What is the population of Madrid?
Madrid has a city population of 3,255,944. That is the population within the city's own boundary, not its wider metropolitan area. City population, GeoNames.
40.416, -3.703
About Madrid
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain, with 3.3 million in the city and 6.7 million in the metropolitan area. Located at Spain's geographic center, Madrid is the country's political, economic, and cultural heart. Known for world-class museums, vibrant nightlife, football (Real Madrid), and a lifestyle that often doesn't begin dinner until 10 PM, Madrid embodies Spanish passion and energy.
Metro population
6,751,000
0.081% of world population
Archive estimateAnnual growth
+0.32%
Archive estimateDensity
5,111/km²
1,321 km² metro area
Key Facts
Country
Region
Rank in region
#1of 42
Founded
1083
Coordinates
40.416, -3.703
Record updated
23 February 2026
Entry edited, not measured
City population, GeoNames. GeoNames publishes no year for its population figures, so “record updated” is when the entry was last edited — not the date the population was measured. Elevation is modelled from a digital elevation model rather than surveyed, so it is approximate.
Nearby Cities
All 544 in SpainClosest listed cities by great-circle distance from the city centre.
Compared with the World's Largest Cities
City-proper population against the fifteen largest cities in the dataset.
| Name | City population |
|---|---|
| Shanghai | 24.9M |
| Beijing | 19M |
| Shenzhen | 17.5M |
| Guangzhou | 16.1M |
| Kinshasa | 16M |
| Istanbul | 15.7M |
| Lagos | 15.4M |
| Ho Chi Minh City | 14M |
| Chengdu | 13.6M |
| Lahore | 13M |
| Mumbai | 12.7M |
| São Paulo | 12.4M |
| Mexico City | 12.3M |
| Karachi | 11.6M |
| Tianjin | 11.1M |
| Madrid | 3.26M |
Airports
Scheduled-service airports within 100 km, nearest first.
- Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas AirportMAD
14 km from the city centre
Source: OurAirports, matched by distance.
History
Madrid's origins as a Moorish fortress date to the 9th century. It became Spain's capital in 1561 under Philip II. The Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties built palaces and monuments. The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) saw Madrid besieged. Franco's dictatorship ended in 1975. Democratic Spain joined the EU in 1986, and Madrid modernized rapidly with La Movida Madrileña cultural movement.
Economy
Madrid is Spain's economic engine, generating about 18% of national GDP. Key sectors include finance (major banks like Santander, BBVA nearby), telecommunications (Telefónica), tourism, retail, and services. The city hosts numerous multinational headquarters. Fashion and creative industries are growing. High-speed rail (AVE) has boosted business connectivity.
Culture
Madrid's culture centers on art, food, and nightlife. The 'Golden Triangle' of museums (Prado, Reina Sofía, Thyssen-Bornemisza) is world-class. Tapas and late dining are traditions. Football (Real Madrid, Atlético) inspires passion. Flamenco, zarzuela opera, and festivals fill the calendar. Madrileños are known for their warmth and love of socializing (la marcha).
Transportation
Madrid Metro is one of Europe's largest and most efficient. Cercanías commuter trains serve the region. Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport is Spain's busiest. AVE high-speed trains connect to Barcelona, Seville, and other cities. The city is walkable but sprawling. Car traffic is restricted in the center (Madrid Central).
Current Challenges
Madrid faces challenges including air pollution (despite restrictions), housing affordability, summer heat waves (increasingly severe), unemployment (especially youth), and overtourism in the center. Water stress is growing. The city's monocentric structure creates congestion. Economic inequality persists.
Highlights
Landmarks & Attractions
- Prado Museum
- Royal Palace of Madrid
- Puerta del Sol
- Plaza Mayor
- Reina Sofía Museum (Picasso's Guernica)
- Retiro Park
- Gran Vía
- Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
What Madrid Is Known For
- Prado Museum
- Real Madrid
- Nightlife
- Tapas
- Royal Palace
- Late dinners
Universities
- Complutense University of Madrid
- Autonomous University of Madrid
- Carlos III University
Sports Teams
- Real Madrid
- Atlético Madrid (football)
- Real Madrid Baloncesto (basketball)
Interesting Facts
- Madrid is Europe's highest capital at 650 meters
- The city has more bars per capita than any other European capital
- Madrileños typically eat dinner between 10-11 PM
- The Prado Museum has over 8,000 paintings
- Madrid's Retiro Park was originally a royal garden
- Real Madrid is the most valuable football club in the world
Population Trend in Spain
No free source publishes city population back to 1950, so the parent country's series is shown instead.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 28,077,049 |
| 1960 | 30,404,939 |
| 1970 | 33,812,723 |
| 1980 | 37,537,565 |
| 1990 | 39,084,979 |
| 2000 | 41,019,774 |
| 2010 | 46,840,471 |
| 2020 | 47,679,489 |
| 2030 | 47,610,520 |
| 2040 | 46,591,674 |
| 2050 | 44,928,558 |
| 2060 | 42,210,838 |
| 2070 | 39,035,769 |
| 2080 | 36,524,535 |
| 2090 | 34,774,237 |
| 2100 | 33,127,478 |
Madrid Population FAQ
Where is Madrid?
Madrid is in Madrid, Spain. Its coordinates are 40.416, -3.703.
How big is Madrid compared with other cities in Spain?
It is the 1st largest of the 544 cities listed in Spain, holding 6.6% of the national population.