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Autonomous community

Basque Country, Spain

The Basque Country is home to 2,242,342 people in 3 provinces and 252 municipalities covering 2,793 sq mi. It’s Spain’s 8th most populous autonomous community and the 14th largest. Its highest point is Aketegi, at 5,089 ft (1,551 m).

Population (2025)
2,242,342
+2.4% since 2015
Area
2,793 sq mi
14th largest region
Provinces and municipalities
3 · 252
Álava, Bizkaia, and Gipuzkoa
Density
803 people/sq mi
Spain: 251 people/sq mi
Highest provincial capital
1,719 ft
Vitoria-Gasteiz
Highest point
5,089 ft
Aketegi

Map of the Basque Country by province

Álava · 342,161 people Gipuzkoa · 733,365 people Bizkaia · 1,166,816 people
The 3 provinces of the Basque Country
Province Population Area Municipalities Capital Highest point
Bizkaia 1,166,816 855 sq mi 113 Bilbao · 23 ft Gorbeia · 4,859 ft
Gipuzkoa 733,365 765 sq mi 88 San Sebastián · 26 ft Aketegi · 5,089 ft
Álava 342,161 1,173 sq mi 51 Vitoria-Gasteiz · 1,719 ft Gorbeia · 4,859 ft

Population

The Basque Country had 2,242,342 residents on January 1, 2025, 2.4% more than in 2015 (2,189,257). Density is 803 people/sq mi, against a Spanish average of 251 people/sq mi.

The most populous province is Bizkaia, with 1,166,816 people, and the least, Álava, with 342,161. The largest municipality is Bilbao, with 351,124.

By area, the largest province is Álava, at 1,173 sq mi, and the smallest, Gipuzkoa, at 765 sq mi. Bizkaia has the most municipalities (113) and Álava the fewest (51). On average, a municipality in the Basque Country has 8,898 residents, against 6,040 across Spain.

Elevation

Of its 3 provincial capitals, the highest is Vitoria-Gasteiz, at 1,719 ft, and the lowest is Bilbao, at 23 ft: a difference of 1,696 ft.

According to the IGN’s summit table, the highest point in the Basque Country is Aketegi, at 5,089 ft (1,551 m), in Gipuzkoa province. Other peaks with a page in the Basque Country or on its border: Aizkorriko gurutzea (4,997 ft).

The Basque Country has 6 cities with an elevation page (the provincial capitals and every municipality with more than 50,000 people).

Cities in the Basque Country with an elevation page

  1. Vitoria-Gasteiz 1,719 ft
  2. Getxo 171 ft
  3. Irun 82 ft
  4. Barakaldo 79 ft
  5. San Sebastián 26 ft
  6. Bilbao 23 ft

Tools and maps

Blank map of the Basque Country Blank, labeled or numbered, on Letter, A4 or A3. Provinces of the Basque Country quiz Find each province on a blank map, no sign-up. Map of a Spanish province Pick a province and see every municipality with its population. Spain provinces and municipalities data map Population, area and density on a color-coded map.

Frequently asked questions

How many provinces does the Basque Country have?

3: Álava, Bizkaia, and Gipuzkoa.

What is the population of the Basque Country?

2,242,342, according to the INE’s municipal register on January 1, 2025. It’s Spain’s 8th most populous region.

What is the highest point in the Basque Country?

Aketegi, at 5,089 ft (1,551 m), in Gipuzkoa province, according to the IGN’s summit table.

Which provincial capital in the Basque Country is the highest?

Vitoria-Gasteiz, at 1,719 ft (524 m). The lowest is Bilbao, at 23 ft (7 m).

Sources

  • Population: our own work with data from the INE website (www.ine.es), municipal register on January 1, 2025 (updated 12/11/2025).
  • Area, boundaries, elevations and highest points: Spain’s National Geographic Institute, IGN (CC BY 4.0 ign.es).

Reviewed October 31, 2026 · Methodology and sources · Spotted a mistake? Let us know