Economic Sectors: Services, Transport, and Retail Analysis

1. Types of Services

The types of services are classified into two groups:

• Private Services: These are provided by private companies using funds paid by service applicants. Their main purpose is to obtain an economic benefit.
• Public Services: These are provided by the state using money raised through taxation. Their purpose is to deliver goods to society rather than profit. State funding of basic services for the whole population gives rise to the welfare state.

2. Rail Transport

Rail transport is used to transport passengers and goods over short, medium, and long ranges.

Its advantages include high capacity, security, speed, and low pollution. The disadvantages are the rigidity of the track and the high cost of building lines.

3. Retail

Retail involves selling small amounts directly to consumers.

• Street Markets: Held in towns and urban areas, often known simply as markets.
• Municipal Markets: Group different types of businesses in the same location.
• Small Businesses: Usually spread throughout low-trading towns and cities.
• Large Stores: Located in smaller towns, offering different products and operating via self-service.

4. Types of Tourism and Definition

Tourism is the temporary movement of people for leisure, lasting more than 24 hours. There are various types of tourism:

• Edge-Water Tourism: Includes sun and beach tourism practiced on the coasts of temperate and warm seas and on the shores of some lakes.
• Mountain Tourism: Based on scenic values, involving the practice of skiing and other activities.
• Rural Tourism: Provides a link with traditional farming and high-value ecosystems.
• Urban Tourism: Includes cultural tourism based on visiting cities of historical, artistic, or cultural significance.

5. Types of Transport in Spain

The Spanish transport system is characterized by the following:

• The physical environment is unfavorable due to the existence of rugged terrain with steep slopes and climate challenges.
• Road transport dominates, both for passengers and freight.
• Transport networks have a radial pattern centered on Madrid, with roads and railway lines passing throughout Spain.
• There are strong regional imbalances; the density and quality of the network are higher in more economically developed regions.
• Earthly communications with Europe are weak; it is essential to build infrastructure to increase accessibility and economic competitiveness.
• The transportation system affects the environment by altering the landscape, causing noise, and pollution.