Spanish Demographic Evolution and Population Trends
Spanish Population Dynamics and Demographic Transition
Phase I: High Birth and Mortality Rates
During Phase I, the Spanish population experienced high birth rates and high mortality. Women typically had five children, and infant mortality was very high for children aged 1 to 7. Life expectancy was only 35 years due to poor living conditions, poor hygiene, and limited resources. This resulted in demographic stability. Since the nineteenth century, industrialization has promoted a notable increase in the population.
Phase II: Industrialization and Population Growth
In Phase II, the birth rate remained high while mortality decreased due to improved nutrition and hygiene. In the twentieth century, the decline in mortality continued, causing growth that was only interrupted by the Spanish Civil War. Following the war, the population grew, and many people migrated to other regions.
Phase III: Medical Advances and Family Planning
Phase III saw decreased mortality due to advances in hygiene and medicine. The birth rate also declined. Key factors included:
- Low infant mortality
- Growth in consumption
- Access for women to paid jobs
- The shift from rural families to urban family groups
These motives led women toward family planning and a decline in fertility.
Phase IV: Modern Demographic Trends (1990–Present)
In Europe and Spain, Phase IV is characterized by low birth and mortality rates, meaning population growth is almost zero or negative. Advances in medicine have increased life expectancy to around 80 years. In Spain, this phase has lasted from 1990 until today, though it was briefly interrupted by a rise in the birth rate due to the arrival of foreign immigrants.
Current Population Structure and Natural Movement
Birth Rates and Life Expectancy in the 21st Century
Regarding the natural movement of the population, the birth rate has been falling since the twentieth century and later intensified. This decline approached the number of deaths, resulting in low natural growth. Spain entered a phase of progressive growth as life expectancy lengthened. In the XXI century, there is an upward trend in births due to women of reproductive age from previous high-growth years and the influx of young immigrant women.
INE forecasts indicate that by 2017, the population could reach a natural growth below 1 per 1,000 and is likely to continue falling. Mortality has decreased due to lower infant mortality and increased life expectancy.
Mortality Trends and Marriage Patterns
In 2007, 8.6% of men over 45 died from cardiovascular disease. Between ages 15 and 44, many deaths result from traffic accidents, while infant mortality rates remain very low. Regarding marriage, the number of children was historically related to marriage, but that is no longer the case. The average number of daughters per woman is 1.4. The age for having a first child remains around 31 years. This delay is due to families seeking a stable home and employment before having children.
The Spanish Working Population and Labor Market
Dynamics of Productive Sectors and Unemployment
The study of the Spanish working population involves the dynamics of productive sectors and the current situation of the population. A significant focus remains on the problem of unemployment and the increasing incorporation of women into the workplace.