Why 70% of Spain is Empty

Summary

Spain, the world's 14th largest economy, boasts an extensive high-speed rail system yet faces a paradoxical population distribution. While major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia are densely populated, the interior regions form a 'donut void' with sparse habitation. Historical events, including Franco's dictatorship and industrialization, alongside geographical factors like mountain ranges, have contributed to this demographic divide. The video also touches on Spain's low fertility rate and the potential solutions for balancing the population and development across the country.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Spain is the world's 14th largest economy with a population of over 47 million people.
• 🚄 Spain has the second-highest length of high-speed rail lines globally, only behind China.
• 🏙️ Despite its size, Spain has a lower population density compared to many European countries, with a 'donut-shaped' population distribution.
• 🏞️ There is a significant difference in population and development between coastal areas and the interior of Spain.
• 📉 The rural regions of Spain have experienced a population decline due to urbanization and industrialization.
• 🗻 Spain's geography, with its mountain ranges, plays a role in the sparse population distribution in certain areas.
• 🏛️ The era of Francisco Franco's dictatorship had long-lasting effects on Spain's development and population movement.
• 🌐 Spain has seen significant immigration, becoming the 4th most immigrated-to country in Europe.
• 📈 Spain's population growth has slowed significantly, with the lowest decade of growth on record between 2011 and 2021.
• 💼 The lack of investment in rural infrastructure continues to perpetuate a cycle of depopulation and underdevelopment.

Q & A

What is Spain's ranking in the world's largest economies?

Spain is the world's 14th largest economy.

How does Spain's high-speed rail infrastructure compare to other countries?

Spain has the second highest length of high-speed rail lines in the world, only lagging behind China.

What is the population density of Spain compared to England?

England has a population density more than four and a half times that of Spain.

What percentage of Spain's population lives within 30% of the country's total land area?

90% of the Spanish population lives within just 30% of the country's total land area.

What is the average population density in the 'empty' part of Spain?

The population density of the so-called 'empty' part of Spain is only about 18 people per square kilometer on average.

Which region in Spain is considered the second most sparsely populated region of the European Union?

The Seranya Caltabarica region is the second most sparsely populated region of the entire European Union.

What is the historical reason behind the rural exodus in Spain?

The rural exodus in Spain began in 1959 after Franco introduced the Plan Establización, which transformed the Spanish economy and attracted people to industrial areas.

How has Spain's population growth been in recent years?

Between 2011 and 2021, Spain's population only grew by 0.12 percent, the lowest decade of growth on record since record-keeping began.

What is one of the factors contributing to the lack of investment in rural Spain?

The lack of investment in infrastructure in rural communities makes them less attractive places to live, leading to a vicious cycle of depopulation and neglect.

What is the role of mountains in shaping the population distribution in Spain?

Spain's mountainous geography, including the Iberian System, the Cantabrian Mountains, the Pyrenees, the Central System, and the Betic System, contributes to the dispersion of population centers and the underdevelopment of the interior.

What is the demographic impact of the Franco era on Spain?

The Franco era led to a stagnant economy and decades of net emigration, with rural regions losing 28% of their populations over the past 50 years.