Urbanisation

Urbanisation is the increasing percentage of people living in towns or cities.

Key terms:

1. Agglomeration is the increasing concentration of people and economic activities at favourable locations. such as beside rivers or next to a raw material extraction point.

2. Suburbanisation is the growth and expansion of towns outwards.

3. Commuting is the journey to and from work by a means of transport.

4. Urban regeneration is the re-using of old dilapidated parts of the city that were left behind after people moved to the suburbs.

5. Counter-urbanisation is the increasing percentage of people moving to and living in the suburbs and rural areas.

6. Urban re-imaging is the reconstruction of rundown areas of the city.

7. Urbanisation of suburbs is when the density of suburbs is raised to that of an urban level.

8. A millionaire city is a city with a population of more than one million.

9. A megacity is one with a population of more than ten million. Examples include London, New York, Hong Kong etc.

A megacity may grow as a result of four factors:

1. Population growth
2. Economies of scale
3. Multiplier effect
4. Economic development

1. Population growth is influenced by two main factors. Rural to urban migration is common among young adults who are attracted by the possibility of new jobs and better healthcare. These young people are more likely to have children hence there is a high rate of natural increase. Natural increase is the birth rate minus the death rate resulting in the total gain in population.

2. Economies of scale is reference to one large city in contrast to several smaller ones. This large city is more beneficial in terms of transport costs and services. Smaller cities would be too expensive.

3. The multiplier effect is in relation to the prosperity and success a city experiences due to a large growth of population and economic success. This prosperity gathers a momentum to propel the city into more success. More people move to the city hence more services are required and more jobs are needed. As a result, the population grows the cycle of success continues.

4. Economic development is the main factor influencing urbanisation. Where there is economic potential, people move to the city, primarily young adults. A fast, sustainable economic growth attracts more people and a city grows.