Changes

The urban system in Galicia is dominated by the Atlantic Urban Axis, which has positive demographic dynamics both from a quantitative perspective (higher fertility rates and positive migratory balances) and from a qualitative point of view (younger population and more dynamic demographic structures). The two main urban areas in the eastern part of the region are the two provincial capitals, Lugo and Ourense, which gather much of the socioeconomic activity in these two provinces. The rest of the territory, particularly rural in nature, is articulated by a group of district capitals that cover large extensions where negative demographic dynamics are to be observed.

Another important socioeconomic factor in Galicia would be the close ties to the sea. It has over 1,700 km coastline as well as 128 harbours –six of which fall under the national government’s jurisdiction, whilst the remaining 122 fall under the jurisdiction of the regional administration–. Multiple seafaring activities take place in the region, i.e. fishing activities (offshore, on land, shellfishing, etc.), trading activities, passenger traffic (ferryboats and cruises), nautical tourism and leisure activities.