Cities become megacities primarily due to rapid urbanization driven by factors such as economic opportunities, population growth, and migration from rural areas. Improved infrastructure, globalization, and industrialization attract people seeking jobs and a better quality of life. Additionally, social and political stability in urban areas can further enhance their appeal, leading to increased population density and expansion. These dynamics create a self-reinforcing cycle that propels cities into megacity status.
million cities or megacities
China contains the largest number of megacities, which are cities with a population of over 10 million people. As of now, China has multiple megacities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Chongqing.
Asia. It contains 15 of the world's 27 megacities (≈56%). The next highest would be Europe with 4.
Another list defines megacities as urban agglomerations instead of metropolitan areas. As of 2010, there are 25 megacities by this definition, like Tokyo. Other sources list Nagoya and the Rhein-Ruhr as megacities.
Continents with a high population density, advanced infrastructure, strong economies, and rapid urbanization tend to have a large number of megacities. These cities attract people in search of economic opportunities, creating a concentration of population and resources in urban areas. Factors like historical development, government policies, and natural resources also play a role in the formation of megacities on certain continents.
Today 408 cities have at least that many inhabitants. And there are 20 megacities with 10 million or more residents.
urban polarization is the process by which megacities become so dominant, they limit urban development elsewhere in the country; they end up becoming closer tied with first world megacities than their own hinterlands. This leads to a process of cumulative causation.
Non-examples of megacities include small towns, rural areas, and cities with populations under 10 million people. For instance, cities like Boise, Idaho, or Burlington, Vermont, which have populations significantly lower than the megacity threshold, do not fit the definition. Additionally, regions lacking substantial urban infrastructure or economic activity, such as remote villages, also do not qualify as megacities.
Most megacities emerge due to a combination of factors, including urbanization, economic opportunities, and population growth. People migrate to cities in search of better jobs, education, and healthcare, leading to rapid urban expansion. Additionally, globalization often attracts businesses and industries to urban centers, further fueling migration and growth. As a result, cities can experience significant population surges, often surpassing the 10 million mark that classifies them as megacities.
By 2020, it was predicted that there would be around 33 megacities globally, which are defined as urban areas with populations exceeding 10 million people. This trend reflects rapid urbanization and population growth in various regions, particularly in developing countries. Cities like Tokyo, Delhi, and Shanghai were among the largest at that time. However, the actual number of megacities may vary due to demographic changes and urban development trends.
Two of South America's megacities are Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires of Brazil. The third South American megacity is Rio de Janeiro, Argentina.
Asia has many megacities due to rapid urbanization driven by economic growth, industrialization, and population migration from rural areas to cities in search of better opportunities. The continent's diverse economies, particularly in countries like China, India, and Indonesia, have led to significant urban development and infrastructure expansion. Additionally, cultural factors and historical urban centers have contributed to the consolidation of large populations in these megacities, resulting in their current size and global significance.