Spanish Population: Distribution and Demographic Trends
Demographic Sources
The geography of population studies the relationships between people and space and analyzes the population demography from a quantitative perspective. Demographic sources include:
- Census: An individualized count of the population of a country at a specific time.
- Municipal Register: A log of neighbors in the municipalities; it is very dynamic.
- Civil Registration: A list of births, marriages, and deaths.
- Other Sources: Demographic statistics, which collect data from various sources, and surveys, which provide more detailed information.
Population Distribution
The population density of Spain has increased to its current rate of 86.90 inhabitants per km2. The major population areas are located in Madrid, suburbs of the Peninsula, the Balearic and Canary Islands, with large empty areas in the peninsular interior.
(a) The origin of this imbalance in population distribution dates back to the Early Modern Period and has increased until recently.
(b) Since 1975, differences have been reduced due to deindustrialization and unemployment caused by the economic crisis.
(c) Current demographic trends show consolidation in Madrid, the Mediterranean axis, and the Ebro valley. The industrial and mining crisis has provoked strong drops in the Cantabrian coastal area.
Natural Movement of Population
1. Demographic Regimes
1.1 The Old Demographic Regime
Characterized by:
(a) High birth rates: Causes included the dominance of a rural economy and society, and the lack of effective birth control systems.
(b) High and fluctuating mortality: Causes included a low and unbalanced diet, and infectious diseases transmitted through air or water. Infant mortality had high values.
(c) As a result of high birth and mortality rates, natural population growth was low.
1.2 The Demographic Transition
The transition from the old demographic regime to the current one is called the demographic transition.
(a) Birth rate declined smoothly and discontinuously:
- 1920s: Economic prosperity allowed for a recovery of birth rates.
- 1930-1956: Resumed decline due to the 1929 economic crisis and political instability.
- 1956-1965: Recovery of birth rates due to economic development.
- 1965-1975: Culmination of migrations and housing problems brought about a further reduction in family size.
(b) Overall mortality decreased substantially and steadily: Causes included medical and health improvements, such as vaccines and the marketing of antibiotics. A rising standard of living was manifested in the diet. Improving educational attainment increased cultural levels and decreased infant mortality due to advances in pediatrics and infant feeding.
(c) As a result, the natural growth during the transition was high.
1.3 The Current Demographic Regime
(a) Current birth rate: The sinking birth rate is very low today, and so is fertility. The synthetic index of fertility has undergone a recovery due to immigration. Causes include the economic situation following the 1975 crisis, with a serious increase in unemployment, which reduced existing partnerships and delayed marriage. A change in mindset in Spanish society is reflected in the decrease of religious influence. Rising living standards and cultural levels have changed the valuation of children.
(b) Mortality remains at low levels since 1981, although it experiences a slight rise due to aging. Causes of death have changed; the importance of infectious diseases decreases, and the so-called three “Cs” increase (cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and car accidents). Infant mortality, also low, is mainly neonatal. Decreased mortality differs between the sexes and between professions. Life expectancy is higher for women due to biological and sociocultural reasons. Between jobs, mortality is higher with lower qualifications and social level.
(c) Natural growth today is very small as a result of low birth and mortality rates.