Regional differences of fertility in spain in 1981-2011 based on basic summary indicators from period fertility tables
Abstract
In this paper, regional differences in fertility behavior across the Spanish NUTS2 regions are analyzed for the years 1981, 1991, 1999, and 2011 using basic summary indicators from period fertility tables. The indicators used are parity- and age-adjusted total fertility rate, table mean age of mother at birth, and parity progression ratios.
The results show that the differences in the quantum of fertility across Spanish regions have been disappearing over the years, but still persist in some form, most noticeably in relation to first-order births. Two groups of regions were identified using the parity progression ratios.
The first group is characterized by the existence of two subpopulations, while the second one has no such subpopulations. The two subpopulations present in some regions consist of women who have had two children, and women who are more likely to go on to have a fourth child or more.
Specific local attributes of fertility behavior in, for example, Madrid, Asturias, Andalusia and Murcia, Galicia are discussed.