The Catalan population grew during the 1950s by more than 650,000. In the 60s, it increased by more than 1,200,000 people. Municipalities such as Ripollet and Cornellà de Llobregat saw their populations double in just five years. For the men and women who migrated to Catalonia, life was not easy. Though there was full employment, wages were low and decent housing was hard to find. The new working class neighbourhoods did not have even the basic services or amenities. However, economic growth and an open society enabled these people to prosper. The wave of immigration led to the baby boom.