Urbanization: Definition and Causes

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary factor that defines the process of urbanization?

An increase in agricultural output in rural areas.
A decline in urban infrastructure development.
A rise in the proportion of people residing in urban areas. (correct)
A decrease in the number of people living in rural areas.

Which of the following is NOT a push factor that contributes to rural-urban migration?

Occurrence of natural disasters such as floods or droughts.
Limited availability of land for farming.
Prevalence of poverty and low income levels.
Presence of significant job opportunities in rural areas. (correct)

What is a key characteristic of 'slums' that commonly develop as a result of urbanization?

Areas with high-quality, modern infrastructure.
Overcrowded regions lacking adequate housing and sanitation. (correct)
Well-planned residential areas with low population density.
Geographic regions with a surplus of resources.

Which of these is generally considered a positive impact of urbanization?

Facilitated access to better education and health services. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these best defines a 'megacity'?

A city with a population of over 10 million. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The gradual increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas compared to rural areas is known as ______.

Urbanization Signup and view all the answers

A major reason for rural-urban migration is the lack of ______ opportunities in rural areas.

employment Signup and view all the answers

Improved infrastructure like transportation and sanitation are considered ______ factors that attract people to urban areas.

pull Signup and view all the answers

______ are overcrowded, poorly developed areas with inadequate housing and sanitation, often inhabited by migrants.

Slums Signup and view all the answers

A very large city with a population exceeding 10 million people is called a ______.

megacity Signup and view all the answers

Explain how both 'push' and 'pull' factors contribute to rural-urban migration.

Push factors, like poverty and lack of land, drive people away from rural areas. Pull factors, such as job opportunities and better healthcare, attract them to urban areas. Signup and view all the answers

How can urbanization simultaneously result in both economic development and environmental degradation?

Urbanization promotes economic growth through industrialization but can lead to environmental issues like pollution due to increased resource consumption and waste generation. Signup and view all the answers

Describe what distinguishes a 'rural area' from an 'urban area' based on key characteristics?

A rural area is characterized by low population density and agricultural activities, while an urban area has high population density with infrastructure and buildings. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary social impacts, both positive and negative, that arise from rapid urbanization?

Positive social impacts include cultural exchange and access to better education and healthcare. Negative impacts include increased crime and poverty, and the formation of slums. Signup and view all the answers

How does the increase in population of urban areas place pressure on existing infrastructure?

The population growth in urban areas leads to increased demand for resources like water and sanitation, and a strain on infrastructure like transport and housing. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is Urbanization?

The process where more people live in cities and towns than in rural areas, mainly due to people moving for better opportunities like jobs and education.

What is Rural-Urban Migration?

This is the main reason for urbanization: people leaving villages for cities to find better jobs, education, healthcare, and a better quality of life overall.

What are Push Factors?

These are factors that push people to leave rural areas. Examples include limited land for farming, poverty, few jobs, and natural disasters.

What are Pull Factors?

These are factors that attract people to move to urban areas. Examples include industrial jobs, better education, healthcare, and improved infrastructure.