Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Geography

Wholesale Trade

Wholesale trade concentrates production and distributes it to retailers. The most significant development in this sector has been the creation of warehouse clubs (cash & carry or discount chains), mainly in food, beverages, and tobacco. These establishments seek central locations for production and consumption and serve areas of various sizes (municipal or regional). The regions with the most developed wholesale trade are Catalonia, Andalusia, Valencia, and Madrid.

Retail Trade

Retail trade involves selling directly to consumers. This branch exhibits the greatest contrast between traditional and modern trade. Traditional retail trade accounts for 90% of all retail. It consists of small establishments located in older buildings,... Continue reading "Understanding Commerce, Transportation, and Tourism in Spain" »

Types of Services and Subsectors

They are classified into two categories:

• Private Services: Provided by private firms, funded by payments from service requesters. Their main purpose is to obtain economic benefit.
• Public Services: Provided by the state, funded through taxes. Their goal is to deliver goods to society, rather than profit. State funding of basic services for the whole population gives rise to the welfare state.

Subsectors

• Business Services: Banking, insurance, consulting, etc.
• Distribution: Transport and storage, communications, etc.
• Social Services: Health, education, etc.
• Consumer Services: Retail, hospitality, culture, etc.

Transportation and its Characteristics

Transportation is an activity that moves people and goods between two or... Continue reading "Service Sectors, Transportation, Trade, and Tourism in Spain" »

The Concept of Urban Quality:

Number of Inhabitants: The number of inhabitants is crucial for understanding a human agglomeration, however, there's no consensus on a minimum population size.

Density: City centers are characterized by high population density in a confined space. In contrast, residential neighborhoods with detached houses have a discontinuous structure and are considered low-density.

Economic Activity: While cities often have primary sector activities, they are characterized by the diversity of their inhabitants' economic activities.

Territorial Influence: Cities concentrate activities, becoming centers of power, creativity, and opportunity. This concentration drives population flow.

Architecture: City architecture is characterized... Continue reading "Understanding Urban Quality: Inhabitants, Activities, and Agents" »

Key Aspects of the Industrial Era

Population Growth and Agricultural Expansion

The Demographic Revolution

Since the mid-17th century, Europe's population began a process of significant growth, often referred to as the Demographic Revolution.

Causes:

• Increased agricultural production
• Improved hygiene
• Advancements in medicine

Consequences:

• Decreased mortality rates
• Increased birth rates

The Agricultural Revolution

The growing population led to increased demand for products, which in turn caused prices to rise, spurring the Agricultural Revolution.

Technological Innovations and Industry

With a growing population and agricultural advancements, technological innovation emerged as another basic element of transformation during this period.

The Textile Industry

In... Continue reading "Industrial Revolution: Economic and Social Transformations" »

Ecology Basics and Biomes

Fundamental Ecology Terms

Environment

Environment is the framework within which living beings develop. Everyone needs a minimum for survival, as the difference.

Ecology

Ecology is the science studying the interactions of organisms with the environment.

Population

Population is a group of individuals of the same species occupying a particular geographic area.

What happens when population increases?

Intraspecific competition.

What is intraspecific competition?

Occurs between individuals of the same population to obtain resources.

Competition (Interspecific)

Competition takes place between two populations competing for food resources.

Ecological Interactions

Mutualism

Mutualism occurs between two species and is beneficial for both.

Parasitism

Parasitism:... Continue reading "Ecology Basics and Biomes Explained" »

Agricultural Landscapes of the Valencia Region

The map shows the types of agricultural landscapes to be found in the Valencia region. We can distinguish between four groups:

• Coastal Areas: In the coastal areas, the most intensive irrigation can be found. Crops include citrus, vegetables, and rice, favored by the mild climate and thermal effects regularizing the sea. These are flat areas such as the Castellón, the central plain of Valencia, or South Alicante.
• Intermediate Territory (200-600 meters): Wooded farming dominates, with carob, olive, and almond trees, vineyards, and small vegetable gardens being the most important. These territories are found in the interior corridors of the Maestrat, Palancia, the high valley, foothills of the Turia,

The Demographic Imbalance

The demographic imbalance:

* The rapid growth of developing countries hinders development due to strong investments required for food, education, and health. As a result, these countries frequently experience hunger, malnutrition, illiteracy, and a low average standard of living. Most poor countries have adopted birth control policies.

* The aging of developed countries entails high costs in pensions, health, and social support. Many countries have adopted measures to encourage births.

The population increase, along with the excessive consumption of resources, causes a severe strain on the environment.

- Migration: population movements from the place of origin to another destination, redistributing the population in the

The Evolution of Spanish External Migration

Decline of Permanent Migration Since 1973

From 1973, permanent migration from Spain to Europe declined significantly. This shift was primarily driven by the economic crisis, which led to rising unemployment in Western European countries. Consequently, many Spanish emigrants returned home. Today, Spanish external migration is predominantly seasonal and temporary.

Consequences of Spanish Migration

External migration has had major demographic, economic, and social consequences for Spain.

Demographic Consequences

• Manifested in the attrition (loss) of the Spanish population and affected its distribution across the territory.

Economic Consequences

The economic consequences were mixed:

• Positive effects: Initially,

Essential Glossary of Demographic Terms

Aging of the Population

A demographic trend characterized by an increase in the proportion of the population aged 65 or over, often defined when this group exceeds 12% of the total population.

Active Population (Labor Force)

A group of people aged 16 or over who provide labor for productive activities, are available for work, and are seeking incorporation into the labor market.

Actual Population

The group of individuals physically present in a territory at a specific time, composed of usual residents and temporary visitors.

Baby Boom

A period of strong growth in birth rates, usually occurring after a period of crisis (e.g., war or economic depression).

Census

The official process of counting individuals in a population... Continue reading "Key Demographic Terms and Population Concepts Defined" »