Key Urban Concepts and Demographics

Immigrant

A person who changes their habitual residence, moving within the country (internal migration) or to another country (external migration). Historically, in Spain, emigration originated from agricultural Atlantic and peninsular regions. These regions sent people to overseas territories, more developed Western European countries, and urban-industrial areas and resorts within Spain between the mid-19th and the 1970s.

Urban Setting

The concrete space occupied by a city. It depends on the physical environment (topography) and the city's purpose. For example, cities built for defense were often located on hills, while trading cities developed along roads.

Urban Sprawl

The growth of cities between the mid-19th and the early 20th century. This expansion resulted from population growth due to industrial and tertiary activities (related to provincial capitals). Urban sprawl typically included bourgeois neighborhoods (well-planned, with quality buildings and services), industrial and working-class neighborhoods (disorganized, with small, inexpensive housing and limited services), and garden neighborhoods (initially occupied by workers due to affordable housing legislation or by the middle class).

Life Expectancy

The average lifespan of a population at a given time. In Spain, life expectancy has increased significantly since the beginning of the 20th century due to medical and health advancements and improved living standards. In 2002, it was 75.7 years for males and 83 years for females.

Tourist Season

The concentration of tourist demand during specific months. In Spain, with its dominant sun-and-sand tourism model, demand peaks during the summer months.

Rural Exodus

Migration from rural to urban areas, either permanently or for extended periods. In Spain, it peaked between 1950 and 1975, driven by the crisis in traditional agriculture (mechanization) and industrial development offering urban jobs. This exodus affected low-skilled agricultural workers in peninsular regions, who migrated to large urban centers and tourist areas. It slowed after 1975 due to the industrial crisis impacting the destination regions.

Franchise

A chain of stores owned by different companies linked by a contract. One company (the franchisor) grants another (the franchisee) a license to operate under a commercial brand or formula, providing assistance, advertising, and a standardized identity.

Supermarket

A large commercial establishment (at least 2,500 m²) operating on a self-service basis, with free parking and extended opening hours (typically 10 am to 10 pm). They are usually located on the urban periphery, near major access roads.

Inflation

The general increase in prices. It can be caused by product demand exceeding supply or by rising production costs (raw materials, energy, wages).

Tourist Infrastructure

Facilities that cater to tourist demand. This includes affordable hotels and accommodations, campsites, apartments, and other amenities.

Immigrant

A person arriving from another part of the country (internal migration) or from abroad (foreign immigration). In Spain, traditional immigration destinations have been urban-industrial regions (Basque Country, Catalonia, and Madrid) and tourist areas (Mediterranean coast and islands). Currently, Spain receives increasing numbers of immigrants from Europe, North America, and South America.

Malthusianism

A school of thought advocating for the voluntary reduction of fertility. Neo-Malthusians support voluntary birth control using modern methods.

Wholesale

A component of the distribution chain acting as an intermediary between the manufacturer (or producer) and the user. Wholesalers buy from a producer, manufacturer, or other intermediary and sell to a manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer, but not to the end consumer.

Megalopolis

An urban agglomeration linked to the Second Industrial Revolution (1870-1900). It represents a significant expansion of urban sprawl associated with the spread of automobiles and trucks, which facilitated the relocation of businesses and homes to suburban and outlying areas.

Metropolis

Cities at the top of the urban hierarchy. They have populations exceeding 250,000, more specialized roles in the tertiary and secondary sectors than other cities, and a wide area of influence. There is a hierarchy within metropolises based on size, functions, and influence. National cities (Madrid and Barcelona) have over 3 million inhabitants, diversified functions, nationwide influence, and strong connections to other global metropolises. Regional cities (Valencia, Bilbao, Seville, and Zaragoza) have populations between 500,000 and 1.5 million, regional influence, and strong ties to national metropolises. Sub-cities (Oviedo, Murcia, Malaga, etc.) have populations between 250,000 and 500,000 and offer some highly specialized services (e.g., universities).

Urban Morphology

The external appearance of a city. It results from the combination of the layout (all open and built-up areas), building style (arrangement and types of buildings), and land use (different uses of urban space).