Which rural settlements have been depopulated? A long-term analysis of a regional case study in northeastern Spain (Aragon), 1900-2001

The aim of this paper is to investigate to how the characteristics of the different types of human settlements explain their demographic dynamics and therefore which of these have been affected to a greater extent by depopulation processes. For this purpose, we analyze the evolution of the population of Aragon (northeastern Spain) in the period 1900-2001, according to the different types of existing population settlements. Our results show that access to public services has played an essential role, especially when the construction of the welfare state made the rural population feel that there was a penalty for residing in settlements with problems of accessibility to them. The provincial capitals benefited the most from their greater provision of services. The main settlements, headquarters of the municipal administration, also had advantages over the secondary settlements. Finally, the scattered population was the most affected and, therefore, the one that emigrated to a greater extent, until this form of residence practically disappeared. The advantages of a better geographic location also were important, as well as the greater proximity to railway networks. The initial size was also relevant, favoring a greater growth or a lesser decrease (when there was) of the larger settlements.