Lisbon Metropolitan Area Surpasses 3 Million Residents for the First Time in History

Lisbon Metropolitan Area Reaches Historic Population Milestone

For the first time ever, the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (AML) has surpassed the 3 million resident mark, according to recent population estimates. The 18 municipalities that comprise the AML now total 3,005,119 inhabitants, representing a staggering 28% of Portugal's entire national population.

Rapid Population Growth Over 50 Years

This represents a dramatic increase of nearly 1 million residents compared to the approximately 2.1 million people living in these same municipalities back in 1974. The current demographic surge is primarily driven by immigration, a trend affecting all municipalities but most pronounced in Lisbon proper, where two out of every five residents are now foreign-born.

Regional Distribution and Growth Patterns

The data released by Pordata reveals particularly strong population growth in the Setúbal Peninsula, with notable increases in Montijo, Palmela, and Sesimbra. This expansion can be attributed to improved accessibility created by the Vasco da Gama Bridge and more affordable housing prices compared to municipalities closer to Lisbon's urban core.

Demographic Shifts and Aging Population

Across all municipalities, common trends emerge, including a growing elderly population where one in five residents is over 65 years old. In every municipality, the number of young people under 15 consistently falls below the elderly population. The smallest gap exists in Montijo, where 16% of residents are under 15 and 18% are over 65.

Natural Population Balance

Montijo and Seixal stand out as the only municipalities on the South Bank where births outnumber deaths. Positive natural population growth is also recorded in Sintra, Loures, Amadora, Odivelas, Vila Franca de Xira, and Mafra, indicating varying demographic dynamics across the metropolitan region.