Summary
Global urban growth varies significantly between Higher Income Countries (HICs) and Lower Income Countries (LICs) due to differences in industrialisation, economic development, and migration patterns.
- Global Urban Growth — variations in urban growth rates between HICs and LICs. Example: HICs like the UK have stabilised urban growth, while LICs like Nigeria experience rapid growth.
- Rapid Urbanisation — fast increase in urban population, especially in LICs. Example: Cities like Lagos and Dhaka are expanding rapidly.
- Push-Pull Factors — reasons for migration from rural to urban areas. Example: Economic opportunities in cities pull migrants, while rural poverty pushes them.
- Industrialisation — process of developing industries in a country or region. Example: Industrialisation in LICs attracts rural workers to urban areas.
- Natural Increase — population growth when birth rates exceed death rates. Example: High birth rates in LIC cities contribute to urban growth.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Global Urban Growth
- Rapid Urbanisation
- Push-Pull Factors
- Industrialisation
- Natural Increase
Common Confusions
- Confusing urban growth rates in HICs with those in LICs
- Misunderstanding the role of industrialisation in urban growth
Typical Exam Questions
- Why are urban growth rates higher in LICs than in HICs? LICs are industrialising, creating jobs that attract rural workers, and have higher birth rates.
- Why do people migrate from rural to urban areas in LICs? Due to push factors like poverty and pull factors like job opportunities.
- What is 'natural increase'? When birth rates exceed death rates, leading to population growth.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Differences in urban growth rates between HICs and LICs
- Causes of rapid urbanisation in LICs
- The impact of push-pull factors on migration patterns