Megacities and world cities Flashcards
What is a megacity?
An urban agglomeration with a population of more than 10 million people
What is a metacity?
A conurbation with more than 20 million people
What is a world city?
A city which is disproportionally important in the global economy. They are a product of economic and cultural globalisation
What are the main characteristics of a world city?
Political power Financial services Head-quaters of MNCs Hub of trade Hub of manufacturing Centre of new ideas Centre of media High quality educational institution High level medic services High-density living Peripheral growth
How much more GDP does megacities produce in comparison to other cities?
Two to three times more
What are the benefits of megacities?
Offer opportunities to expand access to services: healthcare and education
Less environmentally damaging to provide public transport, housing, electricity, water and sanitation for a densely settled urban population than a dispersed rural population
Better levels of education and healthcare can improve the lives of the poor and empower women in countries where they do not have equal status
How many megacities are there?
Depending on the source there are 31-47 megacities
Where are megacities most prevalent?
South East Asia
What is an example of a megacity?
Bangalore (officially name Bengaluru)
What was the population of Bangalore in the 1950s?
750,000
What was the population of Bangalore in the 2018?
11.1 million
What is Bangalore known as?
Silicon Valley of the Indian
What is Bangalore’s focus on?
IT and technology
Why are megacities growing?
Natural population growth (Birth rates increasing, decreasing deaths rates) International migration (labour migration, refugees and undocumented migrants) Internal migration (rural to urban) - Push factors (conditions of place of origin are detrimental to health, safety, economic security. Pull factors of the city: job opportunities, healthcare, transport, facilities)
What is an example of a push and a pull factor?
A farmer in rural area whose land has become unproductive because of drought (push factor) may decide to move to a nearby city where he perceives more job opportunities and possibilities for a better lifestyle. (pull factor)
How do push and pull factor tend to work?
A pull factor initiates migration that can be sustained by push and other factors that facilitate or make possible the change.
What is the fasted growing sector of trade in Bangalore?
ITC - Emergence of outsourcing from other countries
Why is ITC the fasted growing sector of trade in Bangalore?
Labour costs are low
Other countries have significant ITC skills shortages
India has a large English-speaking workforce
Indian workers are prepared to work unsociable hours
Geographical location - near Europe, Middle East and East Asia.
What is the centre of Bangalore like?
Modern high-rise business centres
Traditional markets
What are the inner suburbs like in Bangalore?
Small complex of IT companies
Slums near major roads (sell stuff, travel, first place they see)
What are the outer suburbs like in Bangalore?
Urban development area
What is the city boundary like in Bangalore?
City boundary
University
Technology/business park - (cheaper, greener, pleasant, space)
What are the opportunities in Bangalore?
Pleasant climate in the 20s Abundance of green spaces Jobs Higher education Government owned businesses - creates incentives (attracts TNC's), opportunities for entrepreneurs, tax incentives
What are the challenges faced in Bangalore?
Managing urban growth Infrastructure Urbanisation has led to inequalities Housing pressure Slums
Why are the number of megacities growing?
International migration - refugees and labour migration
Natural population growth
Urban resurgence
Cities are the centre of wealth - fortunes are ,Ade, social mobility is possible, better basic services
Push factors of place of origin - unsafe
Pull factors of city - increased job opportunities
