1.7 - Urbanisation

Question 1

Define urbanisation:

Answer 1

increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas

Question 2

What are some causes of rapid urban growth?

Answer 2

-speed of economic development
-natural population increase + rural-urban migration
-urban pull factors
-rural push factors
-rural reclassification (due to urban sprawl, some rural areas are reclassified to be urban)

Question 3

Explain how the speed of economic development causes rapid urban growth:

Answer 3

-secondary/tertiary industries grow, more jobs available in city
-people migrate/commute/settle down and start family

Question 4

Explain how the rate of population growth causes rapid urban growth:

Answer 4

-housing must be built and current transport must be improved

-so people stay in the city to supply the need for workers from the economic development of the city

Question 5

Explain why urbanisation is occurring in LEDCs:

Answer 5

-urban sprawl (increasing population means cities grow outwards)
-access to better education
-better employment rates + wages
-increased hygienic food and water supplies
-better healthcare

Question 6

What are the characteristics of squatter settlements?

Answer 6

-built from weak materials on unsuitable land illegally
-lack of basic facilities
-overcrowded (disease)
-insecurity due to crime + risk of eviction

Also known as shanty towns/slums/informal settlements

Question 7

Explain why there are many people living in squatter settlements in LEDCs:

Answer 7

-increasing population leads to housing shortages
-people can’t afford to buy a suitable house
-limited building space
-lack of investment in housing development by government