Urbanisation
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Urbanisation is the process in which the number of people living in cities
increases compared with the number of people living in rural areas. A country is
considered to be urbanised when over 50% of its population lives in urban
places.
Amongst the first countries to become urbanised were Great Britain and some European countries. Their urbanisation was relatively slow, allowing governments time to plan and provide for the needs of increasing urban populations. |
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Urbanisation is most rapid in Third World countries, where the world's largest cities occur. Mexico City, the world's largest city, has a population of more than 24 million, estimated to grow to over 30 million people by the year 2010. Sao Paulo, Brazil, has more than 20 million people and will have 26 million in the year 2010.
What causes urbanisation?
Urbanisation occurs because people move from rural areas (countryside) to urban areas (towns and cities). This usually occurs when a country is still developing. There are three main causes of urbanisation:
1. Rural to urban migration is happening on a massive scale due to population pressure and lack of resources in rural areas. This are 'push' factors.
2. People living in rural areas are 'pulled' to the city. Often they believe that the standard of living in urban areas will be much better than in rural areas. They are usually wrong. People also hope for well paid jobs, the greater opportunities to find casual or 'informal' work, better health care and education.
3. Natural increase caused by a decrease in death rates while birth rates remain high.
Answer the following:
1 Give a brief definition of urbanisation.
2 Name two reasons for people to move from rural areas to urban areas.
