Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and exercises for Geography for Baccalaureate

Key Factors in Rural Areas

Population and Rural Trends

The rural population has suffered a steady decline since the last century. The main causes have been the rural exodus, the mechanization of the fields, and low farm incomes. Currently, 80% of the total territory of the European Union is considered rural.

The population is increasing through the processes of suburbanization (increased suburban population in the crown at the expense of the city) and counter-urbanization (a complementary process characterized by the loss of population in major cities). Rural habitats are classified as follows:

• Concentrated habitat: Usually located in areas of water scarcity, the population is clustered in a single core and may be organized in different ways.
• Scattered

Spain is a prominent fishing power globally and holds the position of the first in the European Union. Spain maintains an ancient tradition of coastal fishing, supported by high domestic fish consumption. Much of the Spanish fleet operates in rich fishing grounds, areas appropriate for fishing due to the high concentration of fish.

Organization of Spanish Fisheries

Fishing activity is organized around two main areas: fishing grounds and ports.

Vessel Types and Operations

• Small Boats: The majority of the fleet consists of small boats engaged in fishing in shallow waters, territorial seas, and near-shore areas.
• Large Vessels: These vessels engage in deep-sea fishing, operating in waters such as the North Atlantic or the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ)

Understanding Key Economic Concepts

Transport Networks

A transport network is the interconnected set of transport infrastructure (roads, railroads, airports, etc.) existing within a territory. Transport and telecommunications networks form the backbone of a region's infrastructure.

Cultural Tourism

Cultural tourism is a form of tourism driven by the desire to understand and appreciate our heritage. It showcases cultural heritage and serves as a counterpoint to sun and beach tourism, diversifying the tourism offer and attracting new tourists. This modality has been recently introduced and is gaining popularity.

Rural Tourism

Rural tourism focuses on contact with nature and is an alternative to traditional mass tourism. It offers several advantages,...

Population Dynamics: 1830–1960

Between 1830 and 1960, Spain experienced significant demographic shifts, characterized by the loss of population in inland regions and a marked increase in coastal areas, specifically along the Mediterranean facade, Western Andalusia, Madrid, the Atlantic and Cantabrian coastlines, and the Canary Islands.

Regional Demographic Patterns

• Growth Areas: Castilian and Aragonese provinces, Pyrenees, Castile, and Extremadura.
• Sparse Settlements: Characterized by a compact urban network, well-integrated communications, and a younger demographic.
• Depopulated Spaces: Interior and mountainous regions suffering from negative growth and an aging population.

Historical Population Changes

• 1830–1960: Three centuries of inland depopulation

The Roaring Twenties in America

Between 1920 and 1929, the United States experienced a period of spectacular economic expansion, characterized by significant growth in industrial production and exports, which solidified its role as a global leader. This era was defined by new economic practices and emerging sectors.

Key Drivers of Economic Growth

• New Industries: Rapid development in the automobile, electrical, chemical, and aviation sectors.
• Energy Sources: Increased reliance on electricity and oil.
• The Automobile: Served as the primary symbol of the new era.

Mass Production and Efficiency

American industry adopted mass production techniques, driven by the development of electric and internal combustion engines. Key methodologies included:

• Taylorism:

1. The Old Town

The Old Town is located on the slopes of Benacantil, a site of strategic defensive nature, with origins dating back to medieval times. The Roman antecedents lie in Manises. It conserves remnants of walls for defense, tax, and sanitation purposes. The map is irregular, featuring narrow streets and plazas. The urban growth is compact, taking full advantage of the space. You can find low-rise buildings from the nineteenth century, typically four to five stories high. Remains of historic buildings and art, such as the Gothic facade of Santa María, are still present. The land use was primarily residential, with craft and commercial activities. However, there are problems related to the deterioration of buildings and aging, which...

The Crisis of the Late Middle Ages

The 14th and 15th centuries were characterized by a deep crisis in Aragon and Castile. There was a significant decline in population caused by increased mortality; Aragon lost one-third of its population, while Castile lost one-fifth. The primary causes were famines and epidemics. Economic activity declined due to the depletion of land and a lack of manpower, which encouraged nomadic livestock development. Peasants engaged in struggles of resistance against the abuses of the nobles, who pressured the king for more privileges, leading to civil wars. Castile saw the reigns of Pedro the Cruel, Juan II, Henry IV, and Isabella the Catholic, while Aragon was ruled by Juan II and Ferdinand. The arrival of the Catholic

Urban Geography and City Planning Terms

Plano

Plano. Graphic representation of a city that uses a very detailed scale, about 1:5,000, to analyze its characteristics.

Urban functions

Urban functions. All economic activities — trade, financial and social functions — performed in the city.

CBD (Central Business District)

CBD (Central Business District). Area of the city that is home to major employment centers in the service sector: businesses, banks, and government institutions.

Bedroom cities

Bedroom cities. Residential districts or towns on the outskirts of large cities where people live and commute daily to work in the central city.

Substandard housing

Substandard housing. Housing that lacks the minimum conditions for safe and healthy human habitation....

Factors Influencing Age Structure

Several factors influence the age structure of a population, including birth rates, the number of young people, life expectancy among the elderly, and migration patterns. These large age groups are essential in demographic studies because they allow for effective planning and analysis.

• The First Group: Identified as the young population, which requires educational training.
• The Second Group: Involves work activities; this supposedly active group supports the other two.
• The Third Group: Those aged 65 and over, identified as a dependent population needing grants and pensions.

Demographic Evolution in Spain (1900-1975)

In the period between 1900 and 1975, the percentage of the young population in Spain was high, representing...

The Second Republic: Interim Government and the 1931 Constitution

The elections in April 1931 resulted in a royalist majority in rural areas, but Republican candidates prevailed in all major cities. On April 14, the Republic was proclaimed in many municipalities amid great popular enthusiasm. The revolutionary committee left prison to become the Provisional Government of the Republic, led by Niceto Alcalá-Zamora.

The interim government's first task was to convene constituent courts to develop a constitution that established a parliamentary and democratic republic. Key features included:

• Broad individual and social rights
• Women's suffrage
• Separation of powers and unicameral courts
• Separation of church and state
• Recognition of regional autonomy

The...