Tourism in Spain: Development, Impacts, and Challenges
Tourism in Spain
1. Factors in Spanish Tourism Development
The word “tourist” emerged in Britain during the late 18th century, referring to individuals who embarked on journeys for cultural enrichment or leisure. Spain currently stands as a prominent tourist destination, attracting substantial international tourism and generating significant revenue. The Spanish tourism boom of the 1960s stemmed from a combination of external and internal factors.
a) External Factors:
- Post-World War II economic growth
Crisis and Transformations in the Spanish Countryside: Fisheries, Agriculture, and Livestock
The Crises and Transformations in Rural Spain
Demographic, Economic, and Environmental Issues
The Spanish countryside faces numerous challenges, including:
- Demographic decline: An aging and shrinking rural population with limited skills.
- Economic stagnation: Over-reliance on agricultural activities and limited diversification.
- Environmental degradation: Deforestation, soil erosion, overfishing, and water pollution.
The agricultural sector’s contribution to GDP has decreased to 3%, and its share of foreign
Read MoreEconomic and Social Changes in 19th Century Spain
Economic and Social Changes in 19th Century Spain
Economic Changes
Confiscation Process and Agricultural Changes
Throughout the 19th century, Western Europe underwent radical changes in its social and economic structures with the onset of the Industrial Revolution and the era of capitalism. However, in Spain and Southeastern Europe, these economic changes were delayed and incomplete.
The agricultural changes in Spain during the 19th century were inadequate. The liberal land reform initiated by the progressive
Read MoreGlossary of Geography and Economic Terms
Urban System
Refers to the broader urban area rather than a specific city, encompassing forms like conurbations, metropolitan areas, urban agglomerations, and megalopolises.
River Basin
A region where water drains along converging lines, forming a river’s power area. In Spain, watersheds are administratively organized within Hydrographic Confederations to manage water resources.
Trade Balance
Records transactions of goods (imports and exports). Along with Services and Revenue & Transfers, it forms
Read MorePolitical & Administrative Organization of Spain
1. The Political and Administrative Organization of Spain
Spain is a decentralized state where power is distributed among various constituencies. These territorial divisions include:
- State Government
- Provinces
- Municipalities
1.1. Evolution
The administrative division of Spain has changed over time. Even in ancient times, the Romans divided the Iberian Peninsula into different provinces. Initially, it was divided into two:
- Nearer Spain (Ebro Valley and Mediterranean Coast)
- Further Spain (rest)
Later, in the
Read MoreUnderstanding Agricultural Practices and Systems
Agricultural Practices and Systems
Primary Sector
The primary sector encompasses activities that extract resources from nature, including:
- Agriculture
- Livestock
- Fisheries
- Forestry
- Mining
Agricultural Space
Agricultural space is natural space modified by humans for agriculture, livestock, and forestry. It’s influenced by both physical and human factors.
Land Exploitation
Land exploitation refers to all production measures related to land ownership.
Agriculture
Agriculture is the cultivation of land for plant
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