Global Urban Change

• Urban areas are human-made, built up town and cities
• Rural areas are green and often undeveloped countrysides
• Urbanisation is the increasing percentage of people living in urban areas compared to rural areas
• • The percentage of urban populations is uneven globally
  • Highly urbanised countries are in North America, Europe and Oceania
  • Lowest percentage of urban populations are in Africa and Asia
  • A few African countries have populations of over 80% urbanised
  • Many South American nations have more than 80% of their population living in cities

  
• • The percentage of urban populations is uneven globally
  • Highly urbanised countries are in North America, Europe and Oceania
  • Lowest percentage of urban populations are in Africa and Asia
  • A few African countries have populations of over 80% urbanised
  • Many South American nations have more than 80% of their population living in cities
  • Many Asian countries have urban populations below 80%
  • No North American countries have urban populations below 60%
  • Africa has a lower percentage of people living in urban areas than Europe
  • Africa has the greatest variety of people living in urban areas

  
• Megacities are urban areas with more than 10 million inhabitants
• • Megacities are found in most inhabited continents
  • Africa has only 3 megacities
  • There are 3 megacites in North America
  • South-eastern Asia has the highest concentration of megacities
  • Oceania has no megacities
  • South America's megacities are only found on the east coast
  • Megacities are not only found in richer, more developed countries
  • Megacities are not only found in highly urbanised countries

  
• Natural increase means the populations grow as the number of live births exceeds the number of deaths
• Birth rates rise because...

  • More young people are most likely to find partners
  • Couples have lots of babies as many die young
  • More babies survive to become young adults (18-35)
• Death rates fall because...

  • Improvements in healthcare and medicine
  • Better quantity and quality of agriculture
• Rural-urban migration is the movement of people from the countryside to towns and cities
• Push factors are flaws driving people out of an area of elsewhere
• Pull factors are positive aspects which attract people to a new place
• Push factors

  • Mechanisation of farming
  • Few doctors or hospitals
  • Rural areas are isolated with poor access
  • Diversification and soil erosion make farming difficult
  • Natural disasters and extreme physical conditions
  • Drought reduces crop yields and leads to famine
  • Lack of clean and reliable water sources
  • High levels of crime
  • War and corrupt governments
• Pull factors

  • Greater variety of well-paid jobs
  • Friends and family have already moved
  • Entertainment facilities are available
  • Freedom of political and religious expression
  • Big companies offering skilled-jobs
  • Better medical facilities with trained doctors
  • Better chance of receiving an education