Spain: Population, Landscapes, and Environmental Protection
The Territory of Spain
The Spanish State occupies over 4/5 of the Iberian Peninsula, influenced by several key factors:
- Location: Situated within the temperate zone, Spain experiences a temperate climate influenced by both tropical and polar air masses.
- Water Masses: Its position between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea influences rainfall patterns, creates thermal contrasts, and divides the mainland into two climate domains: Atlantic and Mediterranean. The Canary Islands belong to a subtropical climate domain.
- Relief: The peninsula features a central plateau ringed by mountains and depressions, leading to diverse conditions including cold winters and frost.
Environmental Protection
Spain’s environmental protection efforts began with the first law on the protection of natural areas in 1975. The current foundation is the 1989 Law of Conservation of Natural Areas and Wildlife, which establishes four protection categories: parks, nature reserves, natural monuments, and protected landscapes. Each autonomous community can also create its own legislation, while the central state manages maritime-terrestrial declarations and national parks.
Landscapes of Spain
Urban and industrial growth has led to the expansion of urban and suburban landscapes, including roads and buildings. The combined effects of climate, topography, and human activities create a diverse range of landscapes:
- Atlantic Landscapes: Characterized by high, scattered population density, with livestock and forestry as dominant activities.
- Mediterranean Landscapes: High population density concentrated in major urban areas.
- Interior Mediterranean Landscapes: Lower population density, primarily concentrated in the Madrid metropolitan area.
- Mediterranean Mountain Landscapes: Wet forests and livestock farming prevail.
Population and Urbanization
General Characteristics
Spain’s population shares characteristics with many EU countries:
- Low Vegetative Growth: Due to low birth rates and higher mortality from an aging population.
- Low Fertility: Below the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman.
- Aging Population: A consequence of low growth.
- Decentralization: Population spreading from large urban centers to a wider territory.
- Urban Dominance: Predominantly urban population.
- Increased Migration: Influx of immigration from outside the EU.
Population Dynamics
Spain, along with Greece and Portugal, has experienced declining fertility since 2000. From 2.2 children per woman in the 1980s, the rate dropped to 1.25 in 2002. A slight rise occurred after 2002 due to immigration. Factors contributing to low fertility include delayed childbearing, job instability, extended education, and inadequate social support.
Age Structure
The aging of Spanish society results from increased life expectancy and decreased birth rates. A decline in birth rates began in 1975, while life expectancy continued to rise. Spain’s aging index is 1.18.
Migratory Movements
Significant immigration comes from South America and within the EU. EU migrants often work in the tertiary sector, seeking better quality of life. Non-EU migrants often come from less developed countries seeking economic opportunities. Immigration benefits the Spanish economy, particularly the tertiary and primary sectors. Immigrants primarily settle in economically dynamic areas like Catalonia and Madrid.
Population Distribution
While the early 20th-century pattern of peripheral population concentration remains largely valid, some adjustments are needed. The highest densities are found in coastal regions and islands, excluding Madrid. Densely populated areas include the Catalan coast, Valencia, Murcia, Galicia, the Basque Country, Madrid, and the Canary Islands. Conversely, inland areas have much lower densities.