Population Dynamics and Urban Development in Spain
Significant Population Growth in the 19th and 20th Centuries
Spain experienced significant population growth in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, especially between 1830 and 1960. This was due to high birth rates and decreased mortality, mainly in the coastal zone.
Population Density Disparities
Spain has five areas with high population density: the Mediterranean facade, western Andalusia, the metropolitan area of Madrid, the Cantabrian and Atlantic regions, and the Canary Islands. Conversely, there are three almost uninhabited territories: the provinces of Castile and Aragon, Castilla and Extremadura, and counties in the Pyrenees of Huesca and Lérida.
The reasons for this inequality are demographic, social, and economic. Most populated areas have a compact urban network, a significant communications network, a relatively young population, and an important secondary and tertiary sector, including tourism. Sparsely populated areas have an aging population, negative vegetative growth, and are primarily engaged in the primary sector and rural tourism.
Internal Population Movements
Two significant internal population movements have occurred:
- Long-term change: Over 300 years, the interior has been depopulated, and the service population in coastal areas has increased.
- Short-term change: Between 1960 and 1975, cities grew due to the migration of peasants into urban centers.
These changes continued until around 1980. However, the depopulation of the interior did not stop, as the younger population had migrated, leading to an aging population, decreased birth rate, and negative vegetative growth.
Low Vegetative Growth
Spain’s vegetative growth is low. The low birth rate tends to rise slightly due to the immigration of young people, but high mortality due to the aging population remains a challenge. Higher birth rates are observed on the Mediterranean and southern facades and in Madrid. High mortality rates occur in the north, Castile-Leon, and Aragon. A third of Spanish provinces have a negative natural increase, primarily in the northern inland areas. The causes are low birth rates and low fertility due to economic and social reasons, as well as changing values.
High Migratory Movements
By the end of the twentieth century, Spain became a country of immigrants due to significant economic development and high labor demand, driven by the falling birth rate since 1975. Immigration comes from South America, Eastern Europe (21%, mainly Romanian), developed EU countries (17%), and Morocco (11%). Immigrants are primarily seeking better jobs and future prospects, often followed by family reunification. Immigration in Spain has been very rapid over the past decade.
Impact of Immigration on Demographics
Immigration is critical to Spain’s demography, contributing to higher birth rates, vegetative growth, and a younger population.
Rapid Aging Process
Since 1980, the decline in birth and fertility rates, combined with increased life expectancy, has led to an aging population in Spain.
Cultural Diversity
Spain has four official cultures: Castilian, Catalan, Basque, and Galician. Castilian is the official state language, while the other three are official in their respective autonomous communities. Other languages, such as Bable (Asturias) and Fables (Aragon), are not officially recognized. Immigration has increased cultural diversity, bringing new customs and traditions. However, the second generation typically adapts to the language of their schooling.
Spanish Urban System
Economic globalization has increased relations between cities, primarily through two axes: the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. The Spanish urban system is structured into six urban systems:
- Mediterranean: Characterized by important cities and high population density.
- Central: The metropolitan area of Madrid is the most important, based on the centralization of communication, economic development, and political and financial power.
- Southern: Includes two axes, Guadalquivir (Cadiz-Jaen) and Southern (Cadiz-Almeria).
- Cantabrian: Includes cities of the Cantabrian cornice, north of Castilla-Leon, La Rioja, and Navarre. It is very sparsely articulated.
- Atlantic: Consists of La Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, and Vigo.
- Canary: Less dynamic due to its remoteness and lack of connection with the rest of the urban system. It includes Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Metropolitan Areas
Industrialization and migration between 1960 and 1975 led to the growth of both large and small cities. This resulted in:
- Consolidation of areas where the population and economic activities are concentrated.
- Increased importance of seven metropolitan areas: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, Seville, Bilbao, and Zaragoza.
- Prominence of two metropolitan areas: Madrid as an economic, political, and financial center, and Barcelona as an economic center with a privileged location.
Impact of Urbanization
A large number of inhabitants, economic activity, and improvements in transportation have led to several changes:
- Expansion of urban surface and integration of municipalities into the metropolitan area.
- A trend for the population and economic and commercial activities to spread throughout the metropolitan area, resulting in a decrease in the central city’s population and an increase in surrounding areas.
- Specialization of functions within the metropolitan area, creating large shopping centers, entertainment venues, and residences for different social classes.
- Increased use of land for housing, although the rehabilitation of rural housing for second residences also plays a role.
Functionally Specialized Organizations of the City
Cities have basic functions: administration, service, commercial, residential, and industrial. They are centers of commercial, cultural, educational, legal, and business activities. If a city is the capital of a state, region, or province, it also serves as a center of public administration services.
Spatial Segregation
Residential areas have very different functions: the old town, extensions, and the periphery. Economic differences lead to the separation of the population according to their economic capacity, resulting in spatial segregation. In many towns, the old town has suffered degradation due to aging buildings and infrastructure. The population with more economic resources tends to leave, while those with fewer resources, such as the elderly, remain. Empty floors are often occupied by immigrants or marginalized people. Without administrative intervention, the old town will continue to have an aging, poor population with many immigrants. The immigrant population often concentrates in specific streets or neighborhoods, leading to cultural or ethnic segregation.