Urbanisation Growth
Geography: KS3, topic 14.1.3
Natural Increase
In addition to rural-urban migration (people moving into cities), cities grow because of natural increase (population increase).
What is natural increase?
- Natural increase happens when the birth rate is higher than the death rate.
- More people are being born in an area than dying in that area.
- This means that the population size naturally increases.
Natural increase in urban areas
- People tend to be younger in urban areas than in rural areas and so birth rates are higher in cities.
- So, the rate of natural increase is usually higher in urban areas. This causes cities to grow.
Factors Influencing Urbanisation
The two main causes of urbanisation are rural-urban migration and natural increase.
Rural-urban migration - push factors
- People can't afford to repair damage caused by natural disasters.
- Mechanisation of farming equipment means fewer jobs are available.
- Desertification can make it hard for people to support themselves as the land becomes less productive.
- People might be forced to flee their homes because of conflict.
Rural-urban migration - pull factors
- Urban areas provide more jobs, and jobs which are often better paid.
- Health care and education are more easily accessible in urban areas.
- The thought of joining other family members that have already moved.
- There is a perception that urban areas provide a better quality of life.
Natural increase
- Natural increase happens when the birth rate is greater than the death rate.
Test yourself on Urbanisation Growth
When does natural increase happen?
Why is natural increase more common in cities than rural areas?
Which term describes the process when birth rate is higher than death rate?