Global urbanisation patterns

Urbanisation

Increase in the proportion of population living in urban areas

Mega city

City with a population of 10 million people or more. London, New York

Meta city

City wiht population of 20 million or more. Mumbai, Mexico City, Sao Paolo and Tokyo

Megalopolis

A large and heavily populated urban region which consists of several interconnected cities. Occurs when urban areas grow to an extent that they merge into continuous urban expanse.

World city

Cities that have a major global influence on other cities and countries around the world due to their international connectedness. They are major hubs for finances, trade, business, politics and culture.

What percentage of people lived in urban areas in 2024 globally ?

More than 4.3 billion, increase to 68% by 2050

Urban area

A dense concentration of inhabitants living in built up areas with supporting infrastructure and a high density of buildings. However different countries use different criteria to classify areas as urban

Global urbanisation rates

Urbanisation is much more rapid in NEE and LICS compared to HDE, although it started much later.  For example, Africa, Latin America, but they are showing signs of slowing down.

Where is the development of megacities usually located ?

Where rapid economic growth is concentrated, leading to rural-urban migration.

Benefits of megacities ?

Effiecient infrastructue

Global hubs for manufacturing and exports ( Shenzhen China)

key m markets for raw materials, components and energy.

Drawbacks of megacities

Urban problems may be magnified (congestion, waste)

Reasons for urban population growth

Natural increase: the number of births exceeding the number of deaths. 

Urban ‘pull’ factors: anticipation of improved quality life in a city, e.g. employment/education.

Rural ‘push’ factors: conditions that make people want to leave.

Characteristics of a world city

Concentration of major banks and commercial HQs, stock markets and politico-economic influence (NY, London, Tokyo, decisions taken there have an influence)

Full range of key influences such ad business, media, innovation, culture or politics

distinctive in certain parts than others (Paris- fashion, art, culture)

Service sectors dominate job market

% of population living in urban areas (2024)

Northern America: 83.6%

Latin America and Caribbean: 81.2%

Europe: 74.9%

Asia: 51.1%

Africa: 43.5%