Urbanisation since 1945, associated processes, mega-cities and world cities

% living in urban areas in 1950 vs in 2014

In 1950 30% of the global population lived in urban areas, by 2014 this rose to just over 50%. 

where is future urbanisation due to occur

Projections suggest that all urban growth over next 25years will be in LICs 

what are currently the most urbanised areas

The most urbanised places on planet Earth are the most economically developed, with North America, Europe and Oceania all being over 50% urbanised in1945. These have all continued to urbanise, but rates have slowed down as these areas approach their peak for urbanisation. 

rise in urbanisation in Asian NEEs from 1945-2011 as % and reason for urbanisation

Asia contains many NEEs such as India, and China. These areas have had a phenomenal rise in urbanisation from 18% to 45% in 2011 and are predicted to continue to do so.  These changes go hand in hand with rapid industrialisation and changes in agriculture in those countries.  

urbanisation in Africa, patterns and reasons

Africa is a more complex case, and some countries are urbanizing whilst industrializing, whilst others are urbanising based on the exportation of primary resources. 

megacity definition

urban area with popn over 10 million

how many megacities in 1950 vs in 2014

In 1950 there were only two megacities, Tokyo and New York, by 2014 there were 28 megacities

what proportion of megacities are in devloping countries

more than 2/3 of megacities are in developing countries.

where/why do megacities develop

Megacities develop because of rural-urban migration and natural increase; this is most common in urban areas experiencing rapid economic growth 

characteristics of megacities

• Megacities dominate the national and regional economies f countries as companies choose to put their headquarters where there is a large proportion of skilled workers and transport links.  

• Megacities often have extreme inequalities and social segregation 

world city definition and example

A city that has political and financial influence over the whole world e.g. London.

where are most world cities - HICs or LICs

Most are in HICs, but some are in NEEs e.g. Rio de Janeiro 

changing number and distribution of world cities since 1945

• In 1950 the only world cities were: London, New York, Paris, and Tokyo. The number of world cities is increasing, epecially in oil-rich countries such as Lagos, Nigeria. 

• Since 1945 world cities such as London have emerged as the leaders of banking and finance, with many banking companies having headquarters in these cities. 

characteristics of a world city

• World cities usually dominate international trade and regional economies, in part due to their good global transport links allowing for trade 

• World cities are generally home to world renowned universities and are centres for science and innovation. 

• They are also centres for culture 

• They tend to attract high numbers of visitors from other countries. 

urbanisation definition

the growth in the proportion of people living in urban areas 

reasons for urbanisation

It usually occurs because of migration (rural-urban migration especially) and natural increase. People often migrate to cities for better jobs, and better access to schools and healthcare. 

Many migrants are young adults – if they have children the population increases further 

impacts of urbaisation in LICs

In LICs urbanisation can result in the formation of shanty towns

processes associated with urbanisation in order

• urbanisation

• suburbanisation

• counter urbanisation

• urban resurgence

suburbanisation definition

the mgration of people from city centres to the outskirts of cities

reasons for suburbanisation

As urbanisation occurs city centres can become overcrowded. Improvements to transport links means people can live further away from the centre and commute for work. Many people choose to move to the suburbs when they have children or retire. 

characteristics of Suburbanisation

Wealthier middle-class people are more likely to be able to move to the suburbs where there is a better quality of life. This leaves behind a poorer population in the inner city and can lead to economic and ethnic segregation. The donut city effect occurs where there is a derelict and declining inner city with thriving suburbs. 

example of suburbanisation and effects

LA suburbanisation lead to: urban smog because of the number of commuters, derelict and deprived inner city (donut city), suburbanisation and the formation of ethnic enclaves.

counter urbanisation definition

The movement of people out of the city into surrounding villages and urban areas.  

reasons for counter urbanisation

• Improvements in transport and communications means people can commute or work from home 

• People often leave cities due to high costs and overcrowding in the city 

characteristics of counter urbanisation

It can lead to new housing being built in rural areas. And can lead an increase in house prices, meaning some local (often young) people can’t afford to live there. It can lead to the average age increasing.

example of counter urbanisation and the impacts

St. Ives, Cambridgeshire. Counter urbanisation has occurred due to the access to London, Affordable housing, and better quality of life. However, has led to property value doubling, locals have been resistant to the new builds, and there has been building on greenfield sites

urban resurgence definition

The movement of people back to the city centre

reasons for urban resurgence and where its likely

• People may move back because of a lack of jobs in rural or suburban areas. People are also attracted to new developments, often young professionals. 

• Very common in post-industrial countries where regeneration is occurring 

characteristics of urban resurgence

New shops and services may open as people move back, boosting the local economy, however, original residents may be forced out by the increase in house prices and cost of living. 

example of urban resurgence and its effects

Stratford, East London. During redevelopment for the Olympic games the previously industrial, waste filled area was built upon to create a safer, cleaner environment. This created benefits for residents and for visitors for the games.  However urban resurgence created many economic and social issues for the local community, the most significant being the increase in cost of living. In Stratford rent prices increased, this meant that the local community were forced out to make space for higher paying residents. Residents in the local area were affected greatly by the noise and pollution created by the building works with some residents reporting dust related illnesses.