Urbanisation and Megacities

Introduction

For the first time in human history, more than half of the world's population lives in cities. This dramatic shift from rural to urban living is called urbanisation, and it is one of the most transformative trends of our time. It is reshaping landscapes, economies, and the very way we live. At the forefront of this trend is the rise of the megacity—a sprawling urban area with a population of over 10 million people. This article will explore the forces driving urbanisation, the opportunities these giant cities create, and the immense social and environmental challenges they face.

Learning objectives

After reading this article, you should be able to:

• Define urbanisation and describe its global patterns.
• Define a megacity and provide examples from different continents.
• Explain the main "push" and "pull" factors that drive rural-to-urban migration.
• Analyse the major opportunities offered by cities, such as economic growth and innovation.
• Identify the key challenges facing megacities, including inequality, informal settlements, and environmental strain.

The Great Migration to Cities

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