Definitions & Key Terms
What is the definition of urbanisation?
The process where an increasing percentage of people live in towns and cities.
Name one pull factor that attracts people to cities.
Jobs, better healthcare, education, entertainment, or infrastructure
Name one positive impact of urbanisation
Economic growth, better services, cultural diversity, or innovation.
Which three cities are the biggest in Australia?
Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
What does liveability mean?
How suitable and comfortable a place is to live, based on services, safety, and environment.
What do we call the spreading of cities into rural areas?
Urban sprawl.
Name one push factor that makes people leave rural areas.
Lack of jobs, drought, poor services, or isolation.
Name one negative environmental impact of urbanisation.
Pollution, deforestation, loss of farmland, or habitat destruction.
About what percentage of Australians live in urban areas?
Around 90%
Name one service that makes a city more liveable.
Public transport, schools, hospitals, parks, or shops
What is a megacity?
A city with a population of over 10 million people.
Which major global event caused urbanisation in Europe during the 18th–19th centuries?
The Industrial Revolution.
How does urbanisation contribute to higher cost of living?
Increased demand for housing, food, and services drives prices up.
Which Asian city is an example of a megacity facing flooding and traffic congestion?
Jakarta, Indonesia.
What is one way cities can reduce pollution and become more sustainable?
Recycling programs, renewable energy, green spaces, or improved public transport.
What is population density?
The number of people living per square kilometre
Why is rural-to-urban migration happening faster in developing countries today than in developed countries?
Rapid population growth and fewer rural opportunities, combined with growing cities offering jobs and services.
Why are slums often linked with rapid urbanisation in developing countries?
Cities grow faster than housing and infrastructure can keep up, so informal settlements form.
What turned Shenzhen, China from a fishing village into a megacity?
Industrialisation and manufacturing growth.
Explain why public transport improves liveability.
It reduces traffic, pollution, and makes the city more accessible for everyone.
Explain the difference between push factors and pull factors. Name two of each!
Push factors drive people away from rural areas (e.g., drought, unemployment), while pull factors attract people to cities (e.g., jobs, services).
Give one example of a natural disaster that might push people out of rural areas.
Drought, floods, cyclones, or bushfires.
How can urbanisation affect access to clean water and sanitation?
Overcrowding and poor infrastructure can strain resources, leading to shortages or unsafe water.
How has tourism-driven urbanisation affected Byron Bay?
Overcrowding, higher housing costs, traffic congestion, and environmental damage.
How can governments balance economic growth with environmental sustainability in urban areas?
By promoting eco-friendly industries, enforcing environmental laws, and investing in green infrastructure.