Urbanization is defined as the 'proportion of people living in built environments such as towns and cities'. The word 'proportion' in this context is important. To define if an area is urban or rural we have to examine the numbers living in urban environments, or rural environments. Some parts of the world now have more people living in cities than rural areas, although interestingly, some studies show that this trend can reverse. New technologies and increased personal safety mean there is no longer as great a need for people to live in close contact with others. This has lead to the... Show more

Urbanization is defined as the 'proportion of people living in built environments such as towns and cities'. The word 'proportion' in this context is important. To define if an area is urban or rural we have to examine the numbers living in urban environments, or rural environments. Some parts of the world now have more people living in cities than rural areas, although interestingly, some studies show that this trend can reverse. New technologies and increased personal safety mean there is no longer as great a need for people to live in close contact with others. This has lead to the semi-urban zones, such as commuter belts. This movement away from cities is known as counter-urbanisation. This is occurring in more economically advanced nations, whilst urbanization is still happening in less economically advanced nations.

The two classes of factors that influence people to migrate are the 'pull' and 'push' factors. Cities have many factors that encourage people to move into them - these are pull factors, whilst rural areas have push factors that force people away. Natural population growth will also increase the population in cities.

Show less