Biogeographic Regions & Demographic Shifts in Spain

Posted on Feb 16, 2025 in Geography

Biogeographic Regions of Spain

Based on lithology and climate, Spain has three distinct biogeographic regions:

  • Eurosiberian: Located in northern Spain, characterized by an Atlantic climate with soft rains.
  • Mediterranean: Covering the rest of the peninsula, featuring a Mediterranean climate with long, dry summers.
  • Macaronesian: Includes the Canary Islands, known for a high number of endemic species.

Main Vegetation Types

  • Deciduous Forest and Heathland:
    • Characterized by tall trees with straight trunks and large leaves that fall in autumn.
    • Important species:
      • Beech (*Fagus sylvatica*): Found in areas with high humidity.
      • Oak (*Quercus robur*): Lower height, less tolerant of extreme heat or cold, needs moisture.
    • Deciduous forests are disappearing due to fires and are often replaced with pine trees.
  • Heathland:
    • Consists of medium-height scrub.
  • Evergreen Forest:
    • Composed of medium-sized trees with gnarled trunks, thick bark, long, deep roots, and branches with large, leathery leaves.
    • Important species:
      • Holm Oak (*Quercus ilex*): Adapts to all climates and soils.
      • Cork Oak (*Quercus suber*): Prefers mild winters and siliceous soils.
  • Mediterranean Scrubland:
    • Maquis (shrub on impermeable silica soil).
    • Garrigue (shrubs and bushes on limestone soil).
    • Steppe (low, thorny scrub).
  • Riparian Forest:
    • Found along rivers to capture moisture.
  • Mountain Vegetation:
    • Subalpine (1200-2400m): Softwood and forest.
    • Alpine (above 3000m): Meadow.
    • Nival (above 3000m): Lichens and mosses.
  • Canary Islands Landscape:
    • Includes supracanarian, thermocanarian, intermediate, and basal zones.

Demographic Dynamics in Spain

Key demographic records include census data and vital registrations.

  • Natural Population Movement: Births and deaths.
  • Net Migration: Difference between immigrants and emigrants.

Key Demographic Trends

  • Post-1975: Net migration, births, and fertility decreased due to improved contraception, women’s entry into the workforce, and changing lifestyles.
  • 1980s: Infant mortality decreased. Vegetative growth increased due to the high fertility rate of immigrants.
  • Overall Population: Although the population is around 46 million, Spain’s population has historically been low due to economic factors. Mortality declined significantly, except during key periods like the 1918 flu pandemic, the post-war period, and the Civil War.
  • Regional Variations: Northern regions tend to have a negative natural balance, while southern regions are positive.
  • Aging Population: Caused by decreased fertility and mortality, and increased life expectancy (80.3 years in 2005; 76.9 for males and 83.6 for females). This poses economic challenges due to increased demand for pensions, healthcare, and elder care.

Spatial Movements: Migration in Spain

Migration is the geographical displacement of people due to economic or social causes.

Internal Migration

Rural Exodus:

  1. Up to 1930: Growth with the beginning of agricultural mechanization.
  2. 1930-1950: Stagnation, especially during the war and post-war period.
  3. 1950-1975: Largest movements due to increased agricultural mechanization.
  4. Post-1975: Decline due to the economic crisis; the situation has since stabilized.
  • Temporary Migration: Movement in search of temporary work.
  • Long-Distance Migration: Movements between cities in the same province.

External Migration

Implications:

  • Demographic: Decreased male population.
  • Economic: Relief of work in poorer areas.
  • Social: Language barriers and integration challenges.

Immigration to Cities

Well-qualified immigrants come in search of work. They can be categorized into three groups:

  • Those who become Spanish citizens.
  • Those who maintain a home and their original nationality.
  • Those without legal permission (undocumented immigrants).