Urbanization and Counter-Urbanization

Urbanization

Process of people migrating from rural to urban areas.
2007: First time more people lived in urban areas than rural areas.
Projected that by 2050, 2/3 of the world's population will live in urban areas.
Mega cities: Cities with over 10 million people.
Meta cities: Urban areas with over 20 million people.
Many of the world's most populous mega cities and meta cities are expected to be in periphery and semi periphery countries due to global migration patterns and differences in birth rates

Increased demand for fresh water, housing, food, and electricity.
Strains on sewer systems, roads, and public transportation.
Shortages and unequal distribution of goods and services.
Informal settlements (favelas, squatter settlements, slums) lacking access to water, sewer systems, and electricity.

Core countries experiencing counter urbanization and subordination: People moving from urban areas to settlements around urban core.
Boom burbs: Rapidly growing suburban cities developing their own identity.
Exurbs: Settlements outside suburban areas connected to larger metro area.
Edge cities: Settlements w/ own economic district on outskirts, connected by roadways/beltways.

Urban sprawl: Expansion of urban areas, causing people, businesses, and goods/services to move outside the core.
Urban decentralization: People/businesses move away from urban core towards outskirts, shifting power and responsibilities.
Roadways and public transport expand, leading to new edge cities and boom burbs.