Intro to Urban issues and challenges

Question 1

Define ‘urbanisation’.

Answer 1

The proportion of the world’s population living in cities.

Question 2

Why is urbanisation increasing?

Answer 2

Natural increase (more births than deaths). Rural to urban migration (people moving from the countryside into cities).

Question 3

Which countries have the highest proportion of people living in urban areas?

Answer 3

HICs.

Question 4

Which countries have the lowest proportion of people living in urban areas?

Answer 4

LICs.

Question 5

In which countries is the proportion of people living in urban areas growing quickest?

Answer 5

NEEs (and some LICs).

Question 6

Which countries will see the largest growth in urban population by 2050?

Answer 6

India, China, Nigeria

Question 7

Identify some push factors that motivate people to leave the countryside.

Answer 7

Most people are farmers; they are poorly paid. Desertification & soil erosion make farming difficult. Lack of opportunities (healthcare, education). Poor infrastructure means rural areas are isolated.

Question 8

Identify some push factors that motivate people to move to the city.

Answer 8

More well-paid jobs available. Friends and family already live there. Better chance of getting an education. Easier access to healthcare services.

Question 9

Define ‘megacity’.

Answer 9

A city with a population of 10 million or over. E.g. Los Angeles, Mexico City, Lagos, Beijing, Tokyo.