Urbanization Concepts

Flashcards on key concepts related to urbanization.

Urbanization

An increase in the percentage of the number of people living in urban settlements.

Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

A term created by the U.S. Census Bureau that includes a city and its immediately interactive counties and commuters, with a minimum of 50,000 people.

Megalopolis

An urban 'blob' of overlapping integrating metropolitan areas.

Micropolitan Statistical Area

Like an MSA, but with a population of 10,000 to 50,000, also referred to as a 'rural' area.

Rate of Urbanization

The speed at which the population is becoming urban.

Level of Urbanization

The percentage of people already considered urban.

World Cities

Powerful cities that control a high level of the world’s economic, political, and cultural activities.

Pan-regional Influence

The economic reach of a world city that goes beyond its region.

Megacities

Cities with over 10 million inhabitants that greatly influence their own country’s economy but may not be classified as world cities.