Q1. Discuss the trends of urbanization in developed and developing countries. Describe the four major issues and challenges of urbanization in developed and developing countries.
Key Points:
- Developed countries have high urbanization (75-80%), slower growth, experiencing counter-urbanization and re-urbanization.
- Developing countries face rapid urbanization, massive rural-to-urban migration, rise of mega-cities, and extensive slum proliferation.
- Housing challenge: Slums and informal settlements prevalent in developing nations; affordability and homelessness in developed ones.
- Infrastructure challenge: Severe deficit and inadequacy in developing cities; aging and overloaded systems in developed cities.
Answer: Urbanization, defined as the increasing proportion of a population living in urban areas, is a transformative global process. Its patterns, drivers, and associated challenges differ significantly between developed and developing countries, reflecting their unique socio-economic contexts and historical trajectories. ### Trends of Urbanization **Trends in Developed Countries:** Developed countries, predominantly in North America, Europe, and Oceania, are characterized by already high levels of u...