Urbanisation in the UK
Geography: KS3, topic 14.1.13
Factors Causing Urbanisation Differences Within the UK
Urbanisation rates have historically differed between different regions of the UK, and are continuing to differ in the modern day.
Physical land
- One factor affecting urbanisation rates in the UK is the relief of the land.
- In the South-east the land tends to be flatter, providing greater suitability for settlements to develop.
- In comparison, in Scotland in the north, the land is higher and has many steep slopes creating challenges for the development of infrastructure required for settlements to grow.
The Industrial Revolution
- A key factor affecting the distribution of the UK’s population is the Industrial Revolution during the 19th Century.
- This resulted in the growth of cities like Birmingham and Manchester as they were near sites of industry, like coal mining.
Test yourself on Urbanisation in the UK
Why are there fewer settlements in the North of Scotland than in the South-east of England?
When was the Industrial Revolution?