This document discusses the process of urbanization and trends in urban populations globally. It defines urbanization as an increasing proportion of a population living in towns and cities rather than rural areas. In 1950, less than 1/3 of the world lived in urban areas, but now over half do, and it is projected that 60% will by 2015. Urbanization generally occurs as countries develop economically and transition from agricultural to industrial economies. While urbanization is a global trend, it is occurring at different rates around the world, with the highest rates of growth in less developed countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The document examines maps and graphs showing variation in urbanization levels between countries and regions.

1. Changing Urban
Environments

2. What are the Characteristics of
Urbanisation?
Lesson 1

3. Lesson Objectives
• All will understand what
we mean by an urban area
and the process of
urbanisation.
• Most will understand how
urbanisation has varied
throughout the world and
over time.
• Some will be able to
identify, describe and
compare trends from maps
and graphs.

4. What is an urban area?
• As you watch the video, write down words to
describe an urban area
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyaj2P-dSi8

5. What is urbanisation?
A process where an
increasing proportion of
the population lives in
towns and cities (and
consequently there is a
reduction in the number
of living in rural areas)

6. Rate of urbanisation
• In 1950 fewer than one person in three
lived in a town or city
• Today half the world’s population live in
an urban area … by 2015 the proportion
will be 60%
• In 1950 New York was the only global
megacity …. By 2015 there will be 27
megacities …. 21 of them will be in Asia

7. • Urbanisation is generally linked with economic
development.
• As a country moves from a mainly rural agricultural
economy to a more industrial, commercial economy,
the population becomes increasingly concentrated in
towns and cities.
• Countries that have reached high levels of economic
development usually have an urban population of over
75% of the total population and rates of urban
growth are low.

8. Global Trends in Urbanisation
• Urbanisation is a global process,
but it is occurring at very
different rates in different parts
of the world
• Stick the graph into your book,
label it “Urban Population 1950 –
2030”
• Describe the trends shown by
each of the lines. Support your
answer with evidence from the
graph. The best answers will give
evidence to support the trends
you identify
e.g. In 1950, The level of
urbanisation in the least
developed countries was only 8%.
By 2050…

9. In which countries do you think
most people live in urban areas?
• Try to predict 5 countries in the world
where most of the population live in
urban areas, and 5 countries where a
low percentage of the population do.

10. • Shape in your map to show differing levels of urban
population in different countries. Try to label at
least 3 countries with a high percentage of
population in urban areas and three with a low level.

11. • Describe the patterns shown by the map. Try to
select areas where rates are very high, average and
very low.
• The best answers will give general trends – is the
population more urbanised in the north or the
south? In Africa or Europe? Note any exceptions
to the trends you identify.

12. Lesson Objectives
• All will understand what
we mean by an urban area
and the process of
urbanisation.
• Most will understand how
urbanisation has varied
throughout the world and
over time.
• Some will be able to
identify, describe and
compare trends from maps
and graphs.

13. Plenary
True or false?
1. Urbanisation is the growth in the proportion of a
country’s population living in urban areas
2. More than 50% of the world’s population currently
live in urban areas
3. The rate of urbanisation differs between richer
and poorer countries
4. More than 80% of the UK’s population live in urban
areas
5. Most urbanisation is occurring in poorer countries.

14. References
• CGP pg 85
• AQA A pg 194
• AQA B pg 36
• B&P pg 154