatory conscription to a professional volunteer military. In 1987, military personnel made up 0.8% of the population, but this figure steadily decreased to around 0.3% by the early 2000s, influenced by Spain’s 2001 transition to an all-volunteer force. The rapid urbanization and shift toward a service-oriented economy during this period also reduced the appeal of military careers, particularly as job opportunities in urban centers increased.

The dip in Spain's military population share stabilized at 0.3% from 2004 onwards, a period marked by fewer geopolitical conflicts involving Spain and reduced military spending. Urbanization further shaped Spain's military structure, as urban populations generally had lower rates of enlistment compared to rural areas, and the overall preference shifted toward professional roles outside military service, consistent with the economic priorities of the country.