Demography and Urbanization: Population Dynamics and Heritage
ITEM 9: Historical Demography and Population Dynamics
Historically, authorities have sought to understand population size and structure. Examples include the Roman Empire, China, and Egypt, where census records existed for millennia. Following the Council of Trent in the latter half of the 16th century, tracking births, deaths, baptisms, and marriages became common, resulting in extensive data across various countries. However, it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that European nations initiated systematic demographic work. Spain, for instance, published its first nationwide statistical census in 1857. Civil registries, established in the last third of the century, provided another crucial data source. Demography is a complex and sometimes controversial subject.
Population Movements and Natural Basics
Natural population movements include birth and death rates, and infant mortality (deaths within the first year of life). Fertility, a key factor, varies across territories and historical periods, usually expressed as the average number of children per woman. Population density reflects population distribution, expressed as inhabitants per square kilometer (km2). Spain currently has 91 inhabitants/km2. Life expectancy is an average; in Spain, it’s 74 years for men and 81 for women. In Spain, for every 100 girls born, there are 105 boys. A high birth and death rate regime, with short life expectancy, characterizes less developed countries or past historical periods. A modern demographic regime, resulting from improved nutrition and sanitation, sees decreased mortality and birth rates, stabilizing population and increasing life expectancy. Population pyramids visually represent demographic structure, revealing regimes and trends like birth rates and life expectancy. Cartograms, maps where size corresponds to population, offer another visualization method. Demographic projections, using mathematical models, estimate future populations, though unpredictability remains a challenge. Historical events like the baby boom or recessions can cause population explosions or declines. Natural population growth, the difference between births and deaths in a year, can be positive or negative. Population data is primarily obtained through censuses, formally conducted every 10 years in years ending in 1, with official figures published by the National Statistics Institute (INE; www.ine.es). Migration, encompassing emigration, immigration, and commuting (regular travel for work), is also significant. Understanding the causes and effects of migration from a historical perspective is crucial.
Spanish population growth was slow until the 16th century, experiencing setbacks due to migration, epidemics, famine, and war. Despite challenges in the early 18th and 19th centuries, growth continued. This trend persisted in the 20th century, despite wars and emigration. The 21st century has seen significant growth due to immigration and associated fertility patterns.
ITEM 10: Urban, Rural, and Global Worlds
World urban, rural and global world. The differences between rural and urban areas are varied (see photocopies). In the 1970s, Marshall McLuhan introduced the concept of the “global village,” referring to the planet’s “shrinking” due to advancements in transportation and media. Contemporary cities are increasingly complex.
Main Classifications of Cities
Cities are classified using various criteria. The most common is quantitative, based on population size. However, this classification varies by country (e.g., Sweden: 200 residents; Australia and Canada: 1,000 residents; Spain: 10,000 residents; Japan: 30,000 residents), limiting its validity. Settlement type and number also matter. Determining urban versus rural often involves analyzing employment percentages in economic sectors, with the tertiary sector dominating urban areas. Historical designations or community dedications are also considered. For example, some locations were designated as cities by honorary authorities (e.g., Moral de Calatrava or Valdepeñas).
Legislation
City planning is governed by legal tools like the Municipal Management Plan (POM). Other subsidiary rules have existed. In Spain, the 2008 Land Law and the amended LOTAN for Castilla-La Mancha are key regulations.
ITEM 13: Heritage
Cultural heritage encompasses everything inherited from previous generations, considered movable or immovable. It’s a complex term, often associated with material products, but now includes tangible and intangible aspects. International bodies and experts advocate for a holistic heritage conception.
Basics: Intangible Heritage
Intangible cultural heritage includes practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and techniques, along with associated instruments, objects, artifacts, and cultural spaces recognized by communities as part of their heritage. Transmitted across generations, it’s recreated by communities, fostering identity, continuity, and respect for cultural diversity and human creativity (UNESCO Declaration for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, 2003). UNESCO promotes research and preservation of global intangible heritage, collaborating with states, groups, and private institutions. Examples of intangible heritage in Spain include the Mystery Play of Elche, flamenco, castellers, falconry, and the whistling language of the Canary Islands.