What is the process by which a growing percentage of a population lives in cities and suburbs?

The process by which a growing percentage of a population lives in cities and suburbs is termed urbanization. Urbanization refers to the increasing number of people that migrate from rural areas to urban areas, primarily in search of better economic opportunities, enhanced living standards, and improved services. This phenomenon is a critical aspect of modern demographic trends and is closely associated with industrialization, as industries tend to develop in urban centers, attracting workers from less populated regions.

As cities expand to accommodate the influx of residents, they experience changes in infrastructure, housing, and social dynamics. Urbanization not only transforms the physical landscape but also impacts social, economic, and political frameworks within these growing urban environments. The rise in urban populations often leads to urban planning challenges such as housing shortages, transportation issues, and increased demand for services.

In contrast, terms like suburbanization and urban sprawl refer specifically to the growth of suburban areas surrounding cities or the unchecked spread of urban developments into rural areas, respectively. Rural decline, on the other hand, contrasts with urbanization, as it describes the decreasing population and economic viability of rural regions. Understanding urbanization is vital in comprehending the trends and changes occurring globally in population distribution.