Internal Migration in Spain: Trends and Impacts

Posted on Nov 10, 2024 in Geography

Internal Migration in Spain

Introduction

Migration is the movement of people in space. We distinguish between emigration, or the departure of the population from their place of origin, and immigration, the arrival of a population at a destination. Net migration is the balance between immigration and emigration. If positive, it indicates immigration; if negative, it indicates emigration. In Spain, internal and external migrations have been decisive events that continue to shape the current characteristics of the population. Added to these, since the 1990s, is growing foreign migration.

Internal Migration

Internal migrations are the movements of people within a country’s borders. We can differentiate between traditional migration (until 1975) and contemporary migration (from 1975 onwards).

Traditional Internal Migration (Until 1975)

This period spans from the last third of the 19th century to the economic crisis of 1975. Key features include:

  1. Primarily labor-driven migration.
  2. Unidirectional flows between emigration and immigration areas. Migrants mainly came from rural areas and headed to large industrial or service cities, almost always located in other provinces or regions.
  3. The characteristic profile of emigrants was young people with low qualifications.
Types of Traditional Internal Migration
Seasonal and Temporary Migration

Peaked between the last third of the 19th and early 1960s. These were undertaken with the intent to return. Some were seasonal movements to other rural areas for agricultural work. Others involved temporary displacement to the city during times of the year when agricultural work was unavailable, seeking non-agricultural jobs in construction, industry, or services.

Rural Exodus (1900-1975)

Permanent or long-term migration between rural and urban areas. The main motivation was to find work and higher incomes, but the possibility of better healthcare, cultural opportunities, entertainment, and personal freedom in cities also played a role. Migrants came from less developed areas of Galicia, the interior peninsula, and eastern Andalusia. They initially went to industrial areas of Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Madrid, and later to new industrial areas of the Mediterranean and the Ebro Valley, and tourist areas of the Levant, Balearic, and Canary Islands.

Stages of Rural Exodus:

  1. Early 20th Century: Moderate levels due to excess labor in rural areas caused by the phylloxera crisis and the beginning of agricultural mechanization. Migration was directed towards major industries and aided by public works projects.
  2. Civil War and Post-War Period: Limited migration due to supply shortages in cities, reduced industrial labor supply, and the Franco regime’s promotion of rural life.
  3. 1950-1975: Peak migration driven by population growth, the agricultural crisis, industrial boom, and tourism development. Destination areas expanded to include the Mediterranean coast, Ebro Valley, and islands.
  4. Post-1975: Decline in rural migration due to the economic crisis and industrial restructuring. Former immigration areas lost their appeal, while emigration areas saw reduced outflow and even return migration.
  5. Present: Very low levels of rural exodus, primarily directed towards businesses within the same province or autonomous region.

Consequences of Internal Migration:

  1. Demographic: Imbalances in population distribution, emptying the interior and creating high densities in peripheral areas. Impacts on age and sex structures.
  2. Economic: Initial increase in resources in rural areas, followed by diseconomies of depopulation. In cities, congestion, housing shortages, and strain on services.
  3. Social: Assimilation problems for migrants, with integration often not occurring until the next generation.
  4. Environmental: Abandonment and deterioration of traditional ecosystems in areas of origin, and pollution problems in cities.

Current Internal Migration (Since 1975)

  1. More varied motivations: industrial, residential, return to place of origin.
  2. Multidirectional flows, with greater diversity in origin and destination areas.
  3. Diverse migrant profiles: young, old, unskilled, and skilled.
Types of Current Internal Migration
Labor Migration

Driven by work motivations, featuring young adults (20-39 years). Originating from former emigration areas and targeting dynamic economic centers, especially within their own region or province.

Residential Migration

Motivated by housing and environmental quality, involving young and middle classes. Intra-urban migration between city centers and peripheral areas.

Return Migration

Return of population to emigration areas. Includes retirees and early retirees returning to their place of origin, and a minority pursuing a “new rural” lifestyle.

Normal Movements

Regular trips for work and leisure, resulting in commutes and weekend or tourism-related travel.