Geopolitics and Population Dynamics: An Overview
Geopolitics and Living Space
The Third Reich’s expansionist ideology sought new territories, primarily in Eastern Europe, at the expense of Slavic peoples. This geopolitical strategy led to the development of a new political science focused on the state.
Climate Zones and Vegetation
Tundra and Taiga
The tundra and taiga, or boreal forest, are characterized by forest formations. In Canada, “taiga” refers to the area closest to the Arctic tree line, while “boreal forest” designates the area south of this
Read MoreNorth-South Divergence and Environmental Challenges in the Globalized Era
New Global Issues: Environment and Underdevelopment
1 North Convergence versus Divergence in the South
One of the paradoxes of the golden age of capitalism is that while developed countries have experienced since the end of World War II the greatest economic growth in recent history and tended to converge in their levels of wealth, developing countries increased their level of relative poverty, moving away from the rich North. Between 1950 and 1989, countries like Britain, France, Germany, Italy,
Read MoreUrbanization in Spain: Growth, Crisis, and Trends
Urbanization in Spain
June 2003
Growth Factors
Urbanization experienced significant growth, with the urban population exceeding the rural population. Factors contributing to this growth included:
- Administrative factors, such as designating cities as capitals.
- Economic and social factors, such as the development of modern industry.
Stages of Modern Industry (Until 1960)
- Until Mid-19th Century: Limited urban concentration; growth driven by provincial capitals and maritime commerce.
- Civil War and Post-War
Population of the European Union and Spain: Demographics and Trends
The Population of the European Union
Slow Growth and Aging
Almost 500 million people live in the countries forming the European Union.
The population is growing very slowly. The low birth rate, which is barely over 10‰ on average, makes the natural population growth slow. The average fertility rate of 1.5 children per woman does not ensure generational replacement.
The population over 65 years old accounts for 16% of the total and is increasing for two reasons:
- The adult population is very large and
Urban Development of Barcelona and Toledo: A Comparative Analysis
Barcelona
1. The Old Town
A) Position and Location
Barcelona’s coastal location led the Romans to found the city atop an Iberian settlement. Its strategic position facilitated the peninsular conquest. Its main function was defensive. As the capital of Catalonia, one of Spain’s most developed regions, its size and influence are significant, articulating around the Mediterranean axis. This results in specialized urban functions.
B) Analysis of the Plan
The Old Town’s anarchic medieval plan reflects the
Read MoreSpain’s Economic and Social Transformation Under Franco
I. Economic Evolution of Spain (1939-1975)
I.1. Autarky (1939-1950)
Economic policy in the early days of the Franco regime was marked by autarky due to the consequences of the civil war and international circumstances. Autarky aimed to maximize resources and minimize dependence on foreign trade, promoting self-sufficiency through strong state intervention. Notable measures included:
- Agricultural initiatives such as the creation of the National Wheat Foundation and the National Institute of Colonization,