Journal number 3 ∘ Tamaz Zubiashvili ∘
Contemporary World Urbanization: Dynamics and Challenges

doi.org/10.52340/eab.2025.17.03.01

journal N 3.2025

Urbanization, a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, has significant impli- cations for both developed and developing countries. While it presents opportuni- ties such as economic growth and innovation, it also poses numerous challenges. In developing countries, rapid urban population growth, driven by natural increase and migration, has led to overcrowded cities with inadequate infrastructure, exac- erbating issues like poverty, environmental degradation, and public health crises. The variability in defining urban populations and the lack of reliable income data further complicate poverty measurement and mitigation efforts.
In developed countries, urban challenges include an aging population, decen- tralization, and immigration, requiring effective management of ethnic diversity and resources. Large cities contribute to environmental issues like global warming and air pollution, necessitating sustainable urban planning. Concerns about the rapid pace of urbanization in developing countries include increased urban pover- ty, civil violence, and political destabilization.
Future urbanization efforts must focus on comprehensive urban planning and development programs to address these contemporary problems and create resil- ient, thriving urban communities.

Keywords: Urbanization; developing countries; developed countries; migra- tion; population growth; demographic changes
JEL Codes: J11, O18, R11, R23, Q54

 

Introduction

Urbanization has emerged as one of the defining global phenomena of the
20th and 21st centuries, reshaping demographic structures, economic systems, and environmental landscapes across both developed and developing nations. As cit- ies expand and populations concentrate in urban areas, the world faces a complex interplay of opportunities and challenges that demand urgent scholarly and policy attention.
This study explores the multifaceted dynamics of global urbanization, empha- sizing its rapid acceleration in developing countries, where 83% of the world’s popu- lation resides. It examines the structural shifts in urban growth, the socio-econom- ic and environmental consequences of megacity expansion, and the demographic transformations that accompany urban concentration. Drawing on comparative analysis, historical context, and extensive statistical data, the text highlights the divergent trajectories of urbanization between the Global North and South, while underscoring the critical need for coordinated urban planning and sustainable de- velopment strategies.
By situating urbanization within broader frameworks of migration, public health, poverty, and climate change, the study offers a comprehensive lens through which to understand the contemporary urban condition. It also raises pressing questions about governance, equity, and resilience in the face of unprecedented urban growth, particularly in regions most vulnerable to ecological and socio-political instability.

Research Methodology

The text employs several methods to address the contemporary problems of world urbanization:
1. Comparative Analysis: The text compares urbanization trends and challeng- es between developed and developing countries, highlighting differences in urban population growth, poverty, infrastructure, and environmental issues.
2. Statistical Data: The text uses statistical data to support its points, providing specific figures related to urban population growth, poverty rates, air pollution levels, and mortality rates.
3. Case Studies: The text references specific countries and cities, such as Tai- wan, Turkey, the United States, and China, to illustrate the impact of urbanization and the associated challenges.
4. Historical Context: The text provides historical context, discussing how urbanization trends have evolved over time and the factors that have influenced these changes.

 

5. Identification of Key Issues: The text identifies and discusses key issues relat- ed to urbanization, such as poverty, environmental degradation, public health crises, natural disasters, and the impact of aging populations.
6. Projections and Predictions: The text includes projections and predictions about future urbanization trends, such as the expected increase in urban popula- tions in developing countries and the challenges that may arise from these trends.
7. Use of Examples: The text uses specific examples to illustrate broader trends and issues, such as the creation of ethnic enclaves in U.S. cities and the impact of migration on urban populations.
8. Discussion of Policy Implications: The text discusses the implications of ur- banization for policymakers, emphasizing the need for comprehensive urban plan- ning and development programs to address the challenges associated with urban growth.

Global Urbanization Trends and Their Implications

One of the most pressing global issues today is the regulation of urban growth, a challenge that will remain one of the most important problems in the world in the coming decades. In developing countries, which are home to 83% of the world’s population, managing the unprecedented population growth in urbanized areas is becoming increasingly difficult.
World urbanization has been a transformative force over the past century, reshaping societies, economies, and the environment. Urbanization refers to the increasing proportion of a population living in urban areas, leading to the growth and expansion of cities and towns.
The rapid urbanization of the 20th and 21st centuries has marked major shifts from rural to urban living. Today, more than half of the world’s population resides in cities, driven by various factors, such as economic opportunities, improved infra- structure, better access to services, and the allure of a modern lifestyle.
Urbanization brings both opportunities and challenges. On the positive side, it fosters economic growth, innovation, and cultural exchange. Cities become hubs of activity, attracting businesses, talent, and investments. However, it also presents significant challenges, such as managing infrastructure demands, ensuring sustain- able development, and addressing issues like overcrowding, pollution, and social inequality.
As the world continues to urbanize, balancing the benefits with the challenges will be crucial for creating sustainable and livable urban environments for future generations.

 

Regional Dynamics and Socio-Demographic Shifts

The rapid growth of population in the twentieth century led to a large increase in urban settlements in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Currently, 58% of the world’s population lives in cities, and by 2050 tis figure is expected to reach 68%, adding another 2.5 billion people will be added to the urban population. According to the United Nations Population Division, the world’s population will rise from 8.1 billion to 8.6 billion by 2030, with 90% of this growth occurring in urban settlements in developing countries. In 2024, urban population in developing countries was 54%; by 2030, it is expected to exceed 60%. The United Nations forecast that 35% of the world’s urban population growth from 2025 to 2050 will come from three countries: India, China and Nigeria. During this period, around 420 million people will be added to India’s urban population, 260 million - to China’s urban population will increase by around 420 million, China’s by 260 million, and Nigeria’s by 190 million.
In 1950, the world’s urban population was 751 million people. By 2024 this number had surged to 4.7 billion people. Asia has the highest rate of urbanization, while Europe has the lowest rate. Currently, 54% of the world’s urban population lives in Asia, 13% in urban areas of Europe, and 13% - in African cities.
As is known, urbanization is a complex phenomenon that cannot be measured it with a single indicator. Generally, urbanization is viewed by science as a positive trend in global development, associated with increasingly favorable and comfortable living conditions for the growing population, as well as opportunities for more complete human development. However, urbanization not only brings positive changes in people’s lives, also comes with negative consequences. These include environment pollution, overpopulation, and the emergence of “poor quarters” in metropolitan aeas, a rise in crime, and many other adverse events. Despite these challenges, urbanization as a whole is considered a progressive phenomenon. It is no coincidence that the World Health Organization, which established the International Scientific Development Center in Kobe, Japan in 2003, included the problems of urbanization among the main scientific directions of its activities and studies of the current situation in the world’s major cities.
The pace of urbanization depends on a country’s level of economic development. In most economically developed countries, where urbanization has already reached a high level, this process is now under control, and the share of the urban population is no longer growing. Here urbanization is taking on new forms. In contrast, urbanization continues to grow in developing countries, with the urban population rapidly increasing and becoming uncontrollable. The growth of urban population in these regions is far outpacing their actual development. Several international

 

documents, including the resolution of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, highlight the urbanization crisis in developing countries.
The population is rapidly concentrating in large cities of developing countries with populations exceeding one million. In 2024, there were 548 cities worldwide with a population of over one million, with 356 of these “millionaires” located in developing countries. Mega-cities, those with populations exceeding 10 million, now number 42 and play an increasingly important role in the process of global urbanization. The population of these mega-cities totals 755 million people, accounting for 20% of the world’s urban population. Among these, 27 are in Asia, 5 in South America, 4 in Africa,
3 in North America, and 3 in Europe. Notably, in 1990, there were only 10 mega-cities globally, housing 153 million people, which was less than 7% of the world’s urban population. It is likely that in the future, mega-cities will gradually merge with larger populated areas. For example, the United Nations Population Division predicts that in the next 15 years, Lagos (Nigeria) will gain an additional 10 million residents, while Dhaka (Bangladesh) will see an increase of 9 million.
In urban areas of developing countries, a significant increase in population is both desirable and challenging. Historically, cities have been the engines of econom- ic development, centers of industry and commerce, and hubs for the advancement of science and technology, cultural exchange, and the spread of information. Cities have also played a key role in reducing birth rates and, consequently, slowing global population growth. Family planning first emerged in European cities and spread to other regions. Even today, birth rates are consistently lower in urban areas compared to rural areas in both developing and developed countries.
Finally, it is important to consider that the increasing concentration of the pop- ulation in urban areas may help reduce birth rates to some extent, a development that is desirable on a global scale.
The rapid growth of the population in the cities of developing countries raises the question of whether such concentration is justified. Despite numerous studies in the field of urbanization, no solution has been found to determine any limit or rate of urban population growth beyond which cities have a more negative than positive effect on countries. Nevertheless, many specialists are concerned about the future of cities. They point out that the uncontrolled influx of migrants into cities and high population density are increasing diseases and mortality, reducing non-renewable natural resources, and causing global climate change.
Many cities in developing countries are built on ecologically fragile founda- tions, where natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and devastating storms are expected. The steady population growth in such cities endangers the lives of many people. Some scholars also argue that urban population concentration in-

 

creases urban poverty and inequality, which in turn leads to civil unrest and the intensification of radical religious fundamentalism, exemplified by the well-known terrorist attacks in the United States.
In developed countries, particularly in the US, the future of cities presents
different challenges. Changes in the distribution and composition of the city’s popu- lation are more problematic here than population growth. These cities face an aging population, and their ethnic structure is greatly influenced by immigration, leading to issues with ethnic minorities.
Conditional levels of urbanization are as follows:
1. Low level of urbanization: Urban population is up to 20%.
2. Average level of urbanization: Urban population ranges from 20% to 50%.
3. High level of urbanization: Urban population ranges from 50% to 72%.
4. The highest level of urbanization: Urban population exceeds 72%.
Weakly urbanized areas include West and East Africa, Madagascar, and some Asian countries. Moderately urbanized areas include Bolivia, Africa, and Asia. Highly urbanized areas include Europe, North and South America, Australia, and Oceania.
Population change in cities is characterized by two main dimensions:
1. The level of urbanization: The share of the population living in urban areas within the total population of the country.
2. The overall rate of urban growth: The rate at which the urban population is increasing.
The level of urbanization has been steadily rising over the twentieth century. In 1950, the global urban population was 30%. By 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, that figure had risen to 58%. According to the United Nations, the share of the world’s urban population in the total population is projected to increase to 68% by 2030.
The population of developed countries was already significantly urbanized by
1950, with 55% of their urban population at that time. By 2024, this figure had in- creased to 80%, and it is expected to reach 82% by 2025. As these countries are already highly urbanized, a sharp increase in their urban population share is not an- ticipated in the future. In contrast, the level of urbanization in developing countries was only 18% in 1950. By 2024, it had risen to 54%. Interestingly, the pace of urbani- zation in developing countries mirrors that of developed countries in the first half of the twentieth century. This rapid urbanization is driven by high-intensity migration from rural to urban areas and a high rate of natural increase in urban populations. By
2030, the urban population in developing countries, which was 3.7 billion in 2024, is expected to nearly reach 4.2 billion.
An increase in the level of urbanization by 2030 is projected to be most signif- icant in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the urban population share will rise from 40% to

 

49%. In Asia (excluding Japan), the urban population will increase from 49% to 55%. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the rate of urbanization will be much lower, as 78% of the population already resides in cities.
Urbanization processes in Europe will have unique characteristics. It is expect-
ed that the level of urbanization will increase slightly, even as the population of some countries decreases. According to the United Nations, the population of Southern Eu- rope will decrease from 155 million to 136 million between 2024 and 2030, while the level of urbanization will increase from 69% to 75%. A natural population decline in European countries is most likely in Russia and Ukraine. In 2024, the natural increase in these countries was 0.6 and 0.7 per thousand, respectively, resulting in Russia los- ing more than a million people annually, and Ukraine losing 350,000.
As mentioned, the second dimension – the Rate of Urban Growth – indicates the number of people added to every 100 inhabitants of a city in one year. In devel- oped countries, this figure averaged 2% per annum between 1950 and 1975. However, it gradually decreased to 0.8% by 2015 and is estimated to further decline to just
0.4% by 2025. In developing countries, the figure was 3.5% in 2010 and is projected to reduce to 2.4% by 2025.
Currently, the rural population in developed countries is declining annually. In 1950, the rural population in these countries was 370 million, decreasing to 300 million by 2010 and is projected to decline further to 215 million by 2025. Meanwhile, the rural population in developing countries is growing by an average of 170 million people annually in the first quarter of this century.
Statistical analysis confirms that the world’s urban population is rapidly con- centrating in large cities. In the future, “millionaire” cities (cities with populations exceeding one million) will emerge in Asia and Africa. This indicates that the future urbanized world will primarily consist of residents in large cities.
Generally, we can define the urban population as follows:
• The definition of the urban population varies from country to country. In most countries, the administrative principle is used, meaning that if the population lives in the capital city or the center of an administrative unit, they are considered urban population.
• In some countries, urban and rural populations are distinguished by their
number or density, while in others; they are distinguished by functional characteris- tics such as basic economic activities.
• Some countries do not have the concept of an “urban population,” while
there are seven countries that do not have a “rural population.” These countries in- clude Singapore, Kuwait, Qatar, Monaco, Guadeloupe, Bahrain, and Nauru.
When obtaining population statistics, the United Nations and the Population
Reference Bureau (USA) do not distinguish between urban and rural populations using

 

their own criteria. Instead, they directly consider the number of urban populations as determined by each country, believing that each government is best equipped to distinguish between urban and rural populations within their borders. This approach can obscure the true ratio of urban to rural populations. For example, Burundi in Central Africa is a densely populated country, yet only the population of its capital, Bujumbura, is considered urban, accounting for just 13% of the total population. In contrast, the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) considers areas with a population of at least 2,000 as urban. Consequently, Congo’s urban population in 2024 was 69% of the total population. If both countries used the same criteria for defining urban areas, Burundi’s urbanization level would be higher than Congo’s.
Some countries change the definition of urban settlements over time as their boundaries evolve, and many rural settlements are reclassified as urban. The defini- tion of the urban population in the United States has changed several times. At the beginning of the last century, settlements with 8,000 inhabitants were considered ur- ban, but this figure was later reduced to 4,000. Since the 1970s, any settlement within a metropolitan area is considered an urbanized zone. An urbanized area is defined as a settlement with at least 2,500 inhabitants outside the metropolitan area, while a rural area has fewer than 2,500 inhabitants outside the metropolitan area.
Megacities. The term “megacity” was coined by the United Nations in the 1970s. At that time, all urban agglomerations with a population of 8 million or more were considered megacities. Subsequently, in 1990, the United Nations increased this limit to 10 million, and currently, there are a total of 28 megacities in the world. In recent years, public attention to megacities has been particularly high as they have grown unprecedentedly. However, it is noteworthy that the well-being of their densely populated inhabitants is declining.
Not long ago, it was unthinkable that a city’s population would exceed 20 million. According to the United Nations Population Division, in 2024 the world’s megacities included: Tokyo - 40.4 million, Delhi - 30.3 million, Shanghai - 33.6 million, Mexico City
- 23.0 million, São Paulo - 22.4 million, Mumbai (Bombay) - 25.1 million, New York - 22.1 million, Seoul - 24.8 million, Beijing - 20.0 million, Kyoto - 20 million, Jakarta - 31.3 million, Manila - 25.7 million, Cairo - 21.0 million, Los Angeles - 17.7 million, Kolkata (Cal- cutta) - 16.8 million, Moscow - 17.3 million, Buenos Aires - 16.4 million, Shenzhen - 13.2 million, Rio de Janeiro - 13.2 million, Istanbul - 16.0 million, Paris - 11.4 million.
During the industrialization period, the growth and development of cities were accompanied by issues such as child labor, crime, class resistance, and prostitution. Today, other significant problems have emerged, including a sharp increase in urban transport, air and environmental pollution, drug addiction, and other modern diseases.

 

It should be noted that the growth rate of megacities has significantly de- creased in recent years. For example, according to the United Nations, the annual growth rate of Mexico City has fallen from 5.1% to 0.9% since the 1960s, São Paulo from 5.4% to 1.9%, Kolkata from 2.3% to 1.8%, Beijing from 2.6% to 1.8%, New York from
1.3% to 0.3%, and Tokyo from 4.1% to 1.7%.
In developed countries, it is more common for the population to be redistrib- uted within urban agglomerations rather than between cities and rural areas. This process began in the 1970s in the United States and Europe, where populations have been moving from city centers to suburbs. In 1950, 70% of the U.S. urban population lived in the central parts of metropolitan areas; by 2010, this figure had dropped to
40%. This shift was driven by various social, political, and economic factors, including racial tensions in cities, the relocation of higher education and recreation centers to the suburbs, relatively low government investment in central city infrastructure and industry, and the construction of high-quality highways connecting city centers to sub- urbs. The decentralization of urban populations in the United States has changed the population density in metropolises, significantly slowing the rate of suburbanization. Currently, U.S. suburbs are growing faster than city centers. For example, between 1970 and 2010, Detroit’s central population decreased by 33%, and Pittsburgh’s by 25%.
The decentralization of urban populations in European countries also began in the 1970s. Between 1971 and 1981, 60% of the population in Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg) moved to the suburbs, as did 40% of the population in German cities and 35% in Italian cities. The population of central parts of cities in England, such as Liverpool, London, and Manchester, is also declining. Some experts attribute the decentralization of urban populations in the UK to sharp increases in land taxes and prices in cities since the 1970s.
Considering the low birth rate and the intensity of labor immigration in Euro- pean countries, it is likely that European cities will become more culturally diverse in the coming decades.
The source of population growth in cities can be attributed to natural increase, net migration, and periodic changes in the boundaries of urban areas when rural settlements are incorporated into cities. This is more typical for cities in developing countries. In these regions (except China), 60% of urban population growth comes from natural increase, while 40% results from immigration and the expansion of city boundaries. Immigration is expected to play a significant role in future urban growth in developing countries as birth rates and natural increases decline and their econ- omies develop.
In Africa, where birth rates are high and the economy is weak, 75% of urban population growth is due to natural increase. In Asian countries, where birth rates are lower and the economy is relatively strong, this rate is 51%.

 

In China, which has experienced rapid economic growth in recent decades nat- ural increase accounts for only 25% of urban population growth. Socio-economic fac- tors and the mass employment of women in Chinese cities have reduced birth rates. Additionally, China’s one-child policy is more strictly enforced in urban areas, further reducing urban birth rates.
The countries of Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are characterized by the constant movement of millions of people between urban and rural areas. This process, known as “circular migration,” involves migrants working in cities, returning to villages, and then moving back to cities. Predominantly, men participate in circular migration, and the number of participants can sometimes reach one-third of a city’s population. This type of migration significantly complicates the accurate determina- tion of demographic indicators.
Until the 1990s, there were no demographic characteristics of urban popula- tions in developing countries. This information became available after funding from the United States Agency for International Development.
The sex structure of urban and rural populations varies across countries. For instance, in sub-Saharan Africa, men predominate in urban areas, while women are more prevalent in rural areas. This is due to job accessibility for men in urban areas, while women are primarily employed in agriculture. Additionally, it is an ancient tra- dition in South African countries that when a young man reaches a certain age, he should leave the village, whereas a woman should stay and work in agriculture. Some demographers attribute the prevalence of men in urban areas to the higher incidence of AIDS and various epidemic diseases in rural areas, causing men to flee. According to 2020 data, there were 108.8 men for every 100 women in urban areas in Burkina Faso, and 107.3 men for every 100 women in Malawi.
In contrast, women predominate in the urban populations of Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the former Soviet republics. In Latin America, this is due to great- er job accessibility for women in urban areas, where they are employed in infra- structure and households. In Southeast Asian countries, the gender imbalance in urban areas is caused by the predominant employment of women in export-oriented enterprises, where the demand for low-skilled labor is high. Unfortunately, in Latin America and Southeast Asia, where women are highly concentrated, sexual violence is common.
According to 2020 data, there were 90 men for every 100 women in urban areas of Brazil, 90.2 in Guatemala, and 87.1 in the Dominican Republic. In India and Pakistan, men predominate in both urban and rural areas. There are 108 males for every 100 fe- males in urban areas of India, while 106.6 males for every 100 females in Pakistan. In these countries, the preference for sons leads to many instances of aborting female

 

embryos and less attention to women’s health, resulting in high female mortality. In India, it is common to hide the presence of women during censuses or surveys. Women are often subjected to violence, and in some cases, they are sentenced to death and burned.
In 1999, more than 300 women were executed in Sindh province, and 278 wom- en in Punjab province of Pakistan. According to the Pakistan Progressive Women’s Association, 3,560 women were hospitalized between 1994 and 1999 due to domestic violence, with half of them dying. The Independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan reported that between 1998 and 1999, over 850 women were killed in Punjab province by their husbands, brothers, fathers, and relatives. In Pakistan, burning at the stake is a common form of execution within families. Between 1989 and 1999, more than 560 women were burned to death in their homes in Punjab province, ac- cording to the Independent Human Rights Commission.
The predominance of women in cities in the former Soviet republics is due to several factors. First, the number of men decreased significantly due to the impact of World War II. Additionally, middle-aged men’s mortality rates are inexplicably high in these republics. Women significantly outnumber men in rural-urban migratory streams.
In developing countries, the share of young people in the urban population is high, while the share of older people is low. For example, in 2020, the share of children under 5 years of age was 16% in urban areas and 20% in rural areas. In developed coun- tries, the share of older people is high, with 15% of the population aged 65 and over.
Although urban birth rates in developing countries are lower in urban areas compared to rural areas, the size of urban families is not smaller. Conversely, in many developing countries, urban families are larger than rural families. For example, in
2020, the average size of families in urban areas of Pakistan was 7.5, while in rural areas it was 6.5. In Niger, the figures were 6.2 in urban areas and 5.8 in rural areas; in Zambia, 5.7 in urban areas and 5.2 in rural areas; in Yemen, 7.2 in urban areas and 6.9 in rural areas; and in Peru, 5.5 in urban areas and 5.1 in rural areas. In these countries, there is a lack of urban living space, and the cost of living is high. Additionally, migrants from rural areas often live with relatives in urban areas, contributing to larger family sizes in cities.

Urban Poverty, Health, and Environmental Challenges

The socio-demographic changes of urban populations worldwide do not occur uniformly, and they have different potential consequences for developing and devel- oped countries. One of the most pressing problems in urban areas of all countries is poverty. Optimal management of urban areas, including public health management,

 

environmental protection, political stability, and public safety, is partly a guarantee of poverty reduction in urban areas. Poverty in urban areas often spreads from rural areas through migratory streams and is often passed down from generation to gen- eration.
As already mentioned, it is expected that, in the not too distant future, the poor population will predominantly live in urban areas. This is evidenced by the concen- tration of poverty in urban areas in developed countries. It should also be noted that the definition of poverty varies between developing and developed countries. The World Bank defines poverty in terms of income. Measuring and estimating poverty in urban areas in developing countries is highly problematic due to the lack of reliable income data in many countries. In such cases, various indicators such as access to water, housing, and electricity are used instead of income to determine poverty.
A 2020 study by the U.S. Center for Demographic and Health Research in South Africa found that pipeline water was provided to less than 20% of households in Namibia, 23% in Mozambique, 20% in Cameroon, 17% in Nigeria, 13% in Uganda, and
26% in Rwanda.
In most developing countries, mortality and the prevalence of various diseases are lower in urban areas than in rural areas. In these countries, life expectancy in cities increased in the years following World War II as modern health care systems became more widespread. However, infant mortality remains high in cities in a num- ber of countries. For example, in urban areas of Bangladesh, the infant mortality rate varies from 95 to 152 per 1000 live births under one year of age. In Brazil, this figure was 60 children, while in the cities of developed countries, it was only 5.
Large concentrations of people in urban areas pose greater risks during natu- ral disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and storms. For example, earthquakes in
1998-1999 killed many people in Taiwan and Turkey, while floods in Central Ameri- can cities in 1998 caused significant casualties. Cities in developing countries are predominantly located along the coast, where the probability of natural disasters is high. During these disasters, the poor are most affected because their homes and places of residence are less safe. The loss of homes and property exacerbates their extreme poverty.
The increase in urban transport poses significant environmental problems, no- tably air pollution. The rate of air pollution is very high in East and Southeast Asia. According to the United Nations, air pollution levels in Beijing and Shanghai are five times higher than in cities in Europe and North America. Since 1998, the ban on the sale of leaded gasoline in Beijing and other Chinese cities has significantly improved the environment.
Large cities are often cited as contributors to global warming and ozone de- pletion. Nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide emissions from burning large amounts of

 

energy for vehicles and other necessities cause climate change and global warming. This results in changes in vegetation and rising sea levels. Sulfur dioxide and nitro- gen emissions cause acid rain, which has already destroyed large areas of forest in North America and northern Europe.
Many scientists and politicians are concerned about the rapid pace of urbani- zation in developing countries. They believe this process will further increase urban poverty, leading to civil violence and political destabilization. Some experts argue that poverty in the 21st century will be a significant and politically dangerous prob- lem. The 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran is linked to urbanization. Intensive migration from rural to urban areas in Iran before the revolution resulted in an increase in the number of young people in cities who remained unemployed and poor despite their education, eventually leading to the revolution and the overthrow of the Shah.
As of 2020, 12.3% of the population living in U.S. metropolitan areas lived in poverty, equivalent to a total of 27.0 million people. In rural areas, this figure was
14.4% (7.5 million).
Cities are also havens for various ethnic and racial groups. The influx of immi- grants has created “ethnic enclaves” such as Little Havana and Little Haiti in Miami, Chinatown in New York, Washington DC, and San Francisco, and Little Saigon in Los Angeles, which has been called an Asian city since the 1990s with 65% of its popula- tion being Asian.
Population aging creates its own social problems in cities. In developed coun- tries, the share of the population aged 65 and older increased from 16% to 22% be- tween 2010 and 2024. In most cities, the rate of population aging is higher than in the entire country. A large part of the elderly population lives in solitude, and this figure is higher in urban areas than in rural areas. The increase in the share of the elderly population in cities will create many challenges for governments, including the need for a significant increase in funding for health and social care services.
Thus, in the coming decades, the urban demographic revolution will see a large concentration of population in the cities of developing countries. The entire increase in the world population will be concentrated in these cities. In developed countries, the urban population is aging, and immigration will increase. Poverty will rise in the cities of developing countries, differing significantly from poverty in developed coun- tries. Issues such as asylum, public health, and unemployment will become more pronounced in developing countries’ cities, and large-scale outbreaks of infectious diseases are expected. In cities where the proportion of young people and unem- ployment are rising, various forms of violence and disorder are anticipated.
Governments around the world face grave challenges. It is necessary to create urban planning and development programs on a global scale to mitigate the negative consequences of suburbanization and the hypertrophic growth of large cities.

 

Conclusion

Urbanization is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon with significant im- plications for both developed and developing countries. While it brings opportunities such as economic growth, innovation, and cultural exchange, it also presents nu- merous challenges that must be addressed to ensure sustainable and livable urban environments.
In developing countries, rapid urban population growth, driven by natural in- crease and migration, has led to overcrowded cities with inadequate infrastructure and services. This growth exacerbates issues such as poverty, environmental degra- dation, and public health crises. The lack of reliable income data and varying defini- tions of urban populations further complicate efforts to measure and address pov- erty in these regions. Additionally, the prevalence of natural disasters, the increase in urban transport, and the resulting air pollution pose significant threats to urban populations.
In developed countries, the aging population, decentralization of urban areas, and immigration contribute to the evolving urban landscape. The challenges of man- aging ethnic and racial diversity, addressing the needs of an aging population, and ensuring equitable access to resources and services are paramount. Furthermore, the environmental impact of large cities, including contributions to global warming and ozone depletion, remains a critical concern.
The future of urbanization will require coordinated efforts at both national and global levels to create comprehensive urban planning and development programs. These initiatives must focus on optimizing public health management, environmental protection, political stability, and public safety. Addressing the socio-demographic changes, mitigating the negative consequences of suburbanization, and managing the hypertrophic growth of large cities will be essential to achieving sustainable ur- ban development.
Overall, while urbanization presents significant opportunities, it also neces- sitates proactive and strategic solutions to address its contemporary problems and create thriving, resilient urban communities for future generations.

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