Spanish Economy: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sectors
Agriculture in Spain
Approximately 4.15% of the active population works in agriculture. The primary sector has undergone a significant transformation, with the main aim of growing products to be sold on the markets. A wide range of products are cultivated, including:
- Cereals
- Legumes
- Grapes
- Olives
- Fruits
- Vegetables
Livestock Farming
Livestock farming represents a significant proportion of the total agricultural production. It is intensive and stabled, concentrating on the improvement of breeds. Types of animals include: sheep, pigs, and poultry.
Forestry
Forestry has limited resources due to the lack of forests. The most typical species are the beech, oak, and chestnut.
Problems in the Primary Sector
The primary sector faces several challenges:
- An ageing agricultural population
- Production of surpluses of cereals, wine, milk, and beef
- Lack of competitiveness of some small farms
- Pollution of the environment due to chemical products
Mediterranean Landscape
The Mediterranean landscape is found south of the oceanic areas, in the Balearic Islands, and Ceuta and Melilla. It is divided into two parts:
Mediterranean Interior Landscape (Continental)
Located in the interior of the peninsula, characterized by flat land at high altitudes and a continental climate. Large fields and concentrated settlements are common. Agriculture is varied, with traditional extensive livestock farming of cows and pigs. Intensive livestock farming of cows and pigs is increasing in some areas.
Mediterranean Coastal Landscape
Found in the Mediterranean coastal strips, Guadalquivir Valley, the Balearic Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla. It features low altitudes and small fields. Livestock farming is only practiced intensively.
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands have uneven volcanic land with a subtropical climate. There are contrasts in the size of fields between the large coastal farms and the small ones inland, leading to dispersed settlements and agriculture.
Exports
On the coast, single-crop farming cultivation under plastic and tropical fruits are common. In the interior, mixed farming for self-consumption is practiced.
Fishing Industry
The fishing fleet has undergone a deep transformation, including traditional and small ships, as well as offshore and high-seas fleets composed of large and modern ships with the most modern technologies. Fishing production is mainly used for human consumption of fresh fish.
Fishing Zones
Spanish fleets currently operate in national, European, and international fishing grounds, particularly those of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The main fishing region is Galicia, followed by Cantabria and the Atlantic coast of Andalusia.
Problems in Fishing
The fishing industry faces challenges such as:
- A small and ageing fishing population
- The size of the resources of the fishing grounds
Solutions
- Subsidies to young fishermen
- Setting fishing limits for endangered species
Industry in Spain
Mineral Resources
Mining was an important industry in Spain in the late 19th century due to abundant mineral deposits. Nowadays, some of these deposits have been exhausted, and the cost of mining has increased.
Sources of Energy
Energy consumption is based on traditional energy sources, necessitating expensive sources. Oil is imported from Mexico, Nigeria, and the Middle East, while natural gas is imported from Nigeria, Algeria, and Libya. Hydroelectric energy is produced in some river basins in the north, and nuclear energy is used, sourced from Niger.
Industrial Sectors
- Traditional Sectors: The steel industry, the transformation of metal, shipbuilding, electrical appliances, and the textile, leather, and footwear industries.
- Dynamic Industrial Sectors
- High-Technology Sectors
Industrial Areas
Madrid and Barcelona account for over one-third of the industrial investment and employment in Spain. Other important areas include the industrial regions of the River Ebro. The least industrialized area is also noted.
Tertiary Sector
Growth
The Spanish tertiary sector has increased since the 1960s due to several reasons:
- Increase in the standard of living and the demand for services
- Increase in social services
- Increase in the demand from industry and tourism services
Trade
Most of the domestic trade in Spain is based on small businesses, which now face significant competition from retail businesses. Foreign trade has grown because of joining the European Union and economic globalization. Main imports include capital goods and energy products, while main exports include capital goods, motor vehicles, and foodstuffs.
Trade Balance
The trade balance is negative, meaning that imports are higher than exports.
Transport
Most of the Spanish transport system takes place on the road for both passengers and freight. The land and air networks are radial, with Madrid as the center.