Tertiary Sector: Growth, Characteristics, and Regional Disparities
The Rise of the Tertiary Sector
The tertiary sector encompasses activities providing services to society, such as transportation, tourism, and trade. This sector has experienced significant growth since 1960, now contributing over 60% to both GDP and employment.
Factors Driving Growth
Several factors have fueled the expansion of the tertiary sector:
- Increased living standards leading to higher consumption.
- Mechanization of agriculture, releasing labor for other sectors.
- Industrial evolution, particularly
Spanish Empire in 17th Century: Decline, Society & Economy
The Decline of the Spanish Empire in Europe During the 17th Century
Foreign Policy
Philip III initiated a period of relative peace, signing a peace treaty with England in 1604 and the Twelve Years’ Truce with the Dutch Republic from 1609 to 1621. However, under Philip IV, peace was shattered due to broader European conflicts, particularly the Thirty Years’ War. At the end of the Twelve Years’ Truce, fighting resumed in the Spanish Netherlands, with the Austrian and Spanish Habsburgs facing off against
Read MoreImperialism: Economic, Demographic, and Ideological Drivers
Imperialism: Driving Forces
Economic Factors
The crisis of 1873 led to a decline in prices and a rise in protectionism, where countries protected their products by restricting foreign goods through bans or taxes. This spurred the need for new markets outside of this system. European capitalist powers like England, Netherlands, and France needed to invest surplus capital, providing loans and developing infrastructure in other continents. They also sought raw materials, such as silver, oil, rubber,
Read MoreCigarettes, Environment, and Migration: Key Issues
Smoking Cigarettes
What do you think about people who are unable to stop smoking? Have you ever wondered how dangerous it is for their health?
Smokers’ Perspective
- Smoking cigarettes is a relaxing activity for those who suffer from stress.
- It has become a daily routine for many people.
- Some teenagers think it makes them look older and cool.
- Many started smoking because their relatives were heavy smokers.
Non-Smokers’ Perspective
- Smoking is very harmful and highly addictive.
- It causes serious diseases such
Spain’s Energy, Transport, Trade, and Tourism Sectors
Spain’s Energy Infrastructure
The Spanish high-voltage electrical network is managed by the company Red Eléctrica de España. It takes care of the electrical infrastructures that form the transport network and connect generating plants with distribution points to consumers. The transport network of this company consists of 33,669 km of high-voltage lines and 3,000 distribution substations.
Natural Gas Distribution
Natural gas is distributed through a network of 7,752 km of pipelines in the peninsula.
Read MoreSpanish Rural Economy: Challenges and CAP Impact
The Spanish economy has relied heavily on the primary sector for years. Changes and progress have not affected all Spanish rural areas equally. Modernization and tradition coexist, leading to a “rural crisis” addressed through planning policies. This manifests in several indicators:
Demographics
A shrinking and aging population due to emigration of young and low-skilled individuals.
Economic Issues
- Little economic diversification in rural areas, leading to unemployment.
- Need to adapt to new food demands.