Urbanisation Flashcards
How is the population of urban areas increasing?
1) Globally the number of people living in urban areas has increased dramatically since 1945
2) Most people live in cities in the developed world, but the urban population has only increased slightly since 1945. This is because urbanisation began much earlier in the developed world than in the developing world- during the industrial revolution.
3) Most people currently live in rural areas in the developing world- but this is changing fast. In many developing countries and emerging economies, old cities are growing in size and new cities are forming.
What are the four processes affecting the population of cities
> Urbanisation
Suburbanisation
Counter-urbanisation
Urban Resurgence
How does urbanisation affect the population of cities?
> This is the growth in the proportion of people living in urban areas.
> It usually occurs because of migration and natural increase (when the birth rate is higher than the death rate). People often migrate for education, jobs and healthcare.
> Many migrants are young adults.
How does suburbanisation affect the population of cities?
> This is the migration of people from city centres to the outskirts of cities.
> As urbanisation increases, city centres become overcrowded and people desire more space. Improvements to transport links mean people can live further away and commute to work.
> A complex pattern of wealthy and poorer areas developing. Wealthier middle-class people may move to the suburbs where there is a better quality of life.
How does counter-urbanisation affect the population of cities?
> This is the movement of people out of the city into surrounding villages and rural areas.
> Improvements in transport mean people can commute to work and better communication, allowing people to work from home.
> People leave cities because of high property prices and overcrowding, Some people may just prefer quieter areas.
> Couner urbanisation can lead to new housing estates being built in rural areas. House prices may increase, leaving local people not being able to afford it.
How does Urban resurgence affect the population of cities?
> This is the movement of people back to the city centre.
> People may move back to city centres due to the lack of jobs in rural or suburban areas.
> Urban resurgence is common in many post-industrial countries, like the UK and USA.
> New shops and services may open, resulting in people moving back there, leading to a boosted economy and creating jobs.
How has urbanisation led to more megacities?
> A megacity is an urban area with over 10 million people living there.
> Megacities develop because of rural-urban migration and natural increase. Migrants tend to move to larger cities, and to cities that are experiencing rapid economic growth, increasing the population.
> Megacities dominate the national and regional economies of countries. This is because companies choose to build headquarters in cities with a high number of skilled workers and good transport links.
Name characteristics of world cities?
World cities usually dominate international trade and regional economies in their area. For example, Tokyo is extremely influential in international trade between East Asian nations.
> World cities are usually home to world-renowned universities. They also tend to be centred on science and innovation, with high-quality research and development facilities.
> They are also centres for cultures- they are home to large communications corporations and media, as well as a range of museums, theatres and other cultural attractions.
> They tend to attract high numbers of migrants, business visitors, students and tourists.
