Understanding Spain's Active Population and Economic Sectors

Active Population in Spain

The active population comprises individuals who are able and willing to work. This group is divided into:

• Employed population: People who work and receive compensation.
• Unemployed population: Individuals actively seeking employment.

The inactive population includes those unable to work or who do not receive a salary, such as retirees, individuals under 16, students, homemakers, and the sick.

Primary Sector (5% of Employment)

Agriculture

In Spain, abundant dryland crops (secano) include cereals, vines, and olive trees, predominantly in Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, and Andalusia. Irrigated fruits and vegetables are grown in Andalusia, Valencia, and Murcia.

Livestock

The most abundant livestock is pigs, raised mainly in Catalonia and Aragon, followed by sheep in Extremadura, Castilla y León, and Castilla-La Mancha. Poultry farms are prevalent throughout Spain.

Fishing

Most fishing vessels are coastal (bajura). Larger vessels, including factory ships, fish in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, with Galicia and Andalusia being major fishing regions.

Mining

Although mining has decreased, it remains significant, particularly in quarrying.

Secondary Sector (30% of Employment)

This sector includes industrial activities and construction.

Industries

Key industries include metallurgy and chemicals, located in the Basque Country, Catalonia, Madrid, and Andalusia.

Equipment Industries

These industries produce machinery, automobiles, ships, and electrical equipment. Catalonia, Madrid, and Valencia have a high concentration of these industries.

Consumer Goods Industries

These produce goods for direct consumption, including food, textiles, furniture, and graphic arts. They are distributed throughout Spain.

Construction

This sector involves building construction and public works (bridges, roads, etc.). It employs approximately 10% of the workforce, but employment has declined since 2008.