Understanding Urban Agglomerations and Metropolitan Areas

Urban Agglomerations

Some cities grow and connect with other towns, forming urban agglomerations. One type is the metropolitan area, a large urban extension surrounding a major city and encompassing several municipalities.

Characteristics of Metropolitan Areas

  • Headed by a major city with high economic activity.
  • Economic and social connections between the central city and surrounding areas.
  • The central city provides employment and services.
  • Businesses relocate to surrounding areas for more space and lower
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Rise of Islam: Arabia, Muhammad, Caliphate, Culture

Islam’s Emergence in 7th Century Arabia

Islam emerged in seventh-century Arabia, a peninsula situated between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. In the seventh century, it exhibited significant internal division across different areas:

Arabia Before Islam: Divisions

Political Fragmentation

The territory was divided among numerous independent tribes.

Economic Landscape

The interior of the peninsula was inhabited by Bedouin tribes who practiced nomadic pastoralism.

Religious Diversity

The Bedouins were largely

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Capitalism, Industrialization, and Social Classes: An Analysis

Capitalism, Industrialization, and Social Classes

Thus, Malthus observed that population grew at a faster rate than food production. Also important was the work of David Ricardo, who believed in the necessity of free movement of agricultural products between countries. Stuart Mill defended individual initiative and foresaw the possible stagnation of the system, suggesting state intervention in education and taxation.

Capitalist Economic System

The cottage industry was replaced by mass production of

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Franco’s Spain: Foreign Policy, Opposition, and Economy

Foreign Policy

European Community

Spain applied for admission to the European Community in 1962, but it was rejected due to the antidemocratic nature of the Franco regime. Later, in 1970, Spain reached a commercial agreement that reduced import and export duties for trade with EC countries.

Gibraltar

Spain requested the United Nations for sovereignty over Gibraltar.

  • The UN Assembly’s judgement favored Spain.
  • The United Kingdom refused to relinquish control of Gibraltar.
  • Spain closed the border in 1969.
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Understanding Territorial Organization: Key Concepts

Here’s a breakdown of key concepts related to territorial organization and regional development:

  • Nation: A historic community where people feel united by common issues such as race, language, culture, and history.
  • Autonomous Community (CCAA): A territorial entity formed by island territories or provinces bordering provinces with historical regional legislation, endowed with autonomy and self-government capacity on matters within its jurisdiction.
  • Province: A local territorial entity formed by a grouping
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Global Inequalities, Regional Groups, and Cultural Diversity

Global Inequalities

Rich Countries

Rich countries, often stemming from Western culture, share common and distinguishing features:

  • Political Stability: Expressed freely through political parties.
  • Demographic Challenges: Facing population aging and a need for young people from other countries.
  • Economic Structure: Industrial and tertiary activities generate more wealth than primary sector activities.
  • Welfare State: Provision of services such as education, health, benefits, and pensions by the state to its
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