Urbanisation Characteristics and causes of urbanisation Urbanisation Definition

Urbanisation Characteristics and causes of urbanisation

Urbanisation Definition “Urbanisation is a process of urban growth which leads to a greater proportion of people being concentrated into towns and cities”

Urbanisation • In 2008 – for the first time in history over 50% of the world’s population lived in towns and cities. • Urbanisation – results in an increasing proportion of city dwellers in contrast to those in the countryside • Urbanisation is a worldwide process – it began at different times in different parts of the world and occurred at contrasting paces.

Causes of urbanisation 1. Rural to urban migration 2. Natural Increase

Rural – urban migration • Rural to urban migration – result of push and pull factors

Push and pull factors Push factors Pull factors Difficult/harsh climate – eg. droughts Chance of a better life Struggle to provide food for family Better housing and amenities Very low income Chance of good jobs – higher wages Only able to own small plots of land Children able to go to school Can’t afford to fertilizers to increase yields Better medical/health care

Natural increase • The people that migrate into towns and cities tend to be young resulting in high levels of natural increase • high % of young adults = high levels of births • Falling death rates due to improved medical care means more babies are born than people dying, further increasing the urban population

% urban population

THE WORLDS LARGEST CITIES

TASK 1 • What are the 10 most populated cities in the World (bullet points).

TASK 2 • Devise your own key and divide the cities on the work sheet into: • North America • South America • Europe • Africa • Asia

NUMBER 10 SHANGHAI 12. 7

NUMBER 9 Jakarta 13. 2

NUMBER 8 Buenos Aires 13. 3

NUMBER 7 Kolkata 14. 3

NUMBER 6 DELHI 15. 3

NUMBER 5 Mumbai 18. 0

NUMBER 4 NEW YORK 18. 1

NUMBER 3 SAO PAULO 18. 3

NUMBER 2 MEXICO CITY 19. 0

NUMBER 1

NUMBER 1 TOKYO 35. 3

Exam-Style Questions. . . • Answer the following questions in your exercise books: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Define the term “Urbanisation”. (1 ) Suggest reasons for rural-urban migration in LEDC’s (2) other than rural-urban migration, give two further causes of urbanisation. (2) Draw a labelled “Push & Pull” diagram for a typical urban area. (4) Describe & Explain the possible environmental effects of Urban Sprawl. (6) If you are unsure on any of the key terms mentioned, such as “Urban Sprawl”, head over to www. Geographybase. co. uk and Ask a Geographer! Total for Questions= (15 Marks)