Marbella: A Global Melting Pot
Marbella, a vibrant town known for its cosmopolitan flair, has emerged as a global melting pot. The town is home to residents from 153 different countries, making it the third most diverse town in Spain and the most diverse in Andalucía. This diversity means that 78.6% of the world’s population is represented in this small corner of the Costa del Sol.
Unusual and Distant Nationalities in Marbella
Among the myriad of nationalities represented in Marbella, some are from countries that may be difficult to locate on a map. These include residents from Vanuatu, an island nation in Oceania located thousands of kilometres from southern Spain. Other distant nationalities include those from New Zealand, one of the furthest places from Marbella, with a distance of 19,470 kilometres from its capital, Wellington.
African Presence in Marbella
The African continent also has a significant representation in Marbella, with 34 of its 54 states represented among the local population. This accounts for nearly 37% of all African national identities. The largest foreign nationality in Marbella is Moroccan, with 5,455 Moroccan residents officially registered on the municipal census.
Asian Influence in Marbella
Asia is another continent that contributes to Marbella’s cultural diversity. Countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan are represented, along with states like Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, which lie on the border between Asia and Europe. The Middle East also contributes to Marbella’s diversity, with residents and investors from the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. From the far east of Asia, people from Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines have also made Marbella their home.
Marbella’s Stateless Residents
Interestingly, the Marbella census records four stateless individuals – people who are not recognised as citizens by any country under its laws and therefore lack any nationality.
Population Growth in Marbella
Marbella’s population continues to rise, now standing at 168,000 according to the latest data from the Marbella municipal census as of February 2025. The most recent figures from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) for 2024 indicate that the coastal municipality has already reached 159,000 inhabitants, solidifying its position as the seventh most populous city in Andalucía.
