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The Evolution of Spanish Urban Structure during the Twentieth Century

Author

Listed:
  • Luis Lanaspa

    (Facultad de CC. Económicas, University of Zaragoza, Gran Vía 2, 50005 Zaragoza, Spain, llanas@posta.unizar.es)

  • Fernando Pueyo

    (Facultad de CC. Económicas, University of Zaragoza, Gran Vía 2, 50005 Zaragoza, Spain, fpueyo@posta.unizar.es)

  • Fernando Sanz

    (Facultad de CC. Económicas, University of Zaragoza, Gran Vía 2, 50005 Zaragoza, Spain, fsarez@posta.unizar.es)

Abstract

In this paper, an analysis is made of the evolution of Spanish urban structure during the period 1900-99. It is postulated that the size distribution of the cities follows a Pareto distribution, which is estimated on a yearly basis. At the same time, the hypothesis is adopted that the intradistribution dynamics can be modelled by means of a Markov chain. In this way, are deduced the so-called transition matrix and its associated vector or ergodic probabilities. This methodology allows two main results to be obtained. First, this evolution has not been homogeneous ; there has been a divergent pattern of growth during the period 1900-70; and a convergent pattern for the period 1970-99. Secondly, the intradistribution movements in the Spanish urban hierarchy have been very significant during the course of the 20th century. In addition, the existence of spatial correlation has also been detected for those cities that have either entered or exited from the sample of the 100 largest cities during the course of the century.

Suggested Citation

  • Luis Lanaspa & Fernando Pueyo & Fernando Sanz, 2003. "The Evolution of Spanish Urban Structure during the Twentieth Century," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 40(3), pages 567-580, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:40:y:2003:i:3:p:567-580
    DOI: 10.1080/0042098032000053923
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • R12 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity; Interregional Trade (economic geography)

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