Urbanization: A Global Phenomenon

Urbanization is a Global Phenomenon

• Urbanization is the process of people moving from rural areas to cities
• A large portion (half) of the global population lives in cities.
• This is especially prominent in Asian and African nations.
• People move to cities for jobs and better living conditions; however, many end up in slums.
• Cities with over a million inhabitants are called metropolises.
• Metropolises can connect to form large megalopolises.
• The BosWash region is an example of a megalopolis.
• Currently, there are over 400 metropolises worldwide.
• The number of metropolises is increasing due to rural-urban migration, specifically in developing nations.
• Megacities are metropolitan areas with over 10 million people.
• Currently, there are over 20 megacities worldwide.
• Almost one-tenth of the global population lives in these megacities.
• The number of megacities is expected to double by the year 2030.

What is Urbanization?

• Urbanization isn't solely population growth in cities but also the associated lifestyle and economic changes.
• The shift from agricultural jobs to industrial and service jobs is a key part of urbanization.
• Rural job losses drive people to urban areas for better economic opportunities.
• Urban living offers various services and more employment opportunities.
• Urban lifestyles are marked by higher levels of pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

Urban Growth in Developing Nations

• Urbanization began later in developing countries in comparison to industrialized countries, with the process mainly beginning from the 1950s.
• The speed of urbanization in developing nations was very high compared to that of industrialized nations.
• Rapid growth in developing countries leads to unmanageable urban expansion, with numerous negative impacts.
• These problems include rapid urban decay, high rates of crime, unemployment, traffic disorders, pollution, and difficulties in providing adequate sanitation.

Urban Decay

• A common effect associated with rapid urbanization in developing nations is urban decay.
• People moving to urban areas often face challenges accessing housing and employment.
• They often end up in slums on the outskirts of cities, where living conditions are extremely cramped, and access to basic necessities like electricity and clean water are limited.
• These inadequate conditions often lead to disease outbreaks and criminal activity.

Benefits of Urbanization

• Urbanization leads to dense city structures facilitating shorter distances between work, housing, and services.
• Public transportation systems (subways, metros) ease transportation between different parts of the city.
• Increased population concentrations lead to specialization of services and industries.
• Large cities are also major centers of business and commerce, as well as centers of knowledge and innovation.