La Ràpita Explained

La Ràpita
Settlement Type:Municipality
Pushpin Map:Spain Province of Tarragona#Catalonia#Spain
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Catalonia
Coordinates:40.6167°N 0.5917°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: Spain
Subdivision Type1:Community
Subdivision Type2:Province
Subdivision Name2:Tarragona
Subdivision Type3:Comarca
Subdivision Name3:Montsià
Leader Title:Mayor
Leader Name:Josep Carles Caparrós García (2015)[1]
Area Footnotes:[2]
Area Total Km2:53.7
Elevation M:11
Population Density Km2:auto
Population Demonym:Rapitenc, rapitenca

La Ràpita (pronounced as /ca/) is a town in the area of the Montsià in Catalonia, Spain. The town covers a portion of the south-west of the Ebro Delta, including el Trabucador isthmus and la Banya peninsula, which close off a salt water lagoon known as the Port dels Alfacs. The town of La Ràpita is situated on the coast near the mouth of the lagoon. It was founded by Charles III of Spain as a port to serve trade with the Spanish colonies, and constructed in the neoclassical style of the period. However, much of the town remained uncompleted after Charles' death.

La Ràpita is part of the Taula del Sénia free association of municipalities. It is known for the production of rice and salt, and is also an important fishing port, particularly for shellfish and prawns, and a tourist centre. In the early years of the present century, the town experienced a huge urban development due to the construction of many apartments and residential buildings.

Demography

Pop 1900:3901
Pop 1930:6039
Pop 1950:7960
Pop 1970:8964
Pop 1986:10,306
Pop 2007:14,262
Pop Latest:14,611
Latest Year:2018

The town now hosts two large marinas, a beach, a market and many shops and restaurants. It is attractive and draws an increasing number of tourists each summer.

References

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ajuntament de Sant Carles de la Ràpita. Generalitat of Catalonia. 2015-11-13.
  2. Web site: El municipi en xifres: Sant Carles de la Ràpita. Statistical Institute of Catalonia. 2015-11-23.