Demography and Population Geography: A Comprehensive Guide
Demography and Population Geography
Key Concepts and Definitions
Census
A statistical and official document providing a total population count at a specific time, conducted at regular intervals (e.g., every 10 years in Spain). It gathers extensive information (birthplace, residence, profession, etc.). Data is confidential, and while reliability varies across countries, it’s considered a universal source of reliable demographic information. The first modern Spanish census was in 1857, with the latest in 2001. Census data informs decisions on resource allocation, such as building schools, hospitals, and housing, and designing birth incentives.
Zero Growth
Occurs when birth rates equal mortality rates. The fourth phase of demographic change (with very low birth and death rates) approaches zero growth. Spain’s population growth was 0.09% in 2000 and 0.29% in 2008.
Demography
Derived from “demos” (village) and “graphos” (treaty), it’s the science studying various population aspects (age-sex distribution, evolution, etc.). Historical demography examines population characteristics from antiquity to the 18th-19th centuries, using parish records and neighborhood books. Modern demography (20th century onwards) provides more accurate data from sources like censuses, municipal records, and labor force surveys.
Population Density
The average population per unit area (km²). Density can be high or low, with densely populated areas (ekumene) and sparsely populated areas (anekumene). Spain’s average density is 80 inhabitants/km².
Emigration
Population movement from one country to another (external migration) or within the same country/region (internal migration). Emigration can be forced or voluntary, and its duration varies: daily (commutes), continuous (nomads), seasonal (labor migration), or definitive (economic or political).
Life Expectancy
The average number of years a person can live from birth, calculated based on age-specific mortality rates. Advancements in science and healthcare have increased life expectancy, which is generally higher in developed countries. Also called average life. In Spain, life expectancy in 2002 was 79.4 years (75.7 for men, 83.1 for women).
Rural Exodus
Emigration from rural areas to cities, primarily due to imbalances between population and resources (employment opportunities and agricultural economy sustainability).
De Jure and De Facto Population
De jure population includes residents present and absent, while de facto population includes residents and present non-residents.
Rural and Urban Population
Rural population resides in the countryside, while urban population lives in cities. The distinction varies across countries. In Spain, rural areas have under 2,000 inhabitants, while in Japan, it’s under 10,000. Rural inhabitants typically work in the primary sector (agriculture), while urban inhabitants work in secondary (industry) and tertiary (services) sectors.
Settlement
The establishment, exploitation, and occupation of a previously uninhabited territory by people from other areas.
Generation and Generational Replacement
A generation is the time interval between parents and children (around 30 years). Generational replacement requires a birth rate ensuring population maintenance. A rate of 2.1 children per woman is needed for replacement.
Net Migration
The balance between immigration and emigration. Positive net migration increases population, while negative net migration decreases it. Net migration doesn’t account for natural population growth (birth rate minus death rate).
Economic Sectors
Groups of economic activities producing goods and services: primary (agriculture, fishing), secondary (industry, construction), and tertiary (services). A quaternary sector is sometimes distinguished within the tertiary sector.
Sex Ratio
The ratio of men to women in a given area, expressed as a percentage (males/females x 100). Data comes from population censuses. Rural areas often have higher sex ratios due to male-dominated agricultural work. Urban areas, mining camps, and areas with military presence can also skew sex ratios. In Spain, regions like Castilla y León have high sex ratios due to low birth rates, rural mortality, and urban migration, impacting population growth due to marriage difficulties.
Youth Exodus
Emigration of young people, leading to rural population decline and aging, and urban growth. In Spain, the peak period was 1960-1975.
Concentrated and Dispersed Habitat
Concentrated habitat (rural) involves large towns and cities with medium/large farms in lowlands. Dispersed habitat features separated houses, typical in intensive agriculture areas with small plots. Habitat distribution depends on natural resources (water, topography) and human factors (history, living standards).
Immigration
Entry of people from other countries or regions. Immigrants are those who leave their origin, while immigrants are those who arrive. Net immigration is the difference between immigration and emigration.
Live Births
Children surviving past 24 hours. Infant mortality refers to deaths before one year.
Municipal Register
A statistical source with municipal population data (name, address, etc.), updated every 5 years in Spain. Information is public.
Population Pyramid
A histogram showing age-sex distribution at a specific date. It analyzes population evolution and predicts future trends. Three characteristic profiles are: triangular (expanding population), bell-shaped (stationary/aging population), and urn-shaped (declining population).
Working-Age Population
Classified as employed or unemployed. The Labour Force Survey (LFS) provides data on the workforce.
Inactive Population
People aged 16+ who are not employed or seeking employment (retirees, students, homemakers).
Natural Increase Rate
The difference between births and deaths divided by the total population, multiplied by 100. Rates can be very high (>3%), high (2-2.9%), moderate (1-1.9%), low (0-0.9%), or negative (
Real Growth Rate
: The rate of natural increase plus immigration and emigration less. CR = CN + SM
FERTILITY RATE: The number of live births per thousand women of childbearing age (women are considered statistically between 15 and 49 years), for a given year and zone. (‰)
Is calculated as follows: Number of live births x 1000
Total No. of women between 15 and 49
MORTALITY RATE: The number of deaths in a given year divided by the total population by 1000 (‰).
According to the rate, mortality may be:
“Ï High => 35 ‰
“I average = 15 – 35 ‰
“I low =
In Spain the mortality rate began its decline in late nineteenth century. In 1900, it was at 28.5 ‰, has now gone to 8.5 ‰ (2008), one of the lowest rates in the world.
INFANT MORTALITY RATE: The number of children under one year Tallec per thousand in a given year and the number of live births that year.
According to the rate, infant mortality can be:
“Ï Very high => 100 ‰
“Ï High = 50 – 100 ‰
“I average = 25 – 50 ‰
“I low =
The infant mortality rate is a very clear indicator that reflects the degree of development of a country. One of the aspects that help us understand the progress in the fight against death in Spain is the infant mortality rate and life expectancy. The infant mortality rate has risen from 180 in early XX ‰ to 3.35 ‰ in 2008.
BIRTH RATE: The number of births in a given year per 1000 inhabitants. Is calculated as follows:
According to the charges, the birth can be:
“Ï High => 35 ‰
“I average = 15 – 35 ‰
“I low =
The decline of Spanish birth rate began in the last third of XIX. In 1900 was 34 ‰ in 1998 of 9.1 ‰, a rate below that of some European countries (France Portugal, Sweden …). Currently, 2008, amounted to 11.4 ‰ due to the immigration process.
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE (or unemployment): Calculated as the ratio of the unemployed and the economically active population, multiplied by 100. Spain, in the last quarter of 2010, had an unemployment rate of 20.33%.