Spanish Population Trends and Demographic History

Demographic Sources and Population Geography

The geography of population studies the relationships between population and space. Population demography is quantitatively analyzed based on data provided by population sources:

• Census: The individualized count of the population of the country at a given time. It collects economic and social demographics of the population and is conducted every 10 years.
• Municipal Register (Padrón): The registration of the residents of the municipality. It collects economic and social demographics of the population and is updated on 1 January each year.
• Civil Registration: This records divorces, births, deaths, and marriages.

Population Distribution and Density

Population density is the relationship between the population of an area and its area in km². Large population areas are located in Madrid, the Balearic and Canary Islands, and the peninsular periphery. Large areas of emptiness exist in the interior and mountainous areas.

Historical Evolution of Population Imbalance

The origin of this imbalance can be traced back to the Modern Age. In the 16th century, the highest densities were in the north-central peninsula. A demographic and economic crisis in the 17th century led to population movement toward the periphery. In the 18th century, the distribution was reversed. This balance was consolidated in the 19th century, as the weight of the peninsular periphery, Madrid, and industrial zones increased. The 20th century sharpened these contrasts, increasing industrial regions and tourist areas.

Since 1975, differences were reduced because of deindustrialization and unemployment caused by the economic crisis. Industrial areas lost effectiveness while emigration areas decreased their outputs. Current trends point to the consolidation of the Madrid-Mediterranean-Ebro Valley axis.

Natural Movement of Population

Natural or vegetative growth is the difference between births and deaths.

The Old Demographic Regime (Until the 20th Century)

The birth rate remained elevated until the 20th century. The causes were the predominance of a rural economy and society, where children began to work early and were a safe future for parents. There was an absence of effective systems to control births.

Mortality was high and fluctuated due to the low standard of living and poor medical and health conditions. The diet was low and unbalanced, and infectious diseases had a high incidence. There were also moments of catastrophic mortality caused by epidemics, bad harvests, and wars. Infant mortality had higher values. As a result of high birth and mortality rates, natural increase was low.

Demographic Transition (1900–1975)

The birth rate decreased smoothly. In the 1920s, economic prosperity allowed a recovery of natality. Between 1930 and 1956, the birth rate resumed its fall. Between 1956 and 1965, there was a recovery of births (continued by the second phase).