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

Industrial and Business Landscapes

Industrial sites and urban industrial landscapes, characterized by buildings, factories, and heavy industry (such as refineries and shipyards), are typically located in areas planned by authorities on the outskirts of cities and along main roads.

Business parks and technology parks (also known as science parks) feature very modern business environments with avant-garde architecture, surrounded by extensive parkland. These areas are dedicated to high-tech activities and research.

Urban Landscape

A landscape densely occupied by buildings of different heights and streets of varied width, where economic activities are primarily from secondary economic sectors and service industries.

Culture Plot

A technical unit of... Continue reading "Essential Economic and Geographical Terms Defined" »

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,... Continue reading "Understanding Transport Networks, Tourism, and Globalization" »

Bourbon Reforms: State Organization & Centralization

Government reform in 18th-century Spain was driven by two key principles prevalent in Europe:

• Centralization: All government actions were to originate from the monarch and his ministers.
• Uniformity: These measures were to apply equally to all nationals, aiming to curb local and provincial privileges.

Significant reforms were implemented across various sectors:

• Army and Navy: Recruitment shifted to a triple system: volunteers, compulsory levies for vagrancy, and the "quintas" (conscription).
• Fiscal System: Tax reforms were introduced.
• Economy: State-sponsored manufacturing was established.
• Infrastructure: Public works projects were undertaken.

Spanish America in the 18th Century: Bourbon Absolutism

In... Continue reading "Spain's 18th Century: Bourbon Reforms & Enlightenment Impact" »

Understanding Key Terms in Spanish Agriculture and History

Cortijo

By extension, a Cortijo refers to a type of dispersed rural habitat typical of southern Spain. It consists of residential areas and other units designed for the exploitation of surrounding agriculture. These isolated rural buildings are primarily dedicated to farming, characterized by their unique farmhouse style. Cortijos vary in size, from small to large, with varying numbers of units, depending on the farm's specific type and scale of operation.

Hydroponics

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions dissolved in water. Plants are typically supported by inert media like gravel, sand, or ashes. While often associated with growing flowers,... Continue reading "Glossary of Spanish Agricultural and Historical Terminology" »

**Factors Influencing Spanish Agriculture**

**1. Environmental Conditions**

• **Aridity:** A significant portion of Spain experiences low annual rainfall. The summer months coincide with the highest levels of evapotranspiration, further reducing water availability.
• **Temperatures:** The number of days with frost limits the cultivation of certain crops. Other plants require very hot summers. Temperature and rainfall patterns determine the suitability of different agricultural species.
• **Topography:** Topography significantly influences both climate and soil conditions.
• **Soil:** Spain features a variety of soil types. Humid regions are dominated by brown soils, with varying fertility depending on texture. In the Mediterranean climate zone, brown

Agricultural Landscapes of Spain: Defining Characteristics

We define agricultural landscapes as featuring rural areas. They result from the natural combination of factors, giving an overview of the farming practiced there.

Wet Spain Agricultural Landscape

Includes the north and northwest of Spain. It has a rugged terrain, with low, flat surfaces and a wet oceanic climate. Traditionally, it has had a very large population. The population is predominantly scattered. The peasants are owners of small landholdings. Land uses are principally for farming. Agriculture occupies a slightly extended area, currently specializing in garden crops and fodder for livestock. Cattle ranching is the most important economic activity, favored by weather conditions.... Continue reading "Agricultural Landscapes of Spain: Types and Features" »

Spain's Transportation Network

Roads

Roads are the most important means of transport in Spain, supporting 90% of domestic passenger traffic and 85% of freight traffic. They are primarily used for shorter distances, up to 200-400 km. The road network has a radial structure, connecting Madrid with the main cities on the periphery. Peripheral routes cross the Mediterranean and Cantabrian coastlines.

The road network consists of:

• State Roads (CERs): These are the responsibility of the State and include high-capacity roads such as toll roads and free highways, as well as regular roads. Their function is to cover routes of interest, ensuring overall road network links, access to ports and airports, and connecting different communities.
• Highways: These

Islamic Art and Architecture in Al-Andalus

Geographical and Historical Setting

Islam emerged between the 7th and 15th centuries, establishing a culture based on the new religion preached by Muhammad. Before Islam, the warring tribes of the region found unity under this new faith. In 622 CE, Muhammad fled from Mecca to Medina. This event, known as the Hegira, marks the starting point of the Islamic calendar.

The Quran outlines the simple, monotheistic precepts of Islam, influenced by Christianity and Judaism. These precepts include daily prayers facing Mecca, fasting during Ramadan, and a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Islam's unifying power led to the creation of a vast empire stretching from India to the south of France. Al-Andalus became a prominent province... Continue reading "Islamic Art and Architecture in Al-Andalus: A Historical Overview" »

Tourism in Spain

Spain as a Tourist Destination Since the 1950s

In the 20th century, Spain was often perceived as a backward country compared to the rest of Europe, as reflected in the writings of Ortega y Gasset and Victor Hugo. These authors depicted a stereotypical Spain of bullfights and tambourines, contrasting it with a Europe that was growing increasingly powerful and imperialistic. This stereotypical image began to fade with the transformation from the Franco regime to democracy.

Manuel Fraga and the "Spain is Different" Campaign (1960s)

In the 1960s, Manuel Fraga played a key role in boosting tourism, a strategy that continued into the 21st century with the slogan "Spain is Different."

The Rise of Mass Tourism in the Mid-20th Century

Mass... Continue reading "Spain's Tourism Evolution: From Franco to the 21st Century" »

Rural or Agricultural Area: Undeveloped land traditionally used for farming, livestock, and forestry.

EAGGF (European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund): Supports the link between multifunctional agriculture and land, increases agricultural competitiveness in rural areas, encourages diversification of rural activities, helps maintain rural populations, and preserves the environment, landscape, and heritage.

Extensive Husbandry: Relies on the natural environment, with livestock grazing on natural grasslands in wetter regions (northern Spain and mountainous areas) or pastures in drier regions. Associated with native breeds and traditional methods. While still important in certain areas, it is increasingly mixed with intensive farming.

Intensive