Spanish Demography and Economy
Foreign Trade
Foreign trade is the exchange of goods and services between one country and the rest of the world. Exportation: sales of domestic products abroad. Import: purchase of foreign goods by a country.
Exports, Imports, and Trade Balance
a) Exports
Exports have increased. The highest value corresponds to equipment goods, the automobile industry, and food. Main exporting regions: Catalonia, Madrid, and Valencia.
b) Imports
Imports have also increased due to the expansion of domestic demand. Key imports include equipment, energy products, and automobiles. Main importing regions: Catalonia, Madrid, and Andalusia.
c) Trade Balance
The trade balance is the difference between exports and imports. Spain has a deficit in almost all kinds of products, except food and cars. Since 2004, the balance has been in deficit. The most negative balances are in Madrid, Catalonia, and Andalusia.
Foreign Trade Areas
a) Trade with Europe
Trade with Europe is the most important, and since 1986 has been concentrated in the EU countries, both for imports and exports. Spain’s trade balance is in deficit due to lower product competitiveness.
b) Trade with the Rest of the World
Imports from Asia, mainly China and OPEC countries, are significant. Trade with America and Africa is also important, while trade with Oceania is negligible.
Foreign Trade Policy
Determined by EU membership, which implies free movement of people, goods, capital, and services among its members, a common tariff on imports from third countries, and agreements with the World Trade Organization, which promotes the liberalization of world trade. The aim is to encourage exports through the promotion of Spanish companies and products abroad, and with trade momentum in certain priority countries.
Demographic Indicators
Birth Rate = (births in a year x 1000) / Total population = 10.95‰
Mortality Rate = (deaths in a year x 1000) / Total population = 8.57‰
Infant Mortality Rate = (Children
Natural Growth Rate = Birth rate – Death rate = 2.38‰. Can be: High: >20‰, Average: 10 to 20‰, Low: 0-10‰, Negative:
Fertility Rate = (births in a year x 1000) / Number of women 15 to 49 years. High: >150, Average: 75-150, Low:
Total Fertility Rate: 2.1 children per woman are needed to guarantee the replacement rate. High: >3.5, Medium: 2.1-3.5, Low:
Life Expectancy = Sum of years lived by members of a population / Number of individuals of that population. High: >70, Medium: 60-70, Low:
Life Expectancy 2007: Total: 80.94, Female: 84.10, Male: 77.76
Total Fertility Rate 2008: 1.458 children per woman
Fertility Rate 2008: 45.15‰ (35.45‰ in 1998)
Demographic Regimes
Old Demographic Regime (until early 20th century)
Characterized by high birth and mortality rates, and low natural growth.
- Birth: High due to rural economy, need for labor, lack of birth control, and late marriage age.
- Mortality: High and fluctuating due to low living standards, malnutrition, infectious diseases, lack of hygiene, and catastrophic events.
Demographic Transition (1900-1975)
- Birth: Decreases smoothly and discontinuously influenced by economic and political factors.
- Mortality: Decreases remarkably due to advances in medicine, hygiene, and living standards.
Result: High population growth between 1920 and 1965.
Current Demographic Regime (1975-Present)
- Birth: Low, with a slight recovery since 1998 due to immigration and improved economic conditions.
- Mortality: Remains low, with a slight increase due to population aging.
Migration
Internal Migration
Different historical stages with implications for demographics, economy, social aspects, and the environment.
External Migration
- Emigration to North Africa: 1830-end of 19th century.
- Emigration to America: Mid-19th century to present.
- Emigration to Europe: Mid-19th century to present.
Immigration to Spain
Three types of residents: Spanish citizens, foreigners with residence permits, and irregular aliens. Main origins: Morocco, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Argentina, Romania, Britain, Germany, Italy, and France. Consequences: Increased real growth, population rejuvenation, economic impact, social and political challenges.
Population Distribution and Economic Structure
Population Density 2008: 90.9 inhabitants/km2. Strong contrasts between densely populated periphery and depopulated interior.
Unemployment: Increased female and youth unemployment, uneven spatial distribution.
Economic Sectors: Primary (4.2%), Secondary (28.4%), Tertiary (67.4%).
Future of the Spanish Population
Population Projections for 2060: 52 million. Progressive aging, rebound in birth rate for immigrant population, mild increase in mortality, increased life expectancy, and increased immigration (although slowed by the economic crisis).