Population Distribution, Migration, and Demographics: A Global Analysis

Population Distribution Factors

The population is concentrated in places with favorable characteristics:

• Places where water abounds, necessary for life and economic activities.
• Areas with temperate climates.
• Valleys and plains, often with fertile soil for agriculture.
• Areas rich in mineral and energy resources.
• Populated areas since ancient times.
• Areas with high economic activity.
• Sometimes, governments have forced people to move to a region.

Major Population Concentrations

Large concentrations of population include:

• East Asia: This region contains over half of the world's population.
• Europe: Especially the central area.
• Northwest Coast of America: The third most populous area with 300 million inhabitants.

Smaller pockets include the Gulf of Guinea, the Nile Valley, and Mexico.

Migration: Population Movement

Migration involves a change of place of residence.

• Emigration: The transfer of population from one place to another.
• Immigration: The arrival of people from another country.

Causes of Migration

• Economic reasons
• Political causes
• Natural catastrophes

Types of Migration

• Forced or voluntary
• Temporary or final
• Domestic/national or foreign/international

Current Migration Trends

Internal Migration

In underdeveloped countries, there is a displacement of peasants into cities, known as rural exodus. In developed countries, migration occurs between cities, often for studies. Internal migration can produce regional imbalances.

External Migration

External or international migration occurs from less developed to developed countries, between developed countries, and between underdeveloped countries.

Refugees

Refugees are people forced to leave due to fear of persecution, abuse based on race, religion, language, ideology, or opinion.

Governments set quotas for immigrants and immigration laws, determining who can legally remain and obtain citizenship. Those who do not meet the criteria are considered illegal immigrants.

Effects of Migration

Migration has benefits and problems in both the countries of departure and arrival.

Demographics of Spain

Birth and Mortality Rates

The birth rate in Spain is one of the lowest in the world. Mortality is considered low, and the natural population growth is very weak.

Population Structure

The Spanish population is aging, and life expectancy is one of the highest in the world.

Economic Activity

Almost 65% of the working population in Spain works in the service sector. Since 1970, there has been a progressive incorporation of women into the workplace.

Population Distribution

More than half of the Spanish population is concentrated in four Autonomous Communities: Andalusia, Catalonia, Madrid, and Valencia. Differences are greater at the provincial level.

External Migration in Spain

External migrations in Spain intensified since the late nineteenth century. The global economic crisis of 1973 marked the end of intense emigration. Immigration has grown dramatically in recent years, more than in any other EU country.

Brain Drain

The brain drain refers to the departure of highly educated or professional individuals from one country to another for better living conditions.