Characteristics of Cities, Urban Challenges, and Physical Forces

City

A defined urban area within a country characterized by a large population size, high population density, built-up land, extensive infrastructure, and a range of functions.

Population Density

A measurement of the number of people living in a unit area of land.

Infrastructure

A system of buildings and equipment to provide basic services such as water, electricity, sanitation, telecommunication, and transport for city residents.

Built-up Area

An area where the land surface is mostly covered by buildings and extensive infrastructure systems.

Rural Areas

Locations that have a lower population size and density, fewer functions, and are less built-up compared to cities.

Rural-Urban Migration

Movement occurring when migrants move from rural areas to urban areas such as towns and cities.

Push Factors

Reasons that make migrants want to leave their place of origin, such as lack of job opportunities, poor educational facilities, and lack of medical attention.

Pull Factors

Reasons that attract migrants towards a destination, such as promised job opportunities, better education, and more hospitals and doctors.

Technical Innovation

The use of scientific knowledge to create new products or services.

Water Bodies and Features

Ponds and pools incorporated in the design of urban spaces that help to prevent overheating.

Vegetation (in Urban Cooling)