Spanish Population: Life Expectancy, Evolution, and Structure
Life Expectancy in Spain
Life expectancy represents the number of years a person can expect to live from the moment of birth. Throughout history, life expectancy has increased. In Spain, life expectancy in 1900 was approximately 35 years. Currently, it stands at 78 years for men and 85 for women.
Until recently, this difference was attributed to men’s greater involvement in risky activities, wars, and vulnerability to certain diseases.
Evolution of the Spanish Population
As a result of various factors,
Read MoreSpanish and French Exploration of North America
Hernando de Soto
- Led the first European expedition deep into the southeastern U.S. and crossed the Mississippi River.
- Participated in the conquest of Peru in the early 1530s as one of Francisco Pizarro’s captains, becoming immensely wealthy in the process.
- Charged with colonizing North America and finding a passage to China: set off from Cuba in 1539 with 9 ships and over 600 men on a planned 4-year expedition.
- Landed on the west coast of Florida and traveled first in a northerly direction before
Spain’s 20th Century Transformation: Society & Economy
Demographic Trends
The Demographic Transition
The demographic transition, common to all industrialized nations, began in Spain during the late 19th century. Marked by declining mortality rates and sustained births, this led to an initial surge in population growth. A second phase followed with more moderate growth, marking the beginning of the modern demographic cycle. Life expectancy increased considerably. Declining birth rates, influenced by urbanization and family planning, followed a slower,
Read MoreDeveloped vs. Underdeveloped Nations: A Comparative Analysis
Developed vs. Underdeveloped Nations
Characteristics
- Developed Countries: High income per capita (+$5000), technologically advanced industry, high standard of living (health, education, culture), high level of consumption, stable demographic growth.
- Underdeveloped Countries: Low income per capita (-$2000), limited industrial development, export of natural resources, low level of consumption, high level of demographic growth (high birth rates), totalitarian political systems, social inequality.
Inequalities
- Unequal
Al-Andalus: Society, Economy, and the Christian Kingdoms
Al-Andalus: Society, Economy, and Christian Kingdoms
Abderrahman III was the last independent emir and the first Umayyad caliph of Cordoba.
Parts of a Mosque
- Minaret (tower)
- Font of ablutions
- Courtyard (patio)
- Quibla (direction of Mecca on the wall)
- Mihrab (niche indicating the direction of Mecca)
- Prayer hall
Society in Al-Andalus
Arabs, Berbers, Muladies, Mozarabs, Jews, and Slaves
Arabs and Families of Arab Descent
- Dominant social group
- Owned
Spanish Urban Systems: Hierarchy, Roles, and Influence Areas
Spanish Urban System
City Size and the Rank-Size Rule
The size of a city is one of the bases of its urban hierarchy. It is generally assessed according to the rank-size rule, which is associated with its population. In Spain, cities with more than half a million inhabitants include Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, Malaga, and Zaragoza.
Spatial Distribution
The spatial distribution of large cities in Spain is notable for two main features:
- Peripheral Arrangement: Large cities are arranged