Fascinating Fact:
Rapid urbanisation can create problems such as overcrowded housing, informal settlements, traffic congestion, pollution, and pressure on services.
In GCSE Geography, urbanisation describes the increasing proportion of people living in towns and cities. You study its causes, such as rural to urban migration and natural increase, and explore how rapid growth affects housing, jobs, transport, and the environment in both richer and poorer countries, as well as strategies to make cities more sustainable.
Key Terms
- Urbanisation: The increase in the percentage of a country’s population living in towns and cities.
- Rural–urban migration: Movement of people from countryside areas to towns and cities, often for work or education.
- Informal settlement: Housing built without official planning or services, often on marginal land, sometimes called a shanty town or slum.
Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)
What is urbanisation in geography GCSE?
In GCSE Geography, urbanisation means that a growing percentage of a country’s population lives in towns and cities, usually because of migration from rural areas and natural increase.
What are the main causes of urbanisation?
The main causes are rural–urban migration, often driven by better job and education opportunities in cities, and natural increase when birth rates in urban areas are higher than death rates.
What problems can rapid urbanisation cause?
Rapid urbanisation can put severe strain on transport, water, energy, and waste systems, increase inequality between rich and poor residents, and lead to environmental damage and health risks in cities.
Try These Related Quizzes