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

Historical and Political Concepts

Terror

A phase in the French Revolution characterized by radicalization, with Robespierre at its head.

Constituent Assembly

A collegial body tasked with reforming a constitution, endowed with full powers, or a constitutional power to which all public bodies are subjected.

Directory

A government divided among five people, called consuls, designed to avoid a tyrannical nature and maintain moderation.

Holy Alliance

Formed by Prussia, Russia, and France, it had an anti-liberal character, defending absolutism. Its members formed an alliance between the Throne and the Altar.

Revolt of the Privileged

The protagonists were the aristocracy and clergy who opposed the proposals of Louis XVI's minister. To avoid the Treasury's bankruptcy,... Continue reading "Essential Historical and Economic Concepts Explained" »

The Economic Importance of Agriculture in Spain

Contribution to GDP

Despite increased agricultural production, agriculture's share of Spain's GDP has declined from 40% in 1950 to about 3.5% today. This shift is attributed to industrialization and outsourcing, which have diminished the economic prominence of farming. The agricultural sector exhibits low productivity per worker, employing 7.5% of assets to generate just 3.5% of GDP.

Role in Foreign Trade

Until the 1970s, agricultural products were primary Spanish exports, consistently exceeding imports. Since then, the role of agriculture in foreign trade has decreased, with imports occasionally surpassing exports. Agricultural exports currently account for approximately 15% of total exports, including... Continue reading "Challenges and Opportunities in Spanish Agriculture" »

The German Nazi State and Party Merger

In Germany, the state exhibited greater strength. There was a merger between the state and the Nazi Party. The fact that the rise of the Nazi Party proceeded more slowly than in the case of Italian Fascism forced numerous initial adaptation efforts and negotiations with representatives of the traditional German right.

The need to win over the electorate made the Nazis exercise restraint and assume a relative willingness to express commitments set forth in the rule of law. Ultimately, Adolf Hitler gained undeniably greater power than Benito Mussolini.

The Spread of Related Movements in Europe

Beyond Italian Fascism and German National Socialism, many other movements were more or less related to them.

Fascist

Business and Trade

Business consists of buying and selling goods to satisfy the needs of the population, performed by exchanging products for other products (barter).

Domestic Trade

Occurs within a country:

• Wholesale: Wholesalers buy large quantities of goods and sell them to other traders or companies.
• Retail: It sells directly to the public in small quantities.

International Trade

What a country conducts with other countries, including both exports and imports. It is collected in the trade balance and the balance of payments.

• Trade Balance: The difference between what a country sells goods abroad and what it buys from other countries.
• Balance of Payments: Records all economic exchanges of a country, both material goods, services, or financial.
  • When

Rockies

• Location: North America, extending from Alaska to Mexico
• Economic Activity: Significant gold and oil reserves. Includes Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks.
• Population: Diverse ethnic backgrounds. Major cities include Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Denver, Colorado.

Andes

• Location: From the Caribbean to Patagonia, forming the world's longest mountain range.
• Economic Activity: Agriculture, including potato tuber farming, as well as cultivation of chili, corn, squash, beans, and fruit.
• Population: Inhabitants often reside at high altitudes. Major cities include Lima, Quito, and La Paz.

Alps

• Location: Stretching across France, Italy, Switzerland, and other countries near the Mediterranean.
• Economic Activity: Industry, energy production, and logging.

Internal Migration Rates in Spain

Internal migrations are classified according to time, place of origin, and destination.

Types of Internal Migration

• Seasonal or Temporary Migration: Limited duration and cyclical nature. Example: Picking grapes or olives.
• Permanent or Long-Term Migration: Classified based on source and destination.
  • Rural Exodus: Movement from rural to urban areas due to agricultural mechanization and increasing urbanization.
  • Intercity Migration: From small to large cities and between cities with different economic sectors, often for university studies or economic opportunities. Currently more significant in Spain than the rural exodus.
  • Interrural Migration: Conditioned by the economic exploitation system of the receiving area, such

Finance and Economy (Title VII)

19. The power to tax resides in the State.

20. Autonomous regions and municipalities can also contribute taxes in accordance with the laws and the Constitution.

21. The general State budgets are prepared by the Government for review, amendment, and approval by the Cortes (Parliament). If budgets are not approved, the previous budgets are extended. Once approved, laws can be passed.

Territorial Organization (Title VIII)

22. Spain is organized territorially into municipalities, provinces, and autonomous communities.

23. Principle of Unity: Several autonomous communities exist, autonomous but none has privileges over others. Principle of Solidarity: The most disadvantaged autonomous communities are helped by other communities.... Continue reading "Key Aspects of the Spanish Constitution: Finance, Territory, and Justice" »

Tourism Definition

Tourism refers to the activity of a person making a pleasure trip or engaging in leisure culture.

Factors Driving Spanish Tourism Development

Spain's proximity to more developed European countries and its varied and abundant resources make the country an attractive destination for international tourism.

Key Attractions and Resources

• Sun and Beaches: A warm and sunny climate during summers, complemented by over 2,000 km of beaches.
• Cultural Heritage: Important artistic heritage, as well as a variety of festivals, folklore, crafts, and cuisine.
• Natural Heritage: A rich natural environment, including 13 National Parks.

Evolving Tourist Demands

Good weather and low prices are no longer sufficient by themselves. Tourists are becoming more... Continue reading "Spain's Tourism Industry: Development, Demand, and Policy Strategies" »

Dynamics of the Rural World

The rural space today is increasingly heterogeneous and complex.

• First, it is receiving new uses different from the previously predominant agricultural ones.
• In addition, it experiences both tradition and modernity. Some regions, termed "deep rural areas," maintain traditional activities and suffer from underperformance and abandonment.
• Others have modernized, specializing in competitive, high-performance production oriented toward marketing.

These changes have led to discussions about a crisis in the rural world.

New Uses of Rural Areas

a) Causes Favoring New Rural Uses

• A New Positive Perception of Rural Life: Due to urban unrest (associated with pollution, unemployment, and insecurity), the rural environment is revalued

Fishing Areas and Maritime Boundaries

A fishing area is a place where, due to a number of circumstances, there are more marine species than anywhere else. Major fisheries are located in cold water areas and have variations. There can be both national and international fisheries.

The concept of territorial waters appeared in the 1982 Sea Convention. It was established that up to 200 miles from a country's coast, the water and its economic exploitation belonged to that country. The establishment of these 200 miles caused serious consequences for the Spanish fishing sector.

Aquaculture

Aquaculture is the set of activities, cultivation techniques, and knowledge related to aquatic plants and animals. It is an important economic activity for food production,... Continue reading "Understanding Key Concepts in Fishing, Aquaculture, and Agriculture" »