The Primary Sector in Spain and the EU: A Modern Overview
The Primary Sector in the EU
European Agriculture
Over 40% of the EU’s land is used for agriculture, contributing 2% to its GDP. Since the late 18th-century agricultural revolution, the sector has modernized, becoming technologically advanced, highly productive, and profitable.
- Mediterranean Landscapes: Combine rainfed agriculture (wheat, vine, and olive) with profitable irrigated market gardening.
- Central European Landscapes: Feature cereal crop rotation, with winter cereals (wheat, barley) and summer
Spain’s 60s: Economic Boom & Social Change Under Franco
Spain’s Transformation in the 1960s
Economic Growth and Modernization
During the 1960s, Spain experienced significant economic growth and societal modernization. Two factors fueled this expansion:
- Industrial Growth: Production increased at rates exceeding 7% annually.
- Expansion of Services: Tourism became a major economic activity.
Agricultural modernization through mechanization increased production while reducing labor needs. Foreign investment, attracted by low wages and taxes, further boosted growth.
Read MoreEvolution of Industrial Landscapes in Spain
1. Factors Influencing Industrial Location and Organization
Predicting and organizing a country’s industrial fabric is crucial for its economy. Understanding the factors that attract businesses to specific locations is essential. Several key factors play a significant role:
Social Factors:
- Presence of an organized entrepreneurial class.
- Availability of affordable labor.
- Proximity to political decision-making centers.
Spatial Factors:
- Access to raw materials.
- Presence of infrastructure and complementary
17th & 18th Century Philosophers: Hume, Descartes & More
17th & 18th Century Philosophers: Hume and Descartes
Hume and the Enlightenment
The historical context surrounding David Hume (1711-1776) is the 18th century, a period known as the Enlightenment. This era spanned the entire century, particularly from the 1688 Glorious Revolution in England until the French Revolution in 1789, though its development varied across different countries. The mid-18th century was relatively calm, preceded by religious wars and followed by revolutionary ones (American
Read MoreRivers and Vegetation of the Iberian Peninsula
Rivers of the Iberian Peninsula
Factors Influencing Rivers
Peninsular rivers are conditioned by several factors:
- Climate: Rainfall significantly influences river flow throughout the year.
- Relief and Topography: These factors influence the organization of watersheds.
- Lithology: Determines the dominance of surface runoff or underground water.
- Vegetation: Slows evaporation, erosion, and flood risk.
- Human-made Works: Impact water supply and river regulation.
Fluvial Volume and Rate
a) River Flow
River flow is
Read MorePopulation Dynamics: Migration, Distribution, and Urban Transformations
Population Dynamics
Migration
Definition
Migration is the movement of a home with a change of residence.
Historical Migrations
- European Migration Overseas: The discovery of America offered emigration opportunities to many Europeans seeking a better life.
- Forced Migration of African Slaves: During the colonial era, many Africans were brought to America as slaves.
- Chinese Migration: In the 19th century, a large number of Chinese migrated to the United States and Southeast Asia.
International Migration Today
- USA: