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

Understanding Settlements

Settlement and Spatial Planning

Settlement refers to how human settlements and places of residence are located. If less than a quarter of the population is engaged in the primary sector, the settlement is classified as semi-urban. These elements determine the management of a territory and define its settlement system.

Types of Traditional Rural Settlements

The concentration of the rural population varies depending on the climate and the type of farming and ranching practices.

• Isolated Settlements

  Houses are isolated from each other, separated by cultivated land, and are far apart.

• Dispersed Settlements

  These are population centers with few houses situated around a central core.

• Concentrated Settlements

  Houses are grouped together,

Factors Changing Demographics

What factors were instrumental in changing demographics? What consequences did this have on the evolution of the population?

The increase in food production and progress in hygiene (soap) and medicine (vaccines) were instrumental. This led to a decline in mortality and a slight increase in the birth rate, which increased the population.

Changes in Land Ownership

What was the essential change in the ownership of land and what did it allow? What about new crops?

• Private property became essential.
• This allowed planting more quantity to make more revenue.
• New crops appeared, and the land and mechanization of production increased and diversified.

Population Growth Curves

Describe the evolution of the curves of birth, death,... Continue reading "Key Factors in Historical Economic and Social Change" »

**Demographic Impact**

In coastal areas, tourism significantly increases the population. This includes young adults seeking employment and adults or retirees relocating permanently. Tourism boosts employment in the tertiary sector and construction. In some declining rural, mountainous areas, and historic cities, tourism has helped slow down depopulation.

**Impact on Settlement**

On the coast, tourism and urban expansion encourage the formation of conurbations. This often results in high-density construction and land speculation. In some rural, mountainous, and urban areas, tourism has contributed to the rehabilitation of built heritage.

**Economic Impact**

Tourism generates over 12% of employment in tourism and related services, many of which require... Continue reading "Impact of Tourism: Demographics, Economy, Environment" »

Historical and Sociocultural Context of 18th-Century Europe

In 18th-century Europe, absolute monarchies dominated much of the continent, with exceptions such as Great Britain (a constitutional monarchy), Venice, and Switzerland. In Eastern Europe, where feudalism persisted, a form of government known as enlightened despotism emerged, extending to Prussia, Russia, Austria, and Spain. In 1776, the United States declared independence from Great Britain and, in 1787, proclaimed the first Constitution of the country and the entire world. The English parliamentary system, the U.S. Constitution, and the French Revolution of 1789 would serve as the starting points for the modern organization of society.

In economics, efforts were made to achieve industrialization.... Continue reading "18th Century Europe: Society, Politics, and Culture" »

Cold War

The Cold War was an ideological confrontation between the capitalist West, led by the United States, and the communist East, led by the Soviet Union. This conflict spanned the latter half of the 20th century, from 1945 until the dissolution of the USSR and the fall of communism between 1989 and 1991.

Globalization

Globalization is a large-scale process characterized by growing communication and interdependence among the world's countries. This process unifies nations through a series of transformations, giving them a global character.

Autonomous Region (Spain)

Within Spain's constitutional system, an autonomous region is a territorial entity with its own legislative and executive powers, exercised by its elected representatives.

Gender

Ancient Roman Economy

The economy was centered on agriculture and livestock. During Roman domination, the economy registered significant development due to rationalization and technical improvements.

Agriculture and Resources

The primary agricultural sector was based on the Mediterranean triad. Olive oil exports to Rome were among the largest in the empire. The Roman presence led to the emergence of technical innovations, such as draft animals, fallow land, or irrigation. Fishing was also remarkable.

Mining Activities

The development of mining revealed that the region was rich in mineral deposits. Most mines were owned by the Roman state, but private mines also existed, generally corresponding to smaller fields.

Labor and Slavery

The Roman economy... Continue reading "Ancient Roman Economy: Agriculture, Trade, and Society" »

Importance of Industry in Contemporary Society

Industry makes a significant contribution to the economic structure and triggers a series of changes. Key concepts include:

• Industrial Area: The area occupied by the physical plant of industry.
• Industrialized Space: The network of visible and invisible flows generated by industrial activity.

Classical Theories of Industrial Location

On the Location of Industry by Alfred Weber (1909) proposes that the optimum location for any business is one that minimizes the costs of transporting raw materials and energy consumed at the factory, and processed products to markets, measured in tons/km (isodapana concept).

To explain industrial areas, the following should be considered:

1. Industrial activity occupies a definitive

Population

Concept

The distribution of people living in an area or place has its own characteristics and pursues common goals.

Distribution of the Population by Region

• Coast-Mountain Region: 20% of the territory, 78.7% of the population
• Llanera Central Depression: 35% of the territory, 15.5% of the population
• Guayana Region: 45% of the territory, 5.5% of the population

Causes of the Uneven Distribution of Population

• Geographical position of the Andean region
• Climate-friendly agricultural soils and abundant water
• Construction of good communication channels
• Extensive network of services

Consequences of the Unequal Distribution of Population

• High population concentration in small areas leading to overcrowding, crime, and lack of services
• Abandonment of farming

Characteristics

Agricultural Landscapes in Spain

The Wet Spain Landscape

This region comprises the north and northwest of the peninsula. It has hilly terrain and a rainy oceanic climate throughout the year.

Agrarian Structure

The agrarian structure is characterized by:

• Traditionally, a very large population, now reduced and generally older.
• Predominance of small farms and small fields surrounded by hedgerows, often located far apart.

Land Uses

Land uses in this area include:

1. Agriculture: Occupies a small area, primarily dedicated to rain-fed agriculture. Currently, polyculture has been disappearing, with agriculture increasingly specializing in horticulture (gardening).
2. Livestock Farming: This is the most important economic activity, favoured by climatic conditions