Urbanization 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,
Population Dynamics in Spain: Birth, Fertility & Mortality Trends
Population Dynamics: Natural and Immigration
Natural
Birth and Fertility
Birth rates and fertility are concepts used to describe the reproductive capacity of a population, but they are not identical. Birth rate refers to births occurring within a population as a whole, whereas fertility is related to live births from the perspective of women of childbearing age, not the entire population.
Evolution of Birth and Fertility
Until recently, Spain had high birth rates compared to other European countries.
Read MoreUrbanization Process Since Neolithic Period: A Historical Overview
The Process of Urbanization
Since the Neolithic period, cities have experienced continuous growth, consistent with the increased level of civilization. The most brilliant civilizations were urban.
A- The Pre-Traditional City
It corresponds to the historical heritage from different historical eras. Its path is heterogeneous and irregular, and Spanish cities are the product of 2000 years of evolution.
- Pre-Roman Cities: There are no current traces of these cities. They were native Iberian and founded by