Urbanisation Flashcards
What is urbanisation?
The increase in the proportion of the population living in urban centres.
What is urban growth?
The increase in the total population of a town or city.
What is urban expansion?
The increase in size or geographical footprint of a city.
Why are cities important?
- economic production, financial services
- exchange of ideas and creative thinking
- social and cultural centres
- centres of political power and decision making
What are the global patterns of urbanisation since 1945?
Globally, the number and proportion of people living in urban areas has increased dramatically since 1945. In 1950 30% of people lived in urban areas. In 2014 just over 50% lived in towns or cities. In the developed world the majority live in cities but the urban population has only increased slightly since 1945 because urbanisation began much earlier due to the industrial revolution.
What are the four processes that affect the populations of cities?
- Urbanisation
- Suburbanisation
- Counter-Urbanisation
- Urban resurgence
How does urbanisation affect the population of a city?
The growth of the proportion of people living in urban areas.
Occurs because of migration and natural increase. People move to the city for better access to education and healthcare and because there are more available jobs. Many migrants are young and increase the population further when they have children. In developing countries urbanisation can lead to shanty towns and unplanned settlements.
How does suburbanisation affect the population of a city?
The migration of people from city centres to the outskirts of a city
Increase in urbanisation means the city centre becomes crowded and people want more space and improved transport means they can live further away. Wealthier middle class move to the suburbs leaving poorer working classes in the centre which creates economic segregation.
How does counter - urbanisation affect the population of a city?
The movement of people out of the city to villages and rural areas
People leave cities because of high property prices and overcrowding and prefer the quieter rural areas. Improvements to transport mean people can live rural and commute in for work in the city. House prices may increase as new developments will be built and young people may be unable to afford to live there.
How does urban resurgence affect the population of a city?
The movement of people back to the city centre
People may move back to the city centre due to a lack of jobs in rural areas. New shops and services may open in the centre boosting the local economy and creating new jobs. Original residents may be forced to leave due to increased house prices.
What is a megacity?
A city with over 10 million people living there eg New York, Tokyo
How have megacities changed and their importance?
In 1950 there were only 2 megacities - Tokyo and New York. By 2014, there were 28 and this is expected to rise to 41 by 2030. Megacities develop because of rural-urban migration and natural increase. They dominate the national and regional economies because companies choose to build headquarters there with skilled workers and good transport links.
What is a world city?
A world city is a city that has political and financial influence over the whole world eg London and Sydney. Most are in the developed world but some are in the developing eg Dubai.
How have world cities changed and their importance?
In 1950 there was only 4 world cities but the economic growth in oil-rich countries such as Nigeria has allowed cities like Lagos to become contenders for world city status. These cities are increasingly important in global economies and businesses. Since 1945 world cities have emerged as leaders of banking and finance and have dominated international trade and regional economies. They are centres of culture and education and attract lots of visitors.
What is de-industrialisation?
The loss of jobs in the manufacturing sector which occured in the UK between the 1970s-1980s. This caused a growth in the tertiary and quaternary sectors.
