Urbanisation (HL IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))
Revision Note
Urbanisation
What is urbanisation?
Urbanisation is the process where a growing proportion of a country's population moves from rural areas (countryside) to urban areas (cities and towns)
This shift results in land becoming more built-up, with infrastructure, housing, and industrialisation dominating the urban landscape
As urbanisation occurs, cities:
Expand
Develop more dense populations
Experience more continuous human activity
According to the World Bank, 56% (4.4 billion) of the world’s population now live in towns and cities
Rural–urban migration
Rural-urban migration is a major factor driving urbanisation
It is the movement of people from the countryside to cities in search of:
Better living conditions
Job opportunities
Safety
This migration causes the urban population to grow, often at the expense of the rural population
For example, in China, rural-urban migration has led to massive city growth, with people moving from farming regions to cities like Shenzhen and Beijing in search of jobs in factories or offices
Rural-urban migration is mostly internal migration (within a country)
Urbanisation pathway
Countries become more urban as they develop economically
This transition from LICs to HICs can be shown as a pathway over time
The pace through the stages slows and flattens or will decline as counter urbanisation gains speed
Exam Tip
Don't confuse urbanisation level with urban growth. Developed countries such as the UK, Germany, USA, etc. have high levels of urbanisation but low growth rates. Their towns and cities are already in place. But emerging and developing countries such as China, India, and Nigeria have low levels of urbanisation but high growth rates; they are building their cities.
Push and pull factors of rural–urban migration
Push factors are the reasons people leave rural areas
These include:
Poverty: lack of jobs and low wages in rural areas
Poor living conditions: limited access to services like healthcare, education, and clean water
Natural disasters: droughts, floods, or other environmental challenges that make farming difficult
Pull factors are the attractions of urban areas that draw people to move there
These include:
Job opportunities: cities often offer more and better-paying jobs, especially in industries, services, and trade
Improved living conditions: access to better healthcare, education, and housing in cities
Social and cultural opportunities: cities provide more entertainment, cultural events, and lifestyle choices
Awaiting image: Push and pull factors
Image caption: Push and pull factors of rural–urban migration
Forced and voluntary migration
Voluntary migration:
When people choose to move to cities for better opportunities or living conditions
Forced migration:
When people are pushed into cities due to circumstances like war, famine, or natural disasters
For example, refugees fleeing conflict in Syria and moving to urban areas in nearby countries such as Turkey and Jordan
Deurbanisation trends
Deurbanisation refers to the reverse process where people move out of cities and back to rural or suburban areas
This can happen due to:
Overcrowding: cities becoming too congested, leading to higher costs of living and poorer living conditions
Improved rural opportunities: development in rural areas offering better services, jobs, and living conditions
Technological changes: with the rise of remote working, people can live in rural areas while working for urban companies
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