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Autonomous community

Catalonia, Spain

Catalonia is home to 8,146,265 people in 4 provinces and 947 municipalities covering 12,399 sq mi. It’s Spain’s 2nd most populous autonomous community and the 6th largest. Its highest point is Pica d'Estats, at 10,312 ft (3,143 m).

Population (2025)
8,146,265
+8.5% since 2015
Area
12,399 sq mi
6th largest region
Provinces and municipalities
4 · 947
Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona
Density
657 people/sq mi
Spain: 251 people/sq mi
Highest provincial capital
492 ft
Lleida
Highest point
10,312 ft
Pica d'Estats

Map of Catalonia by province

Barcelona · 5,983,325 people Girona · 832,026 people Lleida · 456,106 people Tarragona · 874,808 people
The 4 provinces of Catalonia
Province Population Area Municipalities Capital Highest point
Barcelona 5,983,325 2,986 sq mi 311 Barcelona · 43 ft Pic de Costa Cabirolera · 8,543 ft
Tarragona 874,808 2,435 sq mi 184 Tarragona · 164 ft Caro · 4,728 ft
Girona 832,026 2,281 sq mi 221 Girona · 223 ft Puigpedrós · 9,560 ft
Lleida 456,106 4,696 sq mi 231 Lleida · 492 ft Pica d'Estats · 10,312 ft

Population

Catalonia had 8,146,265 residents on January 1, 2025, 8.5% more than in 2015 (7,508,106). Density is 657 people/sq mi, against a Spanish average of 251 people/sq mi.

The most populous province is Barcelona, with 5,983,325 people, and the least, Lleida, with 456,106. The largest municipality is Barcelona, with 1,731,649.

By area, the largest province is Lleida, at 4,696 sq mi, and the smallest, Girona, at 2,281 sq mi. Barcelona has the most municipalities (311) and Tarragona the fewest (184). On average, a municipality in Catalonia has 8,602 residents, against 6,040 across Spain.

Elevation

Of its 4 provincial capitals, the highest is Lleida, at 492 ft, and the lowest is Barcelona, at 43 ft: a difference of 449 ft.

According to the IGN’s summit table, the highest point in Catalonia is Pica d'Estats, at 10,312 ft (3,143 m), in Lleida province, on the border with France. Other peaks with a page in Catalonia or on its border: Puigpedrós (9,560 ft).

Catalonia has 24 cities with an elevation page (the provincial capitals and every municipality with more than 50,000 people).

Cities in Catalonia with an elevation page

  1. Vic 1,634 ft
  2. Terrassa 932 ft
  3. Manresa 781 ft
  4. Sabadell 620 ft
  5. Lleida 492 ft
  6. Granollers 476 ft
  7. Rubí 423 ft
  8. Reus 394 ft
  9. Sant Cugat del Vallès 374 ft
  10. Cerdanyola del Vallès 269 ft
  11. Girona 223 ft
  12. Mollet del Vallès 197 ft
  13. Tarragona 164 ft
  14. Santa Coloma de Gramenet 115 ft
  15. Cornellà de Llobregat 85 ft
  16. Mataró 75 ft
  17. Vilanova i la Geltrú 56 ft
  18. Barcelona 43 ft
  19. Sant Boi de Llobregat 43 ft
  20. Viladecans 39 ft
  21. L'Hospitalet de Llobregat 30 ft
  22. Badalona 23 ft
  23. El Prat de Llobregat 20 ft
  24. Castelldefels 10 ft

Tools and maps

Blank map of Catalonia Blank, labeled or numbered, on Letter, A4 or A3. Provinces of Catalonia 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 Catalonia have?

4: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona.

What is the population of Catalonia?

8,146,265, according to the INE’s municipal register on January 1, 2025. It’s Spain’s 2nd most populous region.

What is the highest point in Catalonia?

Pica d'Estats, at 10,312 ft (3,143 m), in Lleida province, according to the IGN’s summit table.

Which provincial capital in Catalonia is the highest?

Lleida, at 492 ft (150 m). The lowest is Barcelona, at 43 ft (13 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