The Spanish municipal population database (ESPOP), 1860-1930

Abstract

In this paper we introduce ESPOP, a spatial data infrastructure with municipal-level population for Spain from 1860 to 1930. ESPOP offers local de facto population for the universe of municipalities (over 9,000) as reported in seven censuses (1860, 1877, 1887, 1900, 1910, 1920 and 1930). Given their changing nature, a relevant contribution is that it also provides local de facto population for 9,130 homogenous municipalities thereby allowing for consistent intertemporal comparisons. Additionally, municipalities are georeferenced which in turn facilitates the integration of other spatial data infrastructures. ESPOP thus culminates a long process that has benefitted from the work of the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) and a good number of researchers.