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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 7,234 km². It’s Spain’s 8th most populous autonomous community and the 14th largest. Its highest point is Aketegi, at 1,551 m (5,089 ft).

By the All Map Tools Team

Population (2025)
2,242,342
+2.4% since 2015
Area
7,234 km²
14th largest region
Provinces and municipalities
3 · 252
Álava, Bizkaia, and Gipuzkoa
Density
310 people/km²
Spain: 97 people/km²
Highest provincial capital
524 m
Vitoria-Gasteiz
Highest point
1,551 m
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 2,216 km² 113 Bilbao · 7 m Gorbeia · 1,481 m
Gipuzkoa 733,365 1,981 km² 88 San Sebastián · 8 m Aketegi · 1,551 m
Álava 342,161 3,038 km² 51 Vitoria-Gasteiz · 524 m Gorbeia · 1,481 m

Population

The Basque Country had 2,242,342 residents on January 1, 2025, 2.4% more than in 2015 (2,189,257). Density is 310 people/km², against a Spanish average of 97 people/km².

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 3,038 km², and the smallest, Gipuzkoa, at 1,981 km². 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 524 m, and the lowest is Bilbao, at 7 m: a difference of 517 m.

According to the IGN’s summit table, the highest point in the Basque Country is Aketegi, at 1,551 m (5,089 ft), in Gipuzkoa province. Other peaks with a page in the Basque Country or on its border: Aizkorriko gurutzea (1,523 m).

The Basque Country has 20 cities with an elevation page: the provincial capitals and every municipality with more than 50,000 people, in the list below, and 14 towns of 20,000 to 50,000, each on its province’s page.

Cities in the Basque Country with an elevation page

  1. Vitoria-Gasteiz 524 m
  2. Getxo 52 m
  3. Irun 25 m
  4. Barakaldo 24 m
  5. San Sebastián 8 m
  6. Bilbao 7 m

Plus 14 towns of 20,000 to 50,000 people, on their province’s page: Bizkaia (8) and Gipuzkoa (6).

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

Which provincial capital in the Basque Country is the highest?

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

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).

Methodology and sources · Spotted a mistake? Let us know