Key Concepts in Urban Geography and Spanish Regional Structure

Metropolitan Area Definition

A large urbanized area that administratively includes a major city and several local municipalities. Significant economic and social ties exist between these entities, necessitating joint planning, coordination of certain works and services, and shared infrastructure.

Their creation began in Spain during the first third of the twentieth century in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao. Today, almost all large cities have established metropolitan areas.

Conurbation

A continuous urban area formed by the parallel growth of two or more cities until they unite. Each town within the conurbation maintains its administrative independence. The unifying factor is usually a traffic hub. (Example: Santa Cruz-La Laguna).

State of Autonomies (Regional Organization)

The organization of the State that recognizes the right of self-government for the nationalities and regions it integrates. In Spain, this structure was established by the 1978 Constitution, which defined the conditions and the process followed to achieve regional autonomy.

Pendulum Movement (Population Displacement)

A normal population displacement that takes place periodically, usually related to work or leisure.

Work-Related Movement

Movement occurs between the periphery and the central cities as a result of the rururbanization process, or the transfer of residence to rural areas near the city. In Spain, these movements are becoming more frequent and cover larger distances.

Leisure-Related Movement

Leisure causes habitual weekend movements and tourism, often related to the improved living standards of the population.

Urban System

The set formed by cities and the relationships established between them. Cities possess characteristics that allow them to influence more or less extensive areas, occupying a specific hierarchical position within the system.

Marginal Urbanization

The process of urban growth occurring outside the peripheral sector, where areas initially lack basic urban endowments and services. It is a form of occupation of rural land that accompanies massive immigration, often resulting in self-built housing.

Despite the initial precariousness and marginal position, these spaces eventually become integrated into the residential fabric of the cities, equipped with services and facilities, and see improvements in the quality of their constructions.

This was a fundamental form of growth in Spanish cities during the 1950s and 1960s of the twentieth century.