Internal and External Migration in Spain: Impacts

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 as intensive agriculture, road construction, or factory installation.
  • Suburban Migration: From the city to nearby rural areas due to cheaper housing and a desire for contact with nature. Also includes retirees returning to their hometowns.
• Usual Movements: Conducted regularly and habitually, lasting from one to several days.
  • Commuting (Pendular Movements): Caused by work or studies, between the center and the periphery or vice versa. Increasing due to suburbanization and improved transportation (creating commuter towns).
  • Weekend or Tourist Movements: Caused by leisure, facilitated by workers' rights, improved transport, and the emergence of large tourism enterprises.

Spatial Implications of Population Mobilization

Demographic Implications

Population increase in emigration areas, especially mountainous regions, is predominantly male. This is due to the difficulty of forming couples and families, leading to increased mortality and decreased birth rates. Simultaneously, rejuvenation occurs in the urban population.

Economic Aspects

In rural areas, declining production yields and abandonment of many plots occur due to a lack of labor. Urban areas face challenges related to housing, health, traffic, and a lack of green spaces.

Ecological Implications

Abandoned rural areas can lead to ecosystem changes (e.g., dry grass increasing fire risk). Urban areas face air and noise pollution, along with problems in supply and services.

External Migration Movements

The Spanish population has historically shown a strong tendency towards emigration, although the outward migration flows have varied over time.

The Flow of Overseas Migrants Until the Mid-20th Century

The lack of economic opportunities in the Spanish labor market was the main reason that forced many Spaniards to emigrate in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Changes were due to fluctuations in Spain's socioeconomic status and the application of immigration policies established by the receiving countries at the time. The economic attractiveness of Latin America during this period, along with close cultural and linguistic ties, were sufficient grounds for it to become the main focus of attraction for these Spanish migrants.