World Cities, Mega Cities

World City

A large city integrated into the international global system, hosting various economic, cultural, and political activities.

Nature of World Cities

General functions and characteristics of world cities, such as being cosmopolitan, influential in media and finance, and multicultural.

Characteristics of World Cities

Features like dominance in finance, tertiary sector activities, multiculturalism, and presence of large corporations with global connections.

Spatial Distribution of World Cities

Geographical dispersion primarily in developed countries, with key locations in North America, Western Europe, and Southeast Asia.

GaWC Classification System

A system categorizing world cities based on their global economic influence, with classifications like Alpha++ and Alpha+.

Role of World Cities

World cities serve as powerful economic and cultural hubs, leading in trade, finance, entertainment, and cultural influence.

Economic Authority of World Cities

World cities act as global economic strongholds, generating knowledge, financial services, and markets for goods and services.

Cultural Authority of World Cities

World cities influence global culture by spreading ideas, hosting events, and showcasing distinctive cultural lifestyles.

Global Financial Networks

Networks dominated by world cities facilitating the instant flow of money globally, impacting local and global economies.

Floated Dollar

A currency system where the value of a nation's dollar is determined by supply and demand, allowing for instant money exchange between world cities.

Stock Exchanges

Financial platforms where securities are bought and sold, with major exchanges located in world cities like NY and London.

NYSE Market Cap

New York Stock Exchange's market capitalization exceeding $25 trillion, showcasing its financial significance.

Intellectual Capital

High level of knowledge and expertise in world cities

Brain Drain

Migration of skilled individuals from lower-ranked cities to higher-ranked world cities

Alpha WC

City with high attractiveness for migrants and economic activities

Regional Towns

Small towns with populations under 4,000 people

Clustering of Financial Flows

Concentration of financial activities leading to economic benefits and technological advancements

Interdependence of Trade

Mutual reliance among world cities in the global network of goods and services

Tertiary and Quaternary Sectors

Dominance of service and knowledge-based industries in world cities

Manufacturing Hubs

Centers where goods are produced on a large scale

Transnational Corporations (TNCs)

Companies operating in multiple countries with headquarters in world cities

Megacities

Highly populated urban areas with significant economic importance

Special Economic Zones (SEZs)

Designated areas with special economic regulations to attract foreign investment

Tourism Revenue

Income generated from visitors to world cities for leisure or business

Political Institution

Central organization governing decision-making processes in world cities

Media Corporations

Companies involved in broadcasting news and entertainment content

Cultural Influence

Impact of art, traditions, and historical sites on global perceptions

Telecommunication Networks

Systems enabling communication via telephone, internet, and mobile technology

Rail Networks

Infrastructure facilitating train transportation within and between cities

Advanced Producer Services

Specialized services provided by firms crucial for world city development

Global Cities Index

Evaluation of cities based on business, human capital, information exchange, culture, and politics

Global Cities Outlook

Assessment of cities' future potential based on various metrics across dimensions

Dependent World Cities

Cities relying on higher-ranked world cities for economic and cultural influence

Quaternary Functions

Knowledge-based activities such as research and information technology

Newcastle & Wollongong

Urban centers near Sydney important for shipping and mining

Sydney

Considered the world city in Australia but relies on Canberra for political decisions

Canberra

Political hub for Sydney and crucial for political decisions in Australia

New York

Most dominant world city in the U.S. but relies on Washington DC for political power

Washington DC

Political hub for New York and essential for U.S. political power

Regional Centre

Rural area with medium population and key services like shops

Dubbo

Example of a key regional centre in NSW, like Wagga Wagga & Bathurst

Globalization Impact

Affects small towns by increasing isolation and impacting agriculture

Dominant World Cities

Include New York, London, Tokyo, and Paris, controlling global affairs

Basic Services Loss

Result of globalization and small town decline, e.g., doctors shortage

Dubbo Population Growth

From 20,629 in 1971 to 43,516 in 2021, showing significant increase

Dubbo Advantages

Strategic location, rail routes, and fertile land contributing to economic growth

Dubbo Economic Resilience

Thriving despite neighboring towns' stagnation or decline

Sealed Roads Impact

Built around Dubbo in 1950s-60s, diverting traffic to regional centres

Abattoir

Largest employer in the city with 700 employees

Motels

Over 30 establishments catering to tourists and business visitors

Dominance

Control exerted by World Cities over other urban places

Dependence

Reliance of less powerful urban centers on more powerful World Cities

Material Well-being

Includes goods, services, infrastructure, and investment

Zonal Cities

Subsidiary offices of major TNCs and banks, e.g., Hong Kong

National Cities

Host national offices and provide goods within the hierarchy

Regional Centres

Serve as regional offices within the urban hierarchy

Town and Villages

Sub-offices or branches within the urban hierarchy

Globalization

Major catalyst for the demise of smaller settlements

Sponge Cities

Regional centers absorbing population from surrounding areas

Push Factors

Factors driving people away from rural areas

Pull Factors

Factors attracting people to urban centers like Dubbo

ICT Advancements

Technological progress influencing population shifts

Agribusiness

Emerging sector contributing to urban growth

Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Attracts over 250,000 visitors annually to Dubbo

Dubbo's Population Growth

Increased by 37.6% from 2006 to 2016, reaching 39,000

Dubbo's Economic Impact

Visitors spend $209 million yearly; zoo cost $60 million

Dubbo's Workforce

Nearly 50% employed in wholesale, retail, and community services

Dubbo's Medical Services

Hosts 212 medical practices in the city

Dubbo's Educational Institutions

Includes two new high schools and Charles Sturt University

Dubbo's Development Projects

$180 million spent on new developments in the last 4 years

Small Towns Decline

Due to better facilities, transport, and lack of funding

Wellington's Decline

Population decrease, high unemployment, and social issues

Mega City

An urban agglomeration with over 10 million people dominating trade and finance.

Megalopolis

A chain of roughly adjacent mega cities.

Meta City

A hypercity with over 20 million people.

Over-urbanisation

When urban residents exceed the city's economic support capacity.

Over-ruralisation

When rural residents surpass the rural economy's support capacity.

Urbanisation

Process of population shift from rural to urban areas.

Manufacturing Sector

Economic sector producing goods through labor and machines.

Informal Economy

Economic activities outside government regulation and formal economy.

Gated Communities

Residential areas enclosed and restricted to selected individuals.

Absolute Poverty

Living below the minimum income required for basic living needs.

International Division of Labour

Shifting labor-intensive manufacturing to low-cost developing countries.

Self-Help Projects

Local initiatives to address challenges within mega cities.

Community Self-Government

Communities managing their interests with government support.

NGOs

Non-profit groups advocating for members' interests.

Urban Protest

Public display of disapproval by mega city citizens.

Alleviating Poverty

Reducing poverty levels through various interventions.

Formal Sector

Legitimate, regulated sector of the economy.

Informal Sector

Unregulated economic activities outside formal systems.

Export Processing Zones

Designated areas for export-oriented production.

Special Economic Zones (SEZs)

Geographical regions with economic regulations to attract foreign investment.

Income-Generating Projects

Initiatives to create revenue for informal businesses.

Exploitation

Unfair treatment or use of others for personal gain.

Bribery

Offering money or gifts to influence the actions of others.

GDP

Gross Domestic Product, total value of goods produced and services provided in a country

Slums

Overcrowded, poor living areas lacking basic services

Urban Beautification

Improving the aesthetics of urban areas, often leading to gentrification

Squatter Settlements

Informal housing on unoccupied land without legal ownership

Forced Evictions

Involuntary removal of individuals from their homes or land