Microanálisis comparado de la transición demográfica en tres islas de las Azores, siglos XVIII-XX: Diferencias en el pasado, semejanzas en el presente

The demographic transition is a global phenomenon. However, previous studies have demonstrated the existence of differences in its development between areas that are in close proximity. The aim of this article is to compare the process of demographic transition in the rural communities of three islands in the archipelago of the Azores (Pico, Flores and Corvo) using life course data for more than 250 years. Throughout the article several variables related to nuptiality, fertility, mortality and mobility have been analysed. Our results show clear differences between communities prior to the demographic transition and, to a lesser extent, during the demographic transition process. The island of Flores, for instance, has historically presented higher fertility because of a lower age at marriage. The island of Pico, on the other hand, had a lower fertility level, higher age at marriage and longer birth intervals. During the demographic transition, infant mortality first began to fall in Flores, therefore increasing population pressure. Since 1840, international migration and the abandonment of children served as mechanism to reduce the population pressure.