Settlement dynamics 6.2 Flashcards
Define: urbanisation
the increase in the proportion of a country’s population that live in towns and cities
- China is now 60% urban
Define: urban growth
the increase in size of an urban population
Define: suburbanisation
the movement of people from homes in central areas of the city to homes on the outer edges.
- LA
Define: counter-urbanisation
the process of people moving out of cities into villages and country towns
Define: re-urbanisation
the movement of people and economic activities back into the central areas of cities.
Define: urban renewal
the redevelopment of rundown urban areas which brings about improvements.
What are the consequences of urbanisation?
- Huge pressure on social provision.
- Decline in urban environment.
- People become squatters, building houses on unused land.
- Influx of labour often exceeds demand leading to unemployment.
- City councils find it hard to raise taxes when many people live in poverty.
- Pollution.
Define: ribbon development
urban sprawl taking place alongside main roads.
What is a world city?
- A city which has an economic, cultural and political significance beyond the boundaries of its own countries.
What are some characteristics of a world city?
- Home to major stock exchanges and indexes.
- Influential in international political affairs.
- Home to world-renowned cultural institutions.
- Home to a large international airport.
- Having a prominent skyline.
- World-class transport links.
Case Study: London as a World City
- London is recognized as the center of international finance.
- Bank of England is the world’s second-oldest bank.
- Global headquarters of HSBC and Barclays.
- Leading center for education - Oxford and Cambridge
- Globally recognized skyline.
- Vast amounts of culture and attractions - Theatre, Museums, Buckingham Palace.
- Most widely spoken language in the world - 1.5 billion speakers.
- 6 international airports.
- Home to 18 central railway stations and the River Thames.
