Industrial Density and Distribution in the Basque Country
Industrial Density in the Basque Country
This commentary focuses on a density map of quantitative point symbols, which reflects the industrial density within the Basque Country (PV) industrial organization. This structure is the result of a process that began in the late 19th century, leading to three main characteristics: a highly polarized and unbalanced regional localization (with the exception of Gipuzkoa), specialization in traditional production (metal), and a structure characterized by the predominance of SMEs and qualified manual workers in need of retraining.
Regional Location and Coastal Trends
With regard to location, there have been very few changes since the mid-1970s. The Basque Country highlights the three capitals, and there is a sharp contrast between the coast and the inland. Coastal areas are linked by an industrial corridor, either internally through Durango and the Deba Valley or through a less dense coastal axis. However, inland, there is a gap between Bizkaia, Gipuzkoa, and Araba.
On the other hand, in coastal areas where municipalities with an industrial vocation proliferate massively, the polarized model of Bizkaia (Greater Bilbao) contrasts with the more balanced distribution existing in Gipuzkoa. In each area, the capital remains the zone that meets the highest industrial strength.
Industrial Potential in Bizkaia
In the case of Bizkaia, exceptionally conditioned by physical factors, industrial labor potential is gathered in a narrow strip that extends from the headwaters of the Ibaizabal to the western edge of the left bank of the Ria de Bilbao (Santurtzi), without forgetting the appendages that extend from the Cadagua (Balmaseda) and Nervión (Arrigorriaga).
Industrial Employment in Gipuzkoa
As for Gipuzkoa, its most important characteristic is the high distribution of industrial employment across nearly all the territory, except for two more tertiary places (Donostia and Hondarribia) and the few primary nuclei (Getaria, Errezil). The rest of the municipalities always maintain an active population percentage above 40%. The major industrial areas of the territory are Donostialdea and the regions of High and Medium Deba (Arrasate-Mondragón, Eibar, and Elgoibar). A second category can be considered the hotbeds of Beasain, Tolosa, Zumarraga, and Azpeitia.
Dynamic Growth in Araba
In Araba, the industry has taken up space less aggressively; also, in recent decades, these have been the most dynamic areas. Many industrial projects are being installed from the Atlantic area. Overwhelmed by the scarcity and high price of land elsewhere, growth is linked to the availability of spaces prepared for industry, good infrastructure and communications, and improved quality of life.
Predominant Production Sectors
As far as production is concerned, it is still characterized by the predominance of activities related to metal, followed by construction, transport equipment, and electrical material; this is therefore the current industrial landscape.