Trends and Issues of Urbanisation

These flashcards cover key concepts and issues related to urbanisation, as discussed in the IGCSE Geography lecture.

What is urbanisation?

Urbanisation is the process by which an increasing percentage of a country's population comes to live in towns and cities.

What characterizes urban settlements compared to rural ones?

Urban settlements are faster-paced, larger, with a higher density of buildings and people, and focus on finance, service, and manufacturing.

What percentage of the world's population lives in urban areas according to the UN?

55% of the world's population lives in urban areas.

What is predicted about urban population by 2050?

It is predicted to increase to 68%.

What was the urban population growth from 1950 to 2015?

The urban population more than trebled.

What factors led to urbanisation in emerging countries?

The decline of industry in developed countries and the movement of industries to emerging countries.

What contributes to high urbanisation rates in developing countries?

Most new economic development is concentrated in big cities.

What are push factors in rural-to-urban migration?

Limited healthcare and education, mechanisation of farming, lack of opportunities, and harsh lifestyles.

What is natural increase in urban population?

Natural increase accounts for roughly 60% of urban population growth due to decreased death rates and higher birth rates.

What are rural pull factors that attract people to urban areas?

Higher wages, improved education, better job opportunities, and access to public utilities.

How does urbanisation vary between developed and developing countries?

Developed countries have lower urbanisation rates, and urbanisation generally slows or declines as counter-urbanisation occurs.

What are the characteristics of a megacity?

A megacity is an urban area with more than 10 million residents.

How did the number of millionaire cities change from 1900 to 2018?

It grew from 2 cities in 1900 to 512 cities by 2018.

What causes the rapid growth of megacities?

Economic development and population growth.

What is the significance of economies of scale in megacities?

It is cheaper to provide goods and services in one place than spread across several cities.

What is the multiplier effect in the context of megacities?

As a city prospers, it attracts more investment and leads to further population and economic growth.

What are the three top alpha world cities?

London, New York, Tokyo.

What common issues do rapidly urbanising areas face?

Congestion, poor transportation, and lack of affordable housing.

How does rapid urbanisation create transportation issues?

Poor quality and reliability of roads and public transport become overwhelmed by high numbers of vehicles.

What effects do high housing costs have in urban areas?

Many families share houses or rooms, leading to exploitation by landlords through high rents.

What employment issues arise in urban areas with rapid growth?

High levels of unemployment, underemployment, and informal employment.

What is the relationship between crime and urban population density?

Crime is concentrated in areas of high population density and is partly due to lack of job opportunities.

What educational challenges do rapidly growing cities face?

A lack of schools and educational institutions, leading to low literacy and numeracy rates.

What environmental issues are common in urban areas?

Poor waste disposal, air and water pollution, and inadequate sanitation.

What is counter-urbanisation?

The movement of people from urban areas into surrounding rural regions.

How does urban regeneration differ from urban re-imaging?

Urban regeneration focuses on reviving old urban areas, while urban re-imaging changes the perception of an area.

Why do megacities attract young people?

They offer vibrancy, fast pace, and numerous opportunities.

What does the term 'urban blight' refer to?

The decline of older urban areas due to factors like job loss and poor quality of life.

What is the impact of limited healthcare in rural areas?

It contributes to push factors for migration to urban areas.

Why is urban infrastructure often inadequate in growing cities?

Rapid growth outpaces the development of necessary infrastructure and services.

What kind of diseases are common due to poor urban living conditions?

Diseases related to poor sanitation and air quality.

How does population growth sustain urbanisation?

Internal growth occurs as residents have children, contributing to the urban population.

What challenges does informal employment present?

It often lacks benefits or job security, trapping workers in poverty.

What areas typically experience the highest crime rates in cities?

High-density, impoverished neighborhoods often ruled by gangs.

What is the correlation between urban growth and environmental degradation?

Rapid growth leads to unchecked pollution and increased waste, affecting both health and habitats.

Why are social issues present in developed cities despite their wealth?

Wealth disparity creates pockets of poverty and inadequate living conditions.

What is a significant consequence of high levels of urbanization?

It can lead to increased rates of disease transmission, especially in crowded living conditions.

How has urbanization historically affected migration patterns?

It has led to concentrated urban growth as people seek better economic opportunities.