Populacion trends in Avila, 1580-1864

Abstract

This research shows the population trend in Avila region from 1580 to 1864. The demographic data is picked from the baptismal registries from a sample of 28 parishes. The main conclusions arose are: 1) This area suffered a strong population decline at the last decades of XVI century and the four first decades of the XVII century. 2) The recovery that followed population crisis was slow. It took almost two centuries to recover the population figure reached at the 70s of the XVI century. 3) The baptism number per year increased at a fast rate after the Independence War. Nevertheless the population didn’t grow at that speed from 1580 to 1864. 4) Avila town lost more than half of its neighborhood from the last part of XVI century to the half of the XVII century. After this Avila town had a steady population figure until the 30s of the XIX century.