Barcelona is Spain’s second most inhabited city. In 1979, the population stood at a peak of 1,906,998 inhabitants. By 2000 it had slimmed down to 1,496,266 after an exodus to nearby towns. In 2006, according to city council statistics, the population had risen again, to 1,605,602. This increase is attributed to the return of young people from the suburbs, reflected by the fact that there are more 30-34 year-olds (146,847) than any other age group. By 2015, the population is expected to fall to around 1,590,700. On the gender front, single men can celebrate, with just 761,870 male residents, compared to 843,372 women. Average life expectancy has never been higher, with male life expectancy standing at 77.5 years and female at 84.3. This is an increase of four and 2.5 years respectively over the past decade.