Spain: Population, Economy, and Government Structure
Population, Economy, and Government in Spain
Spain's Autonomous Regions
Spain consists of 17 autonomous regions. Each province possesses its own government and a statute of autonomy, which serves as a collection of laws, rights, and duties.
Population
The Spanish population is approximately 46 million people. During the twentieth century, the population grew significantly due to an increased birth rate and declining mortality rates.
Population Density
The Spanish population density is 91 inhabitants/km². The most densely populated autonomous regions include:
- Catalonia
- The Basque Country
- Madrid
- The Canary Islands
- The Balearic Islands
Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy in Spain is 80 years.
The Economy
Spain's economy is primarily based on the services sector, while the primary and secondary sectors have decreased in relative weight. The labor force distribution is as follows:
- Primary sector: 5%
- Secondary sector: 31%
- Tertiary sector: 64%
The working population consists of individuals employed in exchange for a salary, as well as those who are currently unemployed.
The Primary Sector
This sector consists of three main groups: agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.
The Secondary Sector
Based on industry, this sector includes metallurgy, electronics, chemistry, textiles, food production, footwear, machinery, and automotive manufacturing.
The Tertiary Sector
Also known as the service sector, this includes trade, banking, education, health, public administration, culture, telecommunications, and tourism (the most significant contributor).
The Organs of Government
The Spanish Constitution, adopted on December 6, 1978, establishes a parliamentary monarchy. The state is divided into three branches:
- Legislative Power: Formed by the Parliament, consisting of the Senate (208 senators who review laws) and the Congress (350 deputies who elect the Prime Minister and approve laws and state budgets).
- Executive Power: Formed by the government, ministers, and the President, who apply laws, direct policy, and manage budgets.
- Judiciary: Formed by courts, judges, and magistrates, who enforce laws and penalize those who do not comply.