Notes, abstracts, papers, exams and problems of Geography

Key Geographical and Agricultural Terms

Asylum: Protection granted by a state to a foreigner who cannot return to their country of origin due to a well-founded fear of persecution.

Real Growth: The balance of population change, considering net migration.

Emigration: The act of people leaving one place to settle in another, often due to compelling reasons.

Rural Exodus: The movement of population from rural areas to urban centers.

Immigration: The arrival of people into a particular place to live.

Migration: A change of residence from one municipality to another, either within the same country or across international borders.

Swings: Daily population movements from a place of residence to work or other activities.

Refugee: A person persecuted for reasons... Continue reading "Key Geographical and Agricultural Terms Defined" »

**Geoeconomic Regions and Domestic Trade in 19th Century Venezuela**

**Geoeconomic Regions**

Areas were located around major ports, which became the core driving forces of these regions. They were linked to the global capitalist market, exercising the role of tropical exporter and importer of goods. These activities were controlled by foreign commercial houses, which financed the crop, granted loans, and paid taxes to the State Customs.

**Division of Areas**

**Western Region**

Formed by the current states of Zulia, Mérida, Táchira, and Trujillo. Coffee was produced in the Andes, and cattle and cocoa in the depression of Lake Maracaibo. The products were transferred to the port of Maracaibo and then to overseas markets.

**Central-Western Region*

Geography and Environment

• Acid rain: Phenomenon that occurs due to the concentration of nitrogen and sulfur gases in the atmosphere.
• Aquifer: Geological formation that allows the circulation of water.
• Arid area: Area where water has no river outlet to the sea.
• Coast: Land slope.
• Desertification: A process by which land that does not have desert weather becomes desertified.
• Earthquake: A sudden and violent shaking of the ground, sometimes causing great destruction, as a result of movements within the earth's crust or volcanic action.
• Erosion: The process of intact soil wear (rock).
• Estuary: The tidal mouth of a large river, where the tide meets the stream.
• Fallow: Land left unplanted to recover its fertility.
• Fault: A discontinuity forming a rock fracture

The Primary Sector in Spain

The primary sector has traditionally been the most important sector of the Spanish economy. However, since the mid-20th century, the development of the industrial and financial sectors has reduced its overall significance.

Major Crops

Cereals

Barley, wheat, and corn are primarily grown in the Spanish communities of Castile and León, Castile-La Mancha, and Aragon.

Vineyards and Olive Groves

Olive cultivation is concentrated in Andalusia, particularly in the provinces of Jaén and Córdoba. Vineyards dominate Castile-La Mancha, Valencia, Catalonia, Andalusia, and La Rioja.

Orchards

Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, etc.) are primarily grown in the Valencian Community (60% of production). Non-citrus fruits like apples, cherries,... Continue reading "Spain's Primary Sector: Agriculture, Livestock, and EU Integration" »

The Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution was the result of a set of economic and technological changes, which first occurred in Britain in the mid-eighteenth century and which led to a profound transformation of the economy and society. In the mid-eighteenth century, Europe began a process of growth (demographic revolution). The population grew from 140 million in 1750 to 187 million in 1800 and 266 million in 1850. The highest growth was in Britain. The causes of this growth were the increase in food production, improved hygiene, and advancements in medicine. There was, therefore, a decrease in mortality and a slight increase in the birthrate.

Population Increase and its Impact

The population increase led to an increase in food demand.... Continue reading "The Industrial Revolution: Transformation of Economy and Society" »

Primary Sector Activities

The primary sector encompasses activities related to obtaining resources and food production. This includes agriculture, livestock farming, fishing, and forestry.

Agricultural Landscape

An agricultural landscape is a landscape modified to obtain products from nature. Key elements include plots, tillage systems, and settlements.

Understanding Plots

A plot is a division of agricultural land. Plots differ in size (large or small), shape (regular or irregular), and boundaries (open or enclosed).

• Openfield: Open plots without fences, typically small and regular in shape. Common in Central Europe.
• Enclosed fields or Bocage: Relatively large, irregular plots enclosed by walls or fences. Common in the European Atlantic region.

Polyculture

Spain in the 19th Century: A Period of Transformation

Population Growth and Urbanization

Spain experienced a significant population increase of 60% during the 19th century, particularly in regions like Madrid, Catalonia, Valencia, Murcia, the Canary Islands, and the Basque Country. This growth was fueled by several factors, including:

• Decreased mortality rates
• Increased agricultural production
• Improved diet and hygiene
• Medical advancements

Simultaneously, a wave of migrant farmers contributed to increased urbanization. The driving forces behind this migration were:

• Abolition of the manorial system
• Concentration of land ownership
• Harsh living conditions in rural areas
• Technical changes in agriculture
• Improvements in agricultural transportation

The migration... Continue reading "Spain's 19th Century: Population, Agriculture, and Industry" »

The Bronze Age in Spain

The Bronze Age in Spain, also known as the MegaLoad period, is characterized by the discovery of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin. This discovery allowed the manufacture of stronger utensils and weapons. The use of this new metal produced social differences, as shown by the funerary offerings found in tombs. The most representative cultures of this stage are Los Millares and El Argar.

At the end of the second millennium BC, the El Argar culture gradually disappeared, marking the beginning of the final period of the Bronze Age. The area received numerous influences from within. The chief influence would come from the kingdom of Tartessos at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River.

Megalithic Monuments of the Bronze Age

During... Continue reading "Bronze Age in Spain: Pre-Roman Towns & Tartessos" »

Cultural Evolution of Indigenous Peoples in Venezuela

While the indigenous peoples located in what is now the territory of Venezuela may not have attained the same degree of development as other American cultures like the Mayas, Aztecs, or Incas, their evolution is still evident. Aboriginal communities in Venezuela experienced a gradual development through the exchange of techniques between different groups.

Stages of Cultural Development

Agricultural Training

This stage, between 1500 and 1000 BC, consisted of small communities of hunters, fishermen, and gatherers of wild fruit and seashells.

Beginning of Agricultural Activity

Around 1000 BC, communities began combining hunting, fishing, and gathering with the rudimentary cultivation of wild fruits,... Continue reading "Cultural Evolution and Indigenous Areas of Venezuela" »

Population Dynamics

Vegetative Growth

The difference between birth and mortality rates. Various metrics measure factors related to the natural movement of a population.

Population Density

The relationship between the number of inhabitants and the surface area (in square kilometers) they occupy.

Labor Force

The group of people aged 16 and over who are available to supply labor for the production of goods and services and are actively seeking employment.

Unemployment Rate

The percentage of the workforce that is unemployed relative to the total active population.

Migration

The movement of a population in space; the departure of people from their place of origin.

Immigration

A movement of population; the arrival of people at their destination.

Internal Migration

Developed... Continue reading "Population Dynamics and Urbanism: Key Concepts" »