Comprehensive Guide to Economic Activities and Global Concepts
Monoculture vs. Polyculture
Monoculture
A single type of crop is grown, producing large quantities of a product at a competitive cost.
Polyculture
Several types of crops are grown, often for the consumption of families working the land.
Livestock Farming
An economic activity of the primary sector, involving the breeding and domestication of animals for human consumption.
Extensive Livestock Farming
- Practiced in both developed and developing countries.
- Typical of large farms where animals graze on natural pastures.
- Requires little investment in labor, facilities, or feed, but productivity is low.
- In developed countries, products are intended for sale; in less developed countries, they are for family consumption.
- Found in areas with abundant pastures, such as the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, and South Africa.
Economic Systems
Traditional Economy
Producers consume almost everything they produce and sell their surplus at a local market.
Capitalist Economy
The state intervenes minimally in economic activity. The economy is based on free competition, private property, and profits.
Communist Economy
The state controls all aspects of the economy, including production and profits. This system is not widespread today.
Primary Sector
Involves activities that obtain basic resources directly from nature.
Soil Porosity
Determines the amount of oxygen the soil contains and its ability to retain water.
Settlement Patterns
Nucleated Settlement
Houses are grouped together to form a village.
Agricultural Practices
Intensive Agriculture
Uses the land to its maximum capacity.
Aquaculture
Technology-driven breeding of fish, shellfish, and algae in fresh or saltwater.
Fishing
Fishing Grounds
Areas where fish naturally concentrate. Sunlight and deposited nutrients favor the growth of plankton, a food source for many fish.
Off Shore Fishing
Practiced out at sea using large ships equipped with modern technical instruments.
Factors Affecting Agriculture
Relief
Determines the type of agriculture possible. At higher altitudes, temperatures fall, restricting the growth of species.
Energy Sources
Renewable Energy
- Solar Energy: Harnesses the sun’s energy by trapping its heat and light in solar panels (solar thermal or photovoltaic). Germany, Italy, and Spain are the top producers of solar electricity.
- Geothermal Energy: Utilizes heat from the Earth. Applications depend on temperatures: below 90°C, between 90°C and 150°C, and above 150°C.
- Biomass Energy: Produced by transforming organic materials (forestry, agriculture, and urban waste) into energy. France is the largest consumer of biomass in the European Union, and Brazil is a significant producer.
- Tidal Energy: Obtained from waves, sea currents, or temperature differences between deep and surface water. The largest tidal power station is in South Korea.
Advantages of Renewable Energy
- Available everywhere, unlike fossil fuels found only in certain regions.
- Low environmental impact.
Drawbacks of Renewable Energy
- Irregular supply.
- Difficult to store the energy produced.
Non-Renewable Energy
Coal
A fossil fuel formed from the decomposing remains of vegetation in shallow water.
Industry
Economic and technical activity that transforms raw materials into suitable products to meet human needs.
Tourism
Benefits
- Creates business opportunities and jobs, both directly and indirectly.
- Adds economic value to natural and cultural heritage.
- Facilitates cultural exchanges between countries and people.
Negative Effects
- Seasonal and precarious employment with temporary, low-wage jobs.
- Coastal tourism significantly impacts the environment, causing ecosystem degradation, pollution, and pressure on natural resources.
Services
Activities that do not produce tangible goods but satisfy people’s needs and wants.
Tertiarization
Economic and social transformation affecting most developed countries since the last phase of the industrial revolution.
Types of Trade
Domestic Trade
Takes place within a country’s borders.
Foreign Trade
Takes place with other countries.
Types of Services
Public Services
Financed by the state through taxes. In developed countries, the state (often called a welfare state) guarantees basic services.
Private Services
Offered by private companies or individuals.
Global Tourism Flows
Internal Tourist Flows
- Europe: The primary tourist destination globally, with France, Spain, and others attracting the most foreign visitors. Attractions include artistic and cultural heritage and the Mediterranean climate.
- Asia: Experiencing growing tourism.
- America: The USA offers numerous attractions, including major cities.
- Africa: Known for its natural environment, with Morocco, South Africa, and Tunisia as main destinations.
BRICS Countries
Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Together, these countries account for around 27% of global industrial production.
Spanish Economy
Tourism in Spain
- Tourism is a significant economic activity in Spain, ranking third globally.
- Factors contributing to its success include excellent beaches (Spain boasts the most Blue Flags globally), government policies promoting tourism, and Spain’s rich cultural heritage.
- Traditional sun and beach tourism has dominated, but since the 1990s, other types of tourism have developed: cultural, rural, health, business, etc.
Spanish Industry Today
- The global economic crisis significantly impacted Spain, culminating in a domestic crisis caused by a housing bubble.
- Key industrial sectors include food, beverages, tobacco, vehicle manufacturing, and chemicals.
- Most industrial activity concentrates in Catalonia, Madrid, the Basque Country, and the Valencian Community.
Characteristics of the Spanish Primary Sector
- The primary sector in Spain has decreased in importance regarding employment and contribution to GDP.
- Despite this, the sector remains fundamental to the economy. Spain is one of the EU countries with a robust primary sector.
- Fishery products are raw materials for many Spanish industries, and around 15% of Spanish exports are food products.
- Weaknesses include an aging population, the prevalence of small farms, low productivity in extensive livestock farming and rain-fed agriculture.