Regional Dynamics and Social Diversity - Portugal in the 21st Century

Abstract

hrough its history Portugal always presented regional differences concerning population distribution, as well as fertility and mortality trends. Local specificities related to life and death levels reflect diverse socioeconomic conditions and also different health coverage. We will try to diagnose the main concerns and future challenges related to those regional differences, using quantitative and qualitative data on demographic trends, well-being average levels and health services offer. We want to demonstrate that this kind of academic researches can be useful to policy makers, helping them: (1) to implement regional directed policies; (2) to reduce internal diversity; and (3) to improve quality of life in the most excluded areas. T