Population and demographic structure

The population of Tordoia experienced a negative demographic trend during the period 1991 to 2022. The population decreased by more than 2,600 inhabitants, with a reduction of 45.4%, much higher than the 1.5% decrease recorded in Galicia.

From 2012 to 2022, Tordoia continued to experience a demographic decline, with reductions of -18.6%. Both in the province of A Coruña and in Galicia this decline occurs with -2.16% and -3.3% respectively.

There has also been a change in the age distribution which has led to a progressive ageing of the population. From 2012 to 2022, the working age group was the one that presented the greatest loss of population, with a reduction of -28%, with 657 fewer people. People over 64 years of age are 5% less than ten years ago. Young men and women under 16 years of age decreased slightly, with the number remaining stable throughout this decade, but showing a reduction of 44%.

This process of demographic ageing is evident in the structure of the population pyramid, with a narrowing of the base and an expansion of the upper reaches. In 2022, the average age of the population of Tordoia was 55 years. There is a gender disparity in terms of average age: older women have an average age of 57 years compared to almost 52 and a half years for men.

The Total Dependency Ratio (TDR) in Tordoia reached 90% in 2022, after a continuous increase since 1998. This value reflects an increased burden on the working-age population, which must cope with the needs and demands of a growing number of dependent persons. This fact corroborates the trend of demographic decline and ageing that the municipality is experiencing, which has important consequences in the social, economic, and cultural spheres.

Economy

The evolution of Gross Disposable Product (GDP) showed a positive growth trend throughout the period analysed, in contrast to the situation observed in the Galician municipalities as a whole and in the province of A Coruña. The municipality maintained an average growth rate of 0.9% throughout the decade. This sustained growth occurs even in periods of crisis. As a result, Tordoia’s GDP experienced an increase of 9.4% throughout the decade of 2010, contrary to the reduction experienced in Galicia, with -2%, and in A Coruña, with -0.26%. In 2022, the municipal GDP ended up reaching a value of around 56.85 million euros.

The Gross Disposable Income (GDI) showed a growth dynamic with some instability, characterised by periods of significant growth interspersed with periods of decline. During the period analysed, the municipality grew by 17%, exceeding the 10% recorded in Galicia and A Coruña as a whole.

In 2019, the gross income per inhabitant of Tordoia stood at 12,570 euros, four thousand euros below the Galician average. Furthermore, the pandemic caused a generalised decline, reducing the municipality’s per capita income by -0.11% in 2020, a minor reduction compared to the -3% drop in Galicia and -4.7% in the province of A Coruña, which shows a greater resilience of the municipality in the face of the economic crisis derived from the health crisis.

Using the registration of social security affiliations as an estimate of municipal employment, between 2011 and 2022, Tordoia revealed a downward trend in the number of affiliations. Between 2011 and 2022, Tordoia experienced a decrease of -13.75% in the total number of affiliations. The primary sector showed a reduction of -31%. The secondary sector recorded a reduction of -20.7%. The tertiary sector gained weight with an 8% increase in the number of affiliates and is the sector with the highest number of affiliates.

In 2022, Tordoia had an activity rate of 76%. The employment rate was 71% and the unemployment rate experienced a notable decrease from 13.6% in 2011 to 8.3% in 2022, a level similar to that observed in the territorial groups.

Energy resources

Tordoia has an important energy infrastructure based on renewable sources, specifically wind power. The installed wind power capacity is 4.62 MW in 2022, distributed among 7 wind turbines that achieve an average annual production of between 7,320 and 12,250 MW. However, further diversification of renewable energy sources is essential to strengthen the energy resilience of the municipality and maximise its economic potential. The expansion of other forms of renewable energy, such as solar photovoltaic or biomass, would not only help to reduce dependence on a single source, but could generate new economic and employment opportunities in the area.

The electricity consumption of Tordoia in 2023 was estimated at 6,169.95 MWh. Residential consumption was 3,737.64 MWh. Utility consumption, including municipal services, was 1,617.33 MWh. Industry consumed 814.98 MWh.