Industrial and Rural Landscapes: Spain’s Diverse Geography
Industrial Landscapes
Industrial landscapes are the result of human activities related to the transformation of raw materials into manufactured products. There are different types of industrial landscapes:
Traditional Industrial Landscapes
Traditional industrial landscapes are shaped by heavy industry, which includes metal and steelworks. They are often found close to sources of raw materials and energy, or in locations with good transport networks. This type produces a high level of production. Examples include the UK, Germany, France, Belgium, and Spain.
Industrial Parks
Industrial parks are located on the outskirts of cities. They usually have factories that produce consumer goods. These parks have plenty of space for factories and warehouses, as well as services such as restaurants and public transportation. The proximity of one industry to another promotes cooperation.
Agro-Industrial Landscapes
Agro-industrial landscapes are found in rural areas. These process agricultural products into consumer food products, for example, canning industries. These activities are especially dispersed.
Science and Technology Parks
Science and technology parks are the location of high-tech industries and R&D facilities. They promote integration between science, technology, and industry. They are usually found close to big cities and centers of research, such as universities.
Tourism in Spain
Tourism accounts for 12% of Spain’s GDP. Spain has more visitors per year than any other country except for France. Tourism has developed thanks to various factors, including natural resources, such as the climate and landscape; cultural aspects, such as World Heritage sites and museums; and Spain’s location and accessibility.
Most of Spain’s tourist infrastructure is found along the coast. For this reason, coastal areas are the most densely populated regions in Spain. The most visited places are Catalonia, Valencia, the Balearic Islands, Andalusia, the Canary Islands, and Madrid.
The main disadvantage of tourism is that it’s very seasonal. It is concentrated between May and October. To help solve this problem, many package deals are offered from October to May, when demand is lower. In some areas, such as the Costa del Sol, many tourist facilities are owned by foreign companies, so the profits from tourism don’t benefit the Spanish economy.
Rural Landscapes in Spain
Oceanic and Atlantic
These landscapes are wet, green, and mountainous. They are located in the north of Spain. Their temperatures are mild, with abundant precipitation all year. They have a dispersed habitat and a predominance of smallholdings of sheep and forests. They have an intensive polyculture that predominates in cornfields, meadows, and orchards. In high areas, potatoes and rye are grown, and in warm areas, vineyards are common.
Volcanic
These landscapes are found in the Canary Islands. They have good soil, and the subtropical climate favors the exportation of products. Due to their location, the products are very expensive. Bananas, tobacco, cotton, sugar, and potatoes are the traditional crops. Smallholdings predominate. People often have small orchards for their own consumption (autoconsumo).
Mediterranean
- Interior: It has an interior climate, with high altitudes. Cereal crops like rye, oats, and wheat are grown there. In Navarra and La Rioja, wine is very common. In Aragon, cereals and extensive livestock farming are common, and in Extremadura, hunting, pigs, and forests predominate.
- Warm: This is usual in places like Levante and Badajoz. The climate is warm, and there aren’t many precipitations during the year. Dry crops like rye, almonds, olives, and vines predominate, and it also contains smallholdings. In Valencia, Castellón, and Alicante, they use the irrigation system because of the lack of precipitation. In Huelva and Murcia, intensive agriculture predominates. The population is concentrated in towns.
Mountain
Extensive farming predominates, and there are depopulated places.
Arid
These landscapes are found in Almería and Murcia. They are semi-desertic places where irrigation and greenhouses are developed.