Why are more people living in cities worldwide?

Natural Increase occurs when the birth rate in a city exceeds the death rate. This is a major driver of urban growth in many Low-Income Countries (LICs) and Newly Emerging Economies (NEEs).

Migrants to cities are typically young adults (aged 18-35). This demographic profile leads to higher birth rates because the population is in its peak reproductive years.

Improved access to healthcare and sanitation in urban environments often leads to lower infant mortality rates and increased life expectancy compared to rural areas, further widening the gap between births and deaths.

Industrialization acts as a primary catalyst for urbanization. As economies shift from agriculture (primary sector) to manufacturing (secondary sector), jobs become concentrated in urban factories.

The Multiplier Effect describes a cycle of growth where a new industry attracts workers, who then require services (shops, schools, transport). This demand creates more jobs, attracting more people and further investment.

Economies of Scale make it more cost-effective for governments and businesses to provide infrastructure (electricity, water, internet) and services in densely populated areas rather than dispersed rural settlements.

Data Interpretation: When analyzing graphs, distinguish between the level of urbanization (the current percentage) and the rate of urbanization (how fast that percentage is changing).

Categorizing Factors: Always categorize reasons for urbanization into 'Social', 'Economic', and 'Environmental' to provide a balanced geographical argument.

Common Error: Do not assume all urban growth is caused by migration. In many rapidly growing cities, natural increase (births minus deaths) contributes more to population size than new arrivals.

Check the Scale: Be aware of the difference between a 'Megacity' (10 million+) and a 'Global City' (economic importance). A city can be one, both, or neither.