Population & Urbanization Key Concepts
Population and Urbanization
Census
A census counts all inhabitants of a country at a specific time, usually on the same day. It includes demographic information such as sex, age, marital status, place of birth, education level, employment status, and nationality. Censuses are typically conducted every ten years. In Spain, they occur in March of years ending in 1, with the latest being in March 1991.
Migration
Migration refers to the permanent displacement of people from one place of residence to another. It can be internal or external, with varying durations and intensities. Causes can be natural, political, religious, or economic.
Population Density
Population density is the number of people living per square kilometer. It’s calculated by dividing the total number of inhabitants by the area in square kilometers.
Rural Exodus
Rural exodus describes the substantial and rapid migration of people from rural areas to cities. This type of internal migration is often permanent.
Municipal Census
A municipal census counts the population of a municipality. In Spain, these were conducted every five years, ending in 1 and 6, from 1981 to 1996. Since then, they are continuously updated through computerized municipal registers and information exchange between municipalities and the National Statistics Institute (INE).
Workforce
The workforce comprises all people of working age who are available for the production of goods and services. This includes employed individuals, those who are unemployed, and first-time job seekers.
Population Aging
A population is considered aging when the proportion of people aged 60 or 65 and over reaches approximately 15%. The primary cause is a declining birth rate, leading to a decrease in the youth population and a corresponding increase in older age groups. Consequences include a growing number of inactive individuals supported by the working population.
Total Fertility Rate
The total fertility rate is the average number of live births per woman during her fertile years (15 to 49).
Population Pyramid
A population pyramid visually represents the age and sex distribution of a population at a specific time. Its shape (pagoda, bulb, bell, or ace of spades) helps understand population structure.
Net Migration
Net migration is the difference between immigration and emigration.
Demographic Transition
The demographic transition model describes the shift from high birth and death rates to low levels of both. It involves two phases: 1) Improved living conditions lead to a sharp drop in mortality while birth rates remain high, resulting in increased natural growth. 2) Birth rates decline due to birth control, while mortality continues to decrease, eventually stabilizing natural growth.
Metropolitan Area
A metropolitan area consists of a main urban core and surrounding towns with close economic and social ties, often facilitated by transportation. Examples in Spain include Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Zaragoza.
Suburbs
Suburbs are the outskirts of a city. In Spain, they began developing in the 1960s, driven by suburban railways and automobile use. They serve various urban functions: residential, industrial, commercial, and communications.
Historic Quarter
The historic quarter, or old town, represents the pre-industrial stage of urban growth. It typically features an irregular layout, old buildings, and historical landmarks.
City Site
The city site refers to the specific location of a city, often chosen based on its intended function (military, commercial, administrative) and favorable natural conditions (rivers, hills, coasts).
Urban Expansion
Urban expansion refers to the growth of a city beyond its original boundaries. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many cities demolished their walls and expanded into surrounding areas, often with a grid-like street plan.
Urban Morphology
Urban morphology describes the form and appearance of a city, determined by the combination of its physical setting, buildings, and land use.
Urban Periphery
The urban periphery, also known as the suburbs, surrounds the central city area. It includes specialized areas such as residential zones, industrial parks, and shopping and leisure centers.
Radiocentric City Plan
A radiocentric city plan features streets radiating outwards from a central point, intersected by concentric circles.