European Union Structures, World Economics, and Geography Facts
EU Parliament and Institutions
The European Parliament comprises 785 Members of Parliament (MEPs). Key country representations include:
- Germany: 99
- France
- Great Britain
- Italy
- Poland: 54
- Spain: 78
Major political groups include the EPP (European People’s Party) with 277 seats and the European Socialists with 218 seats. There are 8 main political groups in the European Parliament.
Other EU Bodies
- European Commission: Executes laws, drafts the budget. Composed of 27 Commissioners.
- Court of Justice: Interprets
Medieval Iberian Kingdoms: History, Society, and Art
Kingdoms of Medieval Iberia
Kingdom of Castile
Alfonso X
Alfonso X, son of Fernando III, continued the Reconquista by conquering lands such as Cadiz. He also undertook reforestation efforts within the Kingdom of Castile.
Isabel I and Fernando II (Catholic Monarchs)
Isabel I of Castile married Fernando II of Aragon, forming the union known as the Catholic Monarchs. They established the Holy Brotherhood, a peacekeeping force. In the pivotal year of 1492, they expelled the Sephardic Jews from Castile, conquered
Read MoreDemographic Transition Model and Population Structure Analysis
Demographic Transition Model
This model explains the evolution of a population through various phases based on demographic indicators:
Initial Phase (Late 18th Century)
Characterized by high birth rates and high mortality rates, resulting in low population growth.
Transition Phase (19th – Early 20th Century)
Currently seen in some underdeveloped countries. The mortality rate drops while the birth rate remains high. Subsequently, both indicators decrease, and natural growth is reduced.
Late Transition
Demographic Transition Stages and Global Population Dynamics
Phases of Demographic Transition
Phase 2: Early Expanding
The birth rate remains fairly high because children are still considered a necessity. This phase corresponds to when the United Kingdom industrialized. There is tremendous population growth during this stage.
Phase 3: Late Expanding (Containment, 1880 – Pre-World War I)
This marks the final step towards an urban, industrial society. The death rate continues downhill, reaching approximately current levels due to medical advances like penicillin,
Read MoreSpain’s Diverse Agricultural Landscapes
Oceanic Agricultural Landscape
Located in the north and northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, this landscape is characterized by rugged terrain and a maritime climate. Plots are typically small and enclosed with hedges.
Land Uses
Land use is mainly livestock-focused, though many farms practice mixed land use, combining livestock with agricultural and forest areas.
Agriculture
- Specializes in garden crops for human consumption and fodder plants.
Livestock
- This is the most significant agricultural activity,
Economic Modernization and Industrial Change in Spain
Liberalism and Capitalist Economy Emergence
After Fernando VII’s death, a historical period began where Spain underwent significant economic changes, entailing the country’s progressive modernization. During these decades, the economic aspects of the Antiguo Régimen (Old Regime) – an archaic economy based on agriculture – disappeared, giving way to liberalism. A new capitalist economy emerged where industry, trade, and capital took center stage. This progress occurred during the Regencies of
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