Spanish Population Dynamics: A Comprehensive Analysis
Spanish Population Dynamics: A Comprehensive Analysis
The Natural Movement of Population
1. Demographic Regimes
1.1 The Old Demographic Regime
Characterized by: a) High birth rates due to a rural economy, societal norms, and ineffective birth control. b) High and fluctuating overall mortality due to poor diet, infectious diseases, and high infant mortality. c) Low natural growth as a result.
1.2 The Demographic Transition
The transition from the old to the current demographic regime. a) Birth rates declined gradually, with fluctuations due to economic prosperity (1920s), the 1929 economic crisis, and political instability. A recovery occurred between 1956 and 1965, followed by a further reduction due to migration and housing issues (1965-1975). b) Overall mortality decreased substantially and steadily due to medical advances (vaccines, antibiotics), improved diet, and increased education. Infant mortality also decreased. c) High natural growth during this transition.
1.3 The Current Demographic Regime
a) Low birth rates and fertility, with a slight recovery due to immigration. Causes include economic crises, unemployment, delayed marriage and parenthood, changing societal values, and increased living standards. b) Mortality remains low since 1981, with a slight increase due to aging. Infectious diseases have decreased, while chronic diseases have increased. Infant mortality is low, with differences between genders and professions. Female life expectancy is higher. c) Very low natural growth due to low birth and mortality rates.
2. Migratory Movements
2.1 Internal Migration
Two types of traditional internal migration: a) Seasonal and temporary migration (late 19th to 1960s), affecting rural populations, for agricultural work or urban jobs. b) Rural exodus (1900-1975), migration from rural to urban areas. Four stages: early 20th century (excess rural labor), Civil War (stagnation), 1950-1975 (peak due to population growth, agricultural crisis, industrial boom, and tourism), and post-1975 (decline due to industrial crisis).
2.2 Current Internal Migration
Migrants originate from urban areas. Destinations have shifted, with slower migration between regions, but continued movement to Mediterranean and Ebro Valley areas. Intensified migration within provinces, from less developed areas to urban centers. Causes and migrant profiles are diverse, leading to intersecting flows: a) Residential migration (intraurban). b) Labor migration (young working adults). c) Return migration (rural areas, retirees, former migrants). d) Pendular movements (regular travel between residence and work).
2.3 Consequences of Internal Migration
a) Traditional internal migration: demographic imbalances, economic crises in rural areas, urban congestion, social assimilation problems, and environmental issues (pollution). b) Current internal migration: aging of central urban areas, population growth in peripheries, demographic and economic imbalances, aging of rural areas receiving returning migrants, and traffic congestion.
2.4 External Migration
2.4.1 Transoceanic Emigration
Primarily to Latin America, with two stages: a) Boom (mid-19th century to WWI), mainly from Atlantic regions to Argentina, Cuba, and Brazil, due to agrarian structures and lack of opportunities. Migrants were typically unskilled agricultural males. b) Decline (between World Wars) due to WWI, the 1929 economic crisis, and the Spanish Civil War. c) Recovery (1945-1960), with emigration from Galicia and the Canary Islands to Venezuela. Demand for skilled workers. d) Decline (post-1960) due to competition with European emigration.
2.4.2 Migration to Europe
Three stages: a) Pre-mid-20th century, mainly to France, seasonal workers. b) 1950-1973, peak migration due to post-WWII reconstruction, mainly from Andalusia and Galicia to France, Germany, and Switzerland. Unskilled workers. c) Post-1973 decline due to the energy crisis and unemployment in Western Europe.
2.4.3 Consequences of External Migration
a) Demographic: decreased population size and altered distribution. b) Economic: positive due to remittances, but negative due to lack of investment in origin areas. c) Social: uprooting, harsh working conditions.
2.4.4 Current Foreign Emigration
Spain is no longer a country of emigration due to increased employment opportunities, living standards, and competition from other immigrant destinations.
3. Current Immigration and its Consequences
Spain receives significant immigration, classified into three groups: naturalized citizens, legal immigrants, and illegal immigrants. Main origins: Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Main destinations: Catalonia, Madrid, Andalusia, Valencia, and the Canary Islands. Diverse causes and profiles: retirees, businesspeople, workers. Consequences: a) Demographic: younger population structure. b) Economic: competition in the labor market, immigrants often performing low-paying jobs, future decrease in the active population due to aging. c) Social: social problems, integration challenges, harsh conditions for illegal immigrants, cultural differences, and potential tensions.
Real Growth of Population
Sum of natural growth and net migration. Three stages: a) Mid-19th to early 20th century: low growth due to low natural growth and emigration. b) 1900-1975: high growth due to high natural growth during the demographic transition. c) Post-1975: very low growth due to low birth and mortality rates.
The Structure of the Spanish Population
1. By Sex and Age
Sex structure: ratio of men to women. Age structure: aging population, with fewer young people due to declining birth rates, a growing adult population, and an increasing elderly population (largest proportion in the interior and north). Causes: declining birth rates and increased life expectancy. Consequences: impact on pensions, healthcare, and social integration. Pension financing depends on active workers. Healthcare costs increase with aging. Social integration challenges for the elderly.